It is a holiday commemorating the Reading of the Declaration of Independence by John Hancock to the Congress, July 4, 1776, meeting in Philadelphia. A Declaration from the representatives there gathered, Congress assembled, knowing that British troops, legions of mercenaries, approached the shores the country to be.
From such, drama and history are forged.
Independence Defined: State or quality of being independent, freedom from subjection, or from the influence of other, or, controlled by other in matters of opinion or conduct.
Thinking or acting for one's self, being autonomous, not dependent upon someone else for support. Free unconstrained. Liberty!
But with liberty goes responsibility, don't you agree? For as we enter society we must give up a share of Liberty to preserve the General Good. It is, we probably should agree, difficult to draw with precision the line between those rights, which must be surrendered, and those reserved.
We have the power to choose--the greatest power we possess. No one can take it from us! We can do--we can be as long as we are free--and again with this freedom goes responsibility.
Unfortunately, we have in our liberal/democratic journey diluted the true definition of:
Independence
Freedom
Liberty
to enter the present era of license--licentiousness,
I can't in thirty minutes, of course, resolve or define the rewards and resolve or define the rewards and limitations of Independence. This being in Sunday SchoChurch endowed, we can at least be grateful for our freedom to worship!
Since July fourth, 1776, we have played an ever increasing role on the World Stage. Revolution, Civil War, World Wars, and to such atrocities we seemingly dedicate Independence Day--for didn't these events keep us independent?
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Reading Art's piece made me realize the old adage is true. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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