Independence Day

I’m sitting here at about 0430, trying to clear my eyes from the smoke. I’m the Designated Smoker here at RM Ranch. That means that if we’re going to eat BBQ brisket later, today, I’m the one who cooks it. I don’t mind. I enjoy doing it. Besides, it gives me time to think and reflect…which leads to posts like this one.

Today is our day to celebrate our independence, which, if we are to be historically accurate, is also our day to celebrate things like tax evasion, rebellion, and treason. Most of the time, lest we disturb the more delicate folks around us, it’s probably best to just leave it at independence.

Nations are founded on all sorts of things. Common religion, blood or familial ties, a long history of inhabiting an area are just a few. America is a little odd in that we were founded on none of those. Instead, we were founded on an idea or philosophy (or perhaps more accurately some ideas that were informed by a philosophy). Those ideas were summed up early on in our rebellion. Perhaps you’ve heard or read these words.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”*

High sounding words, aren’t they? They set a high bar for achievement, one we’ve failed to reach, many times. I submit, though, that they remain good words and desirable, even enviable, aspirations. So, today, I choose to not weep, wail, or gnash my teeth about where we have fallen short. Instead, I’ll celebrate independence, freedom, and individual liberty. Others can also do as they choose. Liberty’s like that.

Always, but especially on this day, may God bless you and America with peace and continued freedom.

*Ol’ Tommy was hell with a pen, wasn’t he?