It is our nature to seek independence from our parents.

Then from our children.

Often, from our work.

From rules.

Debt.

In some cases, we seek independence from responsibility.

Americans honor and embrace our independence, the foundation of our Democracy.

This nation’s Declaration of Independence was and remains an assertion of our freedom and our expectation that this nation elects a representative government, equipped with rigid checks and balances, and that we have certain rights as individuals that cannot be infringed.

We have the right to free speech. To assemble in protest. We have a free press and the right to own guns. We have rights guaranteeing speedy, fair and public jury trials, and only after legitimate searches of ourselves and our homes. We have the right to enjoy peace in our homes, practice whatever faith we desire, and petition our government for change.

We all have a right to a great many things in this country that we have an obligation to exercise, protect and embrace, not simply to maintain our independence, but to guard it and keep it. A quick look around the globe should be enough for anyone to realize how terrifically fortunate Americans are, how precious our freedom is, and notice that others desperately want what we already have.

Freedom does ring in this country, but a glance within our borders reveals that – at least for some – the sound of freedom carries a hollow ring.

Americans are known for being vocal champions of our constitutionally-guaranteed rights, but through words and actions, we as a society do not always graciously extend these freedoms to others.

Last year, the Kwanza celebration in Portland was canceled because of an anonymous threat made against members of the NAACP in October, halted because of prejudice.

A study of the Anti-Defamation League found that anti-Semitism, while not as widespread as in the mid-20th century, is still prevalent in more than 10 percent of the U.S. population. Interestingly, according to the League, “African-Americans continue to be significantly more likely than white Americans to hold anti-Jewish beliefs.” Interesting because African-Americans suffer from many forms of prejudice themselves.

Prejudices based on skin color, religion, gender, sexual preference are infringements of our rights, and violations of our need to feel safe and safely practice our chosen faith. Too many Americans harbor prejudices against the handicapped, the mentally disabled and those living in poverty, among others.

Prejudice is a product of fear and fear is a result of prejudice. It’s a swirling cycle that diminishes feelings of freedom and impedes independence.

Violations of our constituitional rights must be vigorously challenged at every turn, but so must the real threat to our independence – our core desire to be free – that exists every time someone practices any form of prejudice. No matter how small.

This country is too great for its citizens to tear at each other. Every time we do, freedom dings.