INDEPENDENCE DAY
Since Independence Day is upon us tomorrow July 4th, I started thinking about what this monumental landmark day means for me personally as an American and first generation Cuban and the spiritual component that is rarely addressed. I see this as a great opportunity for all individuals to reflect not only on our country but on ourselves. I would even go out on a limb and say that the individual is more important in this discussion because all individuals collectively are what make this country a special place. I know we are presently going through tough times and political polarization and even though America is not perfect, it is the most prosperous country on the planet. It is a beacon of success for everyone. It is a place where many will risk their lives to get here for a part of what America has to offer which is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is the only place on earth where you can be who you want to be and speak how you want to speak without fear of persecution by government officials. Just look at why so many immigrants, legal or illegal, want to risk their own personal life and liberty to come to this wonderful country. I am not saying America is perfect but neither are my children.
In the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776 in unanimous declaration of the thirteen originally colonies, it states in part, "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 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," emphasis added. We all know what has been going on in our country lately with rioters and mayhem attempting to change what America stands for. Some are real concerns for change, which I concede may be a good thing. But real concerns are being drowned out by the violent aspects of these incidences. Listen, I believe that change is always a good thing. That is how people and governments evolve and grow. Governments will eventually fail if they are not willing to change. So, I am a proponent of change. But, in order for change to be effective we need to acknowledge and preserve our history. History is important so that we as a country have a marker and guidance on the type of changes we want. We never want to change going backward. We always should want to change going forward. In other words we do not want to repeat out past mistakes. Where I see issues, is that we as a society, are ironically hindering positive future change because we are not teaching our children our American history. You can blame schools or institutions, but, the real blame should be put on each and everyone of us who are parents. So, while we are enjoying the grill outs, fireworks and reunions this Independence Day, take a little time to teach our children the importance of this date. It is our obligation and not anyone else's to teach our children. By giving them ancestry guidance with all the wisdom accumulated through history, they will make the changes and continue the growth that America needs to become a more "perfect Union!"
From a personal perspective as an enlightened person, I see July 4th, as a spiritual choice. A choice between being personally dependent or independent. As individuals who have been endowed by our creator with unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we have an obligation to pursue these god given rights. Government will not and should not bring you life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights were granted to us as individuals from god not from or by government. It is our responsibility to create the life that we want. Many individuals blame government or anyone else for their lack of success. I get it, it is the easy way out. It is always easier to blame others. It may make you feel better but it certainly will not make your life any better. You and only you have this power. It was given to you to use. It is never too late to start using your endowed seeds of success. By blaming capitalism or who's in the white house or your spouse or your neighbor or the color of your skin, or your social economic position or your religion or your sexual orientation etc..., you are giving away your unalienable rights. You are literally telling others, "please control me because I am useless." No one can ever stop you from accomplishing what ever you want to accomplish in your life, but yourself. You and only you are the master of your life. Life is an experience. You are here at this time to make a positive impact not only on yourself but on others. There is no one else like you. You have a specific purpose. Go out and find that purpose if you haven't already done so and start painting the portrait of your life. It all starts with how you think and visualize your life. Always keep it positive and the changes will come naturally. So, this July 4th, I have a question for you. Do you want to be dependent or independent? The answer to me is clear. We should all strive to be independent! I leave you with a poem on point titled, "Enabling Freedom."
"The more I do the more you don't, it just seems that you won't. I feel like the harder I try, the more you sit there and lie. The day has come to wake yourself up, to get out into the world and try your luck. I blame myself for spoiling you, at the time I thought it was the right thing to do. Now I see the more I help, I made you unable to deal with the hand you were dealt. Fly my friend and find your way, there is so much to do on this day. The time is now and the place is here, start living your life free of fear. You have no need of me, It's time I set you free."
Crabudd
Just a thought.
In the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776 in unanimous declaration of the thirteen originally colonies, it states in part, "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 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," emphasis added. We all know what has been going on in our country lately with rioters and mayhem attempting to change what America stands for. Some are real concerns for change, which I concede may be a good thing. But real concerns are being drowned out by the violent aspects of these incidences. Listen, I believe that change is always a good thing. That is how people and governments evolve and grow. Governments will eventually fail if they are not willing to change. So, I am a proponent of change. But, in order for change to be effective we need to acknowledge and preserve our history. History is important so that we as a country have a marker and guidance on the type of changes we want. We never want to change going backward. We always should want to change going forward. In other words we do not want to repeat out past mistakes. Where I see issues, is that we as a society, are ironically hindering positive future change because we are not teaching our children our American history. You can blame schools or institutions, but, the real blame should be put on each and everyone of us who are parents. So, while we are enjoying the grill outs, fireworks and reunions this Independence Day, take a little time to teach our children the importance of this date. It is our obligation and not anyone else's to teach our children. By giving them ancestry guidance with all the wisdom accumulated through history, they will make the changes and continue the growth that America needs to become a more "perfect Union!"
From a personal perspective as an enlightened person, I see July 4th, as a spiritual choice. A choice between being personally dependent or independent. As individuals who have been endowed by our creator with unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we have an obligation to pursue these god given rights. Government will not and should not bring you life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights were granted to us as individuals from god not from or by government. It is our responsibility to create the life that we want. Many individuals blame government or anyone else for their lack of success. I get it, it is the easy way out. It is always easier to blame others. It may make you feel better but it certainly will not make your life any better. You and only you have this power. It was given to you to use. It is never too late to start using your endowed seeds of success. By blaming capitalism or who's in the white house or your spouse or your neighbor or the color of your skin, or your social economic position or your religion or your sexual orientation etc..., you are giving away your unalienable rights. You are literally telling others, "please control me because I am useless." No one can ever stop you from accomplishing what ever you want to accomplish in your life, but yourself. You and only you are the master of your life. Life is an experience. You are here at this time to make a positive impact not only on yourself but on others. There is no one else like you. You have a specific purpose. Go out and find that purpose if you haven't already done so and start painting the portrait of your life. It all starts with how you think and visualize your life. Always keep it positive and the changes will come naturally. So, this July 4th, I have a question for you. Do you want to be dependent or independent? The answer to me is clear. We should all strive to be independent! I leave you with a poem on point titled, "Enabling Freedom."
"The more I do the more you don't, it just seems that you won't. I feel like the harder I try, the more you sit there and lie. The day has come to wake yourself up, to get out into the world and try your luck. I blame myself for spoiling you, at the time I thought it was the right thing to do. Now I see the more I help, I made you unable to deal with the hand you were dealt. Fly my friend and find your way, there is so much to do on this day. The time is now and the place is here, start living your life free of fear. You have no need of me, It's time I set you free."
Crabudd
Just a thought.