4th

Today, we celebrate our independence, but independence is not what we seek to achieve. The reason we wanted separation is because of money and resources.

We have since created an old and complicated system of dependence. In fact, we have created “interdependence” I wonder if there was a defining moment when someone signed a document to close a factory or farm to source the goods from overseas. Something that we don’t talk about much historically speaking.

We are now forced to defend other countries to protect our supply chain and to protect our interdependence.

We seek to save money through interdependence, but we spend more than we save. We invest billions of dollars protecting the world. Is America independent?

We sought independence only to create dependency.

On the other hand, do we actually want independence? Do we want a global America? A melting pot of people intertwined as one culture of cultures. A world of democratic principles and practices which seek to protect the idea of human freedom to the extent that a person can be free.

What would it mean to be independent? What would America look like if we chose to be independent and we focused our efforts and energies on a better America?

I don’t know if we can do that. I don’t believe the body of America not the people but the republic would choose to be independent. I realize the nature and idea of being a separate government free from the authority of another is truly the intent of today. As an American, I value the opportunity to think about our history and our future in a way to discuss and dive into difficult topics and concepts openly.

For a very short time I was a Boy Scout. One of the moments in my life that I remember clearly was when they asked me to memorize and say something that I didn’t want to say at the time. They told me I “had to” and when I protested, I said, as an American, I don’t have to say anything I don’t want to say. When they sought to force me, I left.

America seeks to be separate and together, dependent, and independent, are we a contronym?

The fireworks, parades and holiday sales aren’t my passion but the idea of better world is appealing to me. My point is that we create social, political and economic boundaries and we label them, but the true spirit of what Americans are and continue to seek out is not “independence” but “interdependent harmony.” It may also be true that we (our system) want something for the world that some world leaders do not want for their people.

As I think of today, I am not focused on sacrifice because it was never about sacrifice, it was always about separation and control of the body so as not to be “mined.” Instead, I am thinking about what we do and can do to extend the idea of reasonable fairness in freedom, liberty, and a person’s ability to think, feel and express themselves as they may choose. To create a place and space for a better and healthier world. However, you may choose to view today, I hope that you enjoy the day and that we can together appreciate our ability to say what we believe and live our lives with both independence and dependence in harmony with others!