America celebrates its 227th birthday today and there’s plenty to prompt a party, even during these difficult times. The economy is still struggling along, a lot of people can’t find work, men and women are dying in far off lands under our banner, and haters are waiting for a chance to draw our blood.

But there remains boundless energy, opportunity and optimism for things to come. The principles that projected the United States to greatness remain and, despite the challenges the country faces every day, we still have hope for a better tomorrow.

The Fourth of July offers a perfect opportunity for every citizen to reconsider the ideals that shield America from tyranny and that are outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

According to a history of the Fourth of July produced by PBS: On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formed a committee to begin work on a formal document that would sever ties with Great Britain. That committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson wrote the document and it was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, which became known as Independence Day.

On June 24, 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to visit Washington, D.C., to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson wrote. In it, Jefferson writes about his hopes for the Declaration of Independence.

“May it be to the world, what I believe it will be … the signal of arousing men to burst the chains … and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. … For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

Central to Jefferson’s values is a dedication to the diverse ideas. The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution recognize each person’s value as an individual, free from oppression by neighbor or government, ruled by laws and not whim or dictatorial decree.

Important issues divide our country economically, emotionally and intellectually. But America is built on a foundation of respect for divergent ideas, cultures and beliefs. At one time or another, we may all find ourselves opposite the shifting sands of popular opinion. We remain safe in the knowledge that this great country protects our dissent.

Unpopular opinions should not be silenced. It is through disagreement and discourse that bad ideas are flushed away and good ideas become stronger.

On this day when we celebrate the birth of our nation, it is good to remember that it is our differences that bind us together and make our country unique.

The Founding Fathers didn’t expect us to always agree. It was their wisdom that created the machinery that allows for the peaceful resolution of differences, transfer of power and ennoblement of liberty.

So go ahead, turn down the volume on the Dixie Chicks CD blaring at the holiday cookout and invite your Toby Keith-listening neighbor over for a hot dog. For one day, liberal and conservative, Republican and Democrat, old-money aristocrat and no-money commoner can salute the flag, watch the fireworks and come together as one nation to celebrate our independence.


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