The more things change, the more we need them to stay the same. That's especially true when it comes to celebrating our country's founding this weekend.
I often wonder if CNN, MSNBC, FOX news and the others had been around in 1776, or even before then, if the world would've been glued to their seats watching a bunch of rabble rousers stand up to the biggest ruler in the Western World. Better yet, it would've been all over the social media websites.
I can see it now...Paul Revere on Twitter, "The British are coming! The British are coming!!!" (It would've been the perfect length to post.) Or, can you imagine George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton's LinkedIn account? "John Adams would like to add you to his LinkedIn account. Do you accept?"
Martha Washington and Betsy Ross could've communicated with their IPhones on Facebook: "Love the "Design your own flag" app., Betsy. I'll show it to George and see what he says. Whadaya think. Should we have stars and stripes or just stripes? Mwuhhh <3"
It's all a bit funny thinking about it now, but in reality, it was a very tough time for our founders. The idea of breaking away from England, going to war and fighting against richest, most well-armed and militarily experienced country in the world, you have to know the founders were all a little more than desperate for freedom.
Today, it seems we're all a little more than desperate for time with our family and friends. We take it for granted that we can wake up without having to worry about government troops in our cities and homes pointing their guns at us everytime we take a picture and post it on the internet. The idea of wearing what you want (though some should exercise good judgement) while hanging out at beach or at a neighborhood bar - without getting beaten- isn't out of the realm of possibilities . Reading the news on Facebook or on a blog is as easy as picking up a non-state run newspaper.
This country is an amazing work in progress. The freedoms that we have enable us to constantly improve our lives as well as the freedom and lives of others around the world.
So, when you look up at those beautiful fireworks this weekend, remember that, though it's cliche, we still live in the greatest country on Earth. And though we all have our differences, politically, geographically or even spiritually, we should all be grateful to the men and women who continue to uphold the laws that our founding fathers (and mothers) fought so desperately for.
Have a fantastic Fourth of July, everyone. See you at the beach!
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder