

Editorial: Remember all the freedoms we enjoy

10:56 PM, Jul. 3, 2013  |  Comments
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Today, millions of Americans in communities across the nation will enjoy backyard barbecues, have a picnic and watch fireworks displays.

It's a great day to kick back with family and friends, but sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the trappings of a holiday and lose sight of its true purpose. On this uniquely American holiday, we should take time to remember and appreciate the freedoms we take for granted every other day of the year.

Independence Day is meant to commemorate the moment in history when a group of brave idealists signed "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America."

Times have changed since July 4, 1776, but the idea of freedom has not.

In 1776, the fledgling United States faced monumental challenges in severing its ties from the mother country. In 2013, the nation still faces challenges. The U.S. military is engaged in a war in the Middle East. Men and women in uniform continue to put their lives on the line in defense of the freedom that was paid for by those first patriots.

At home, the U.S. Supreme Court has recently handed down decisions that could open doors or resurrect an old problem, and the Congress of the United States still grapples with difficult issues, such as how to reform immigration laws.

These issues have sparked controversy and dissension, as have other issues over the course of more than two centuries.

And that is the beauty of this system of government - that it cannot only withstand, but thrive on differences of opinion.

In this country, people are not persecuted for criticizing their leaders but have the privilege of choosing new ones every few years. In many countries around the world, that is still a seemingly unattainable dream.

The Declaration of Independence, which was signed on this date, led to the framing of the U.S. Constitution, the document that defined and expanded upon the "unalienable rights" of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Those rights and freedoms are many. And we are so accustomed to them we don't give it a second thought when we express our opinions without fear of reprisals from the government or worship as we choose. We expect and demand that all accused of crime are innocent until proven guilty and that all receive a fair and speedy trial.

We take for granted the public debate that rages over the extent to which citizens have the right to bear arms.

We hold our homes sacrosanct, immune to capricious searches without a warrant.

Many Americans are outraged that a government agency has secretly gathered the phone records of millions of citizens, saying it was unlawful. Others say proper procedures were followed and it was all in the interest of national security and the safety of U.S. citizens.

But no one seems to stop and marvel at the fact that such a debate is possible - that the governed can hold their government accountable for its actions.

It is a testament to the freedom we enjoy that we are able to take that and more for granted.

But today, as we go about celebrating the nation's birthday, let us also remember how fortunate we are to live in a nation of laws that protect the freedom of the individual.


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