Twelve score less four years ago…

That’s right 236 years ago on 2 July (which we decided two centuries or so ago to celebrate on 4 July), one of the most creative documents since the Tora was produced and proclaimed. The Declaration of Independence still brings goose bumps to my body, when I read or hear it.

Now, if we only followed in those footsteps.  Oh, I know there are those that claim they have the original intent clearly understood.  The problem with that concept is that there are those (almost exactly the same folks) who claim to know the original intent of the Bible- the one translated from the Tora.  So, of course, they only know the intent of their translation… Get the point?

Folks called me all kinds of names all my life.  A lot because of my religion.  (Yes, there is a Freedom of Religion clause in the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the US constitution.)   A concept not often followed in practice.

Folks called me names when I was helping folks get the right to vote.  The one they were born with as citizens of these United States.  The one many a governor, many a state senator is trying to steal from those who would vote for their opponents.  (Oh, I know, they claim that voter fraud is an epidemic,but the data- THEIR DATA– screams otherwise, with the exception of Chicago, which is not a place where voter fraud is being claimed nowadays.)

Folks called me names when I was trying to stop the war in Vietnam.  Oh, wait, it was NOT a war.  We never declared war.  Which was one of the prime reasons folks like me were so demonstrating.  What a quaint notion- to declare war and then fight.  (Afghanistan?   Iraq? ).   Oh, I know we declared war on an idea- terrorism, which is akin to that war on Communism that we never really fought.  And, one which we still only fight (of sorts) with Cuba, even though the primary country so involved (the Former Soviet Union) is run by just such individuals.

But, I do love this country.    Its ideals, not its actions.  I believe in “Love it or Leave it”.  But, that means you have to love its ideals and live them.  Not pervert them so the country means and stands for nothing.

Happy Birthday, America.   May we bring our ideals to life- soon!

On that same note, my youngest child reaches the new age of majority this fine day.  He turns 21.  And, he is not home, again, for his birthday.  Because he is enjoying his freedom to learn, by attending the London School of Economics.

Happy Birthday, Daniel.  May you be among those that bring the ideals of America to fruition.   I love you.

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