A Not So Savage Journey To the American Dream

234 years ago, the comitee of five, Sherman, Franklin, Adams, Livingston and Jefferson drafted a document to declare the sovereignty of the American Colonies. Today we celebrate the signing of this piece of paper as a turning point in our culture, a symbol that we as a people will not be stomped upon by an undeserving authority.

Whether our non tax-paying, slave owning, forefathers meant the United States to morph into its current state remains under constant scrutiny. Our foreign and domestic policies have come under a recent firestorm, and like any other nation we have our problems (possibly more than usual). The War in Afghanistan is worse than ever, BP has sucessfully created one of the world's worst man made disasters on our shores, and U.S. Politics continues to writhe in turmoil concerning financial reform, healthcare and immigration.

Maybe it is time to take a step back and remember the fundamentals of this country. Jefferson writes, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,[71] that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from theconsent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

 

America was the orignial bastard child of Britain and Jefferson's writing illustrated the collective middle finger of our nation, an attitude that is instilled into almost every one of us, the “Dont tread on me” mentality. Residing currently in the south I feel the American spirit more than ever as the mixed smell of Barbeque and Fireworks permeates the air and reaches my nostrils. Just try not to forget what it is that you are celebrating as you crack that beer, launch that bottle rocket and wolf down that hamburger, remember that you could be having tea and crumpets instead.

Enjoy the holiday everyone! For one day let's all enjoy some age old American fun. So go blow some stuff up, over-eat, watch star wars, and relax with your families.