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Freedom is what’s right with America
OPINION
By Mark Johnson
Today, there is no problem today finding people and groups who are more than willing to tell you what’s wrong with America. The challenge comes in rediscovering what’s right with America.
It is a journey everyone should take and there is no more appropriate day to start than tomorrow, Independence Day — the Fourth of July.
Take time to reflect on the country’s origins. Go beyond the yellowed pages of the history books that have been revised often through the years. Look closely at the lives of those who lived back then. Consider the vision the founders had for the nation and the sacrifices they were willing to make. Sense the daily uncertainty that must have surrounded the lives of average residents. Realize the great price so many were to pay for our freedom.
Then take time to savor that freedom.
For it is a freedom that allows us to openly embrace a faith and share our beliefs, coming together to worship in public without fear of reprisal.
It is a freedom that let’s us assemble in an orderly fashion, taking a public stand on issues and the actions of leaders, even when that stance has far less than universal appeal.
It is a freedom that let’s us speak out, even if ours is the only voice to be heard.
It is a freedom that gives us a press that is not subject to daily censorship, allowing light to shine in areas that some would prefer stay in darkness.
It is a freedom that allows us to create better lives through education, whether it comes in the form of a degree or life experience as there are no limits on our opportunities to learn.
It is a freedom that allows us to see what can be, building foundations for new beginnings for not only ourselves but others.
It is a freedom that touches all Americans to varying degrees — along with would be Americans who come from distant shores.
It is Americans who embody that freedom in so many different forms, from the members of our armed forces and the dissident on the courthouse steps to pastors in the pulpit on Sunday mornings and teachers who inspire thought.
The freedom is further be found in leaders elected by the people, attorneys who defend our judicial rights and artists whose creations are limited only by the dictates of their minds.
This freedom can at times be hard to grasp for all it is. Yet, this freedom provides the crucial threads to the fabric that is America.
This freedom, which we can never afford to lose sight of, is to be celebrated tomorrow and in times to come.
This freedom is what’s right with America.
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By Mark Johnson
Today, there is no problem today finding people and groups who are more than willing to tell you what’s wrong with America. The challenge comes in rediscovering what’s right with America.
It is a journey everyone should take and there is no more appropriate day to start than tomorrow, Independence Day — the Fourth of July.
Take time to reflect on the country’s origins. Go beyond the yellowed pages of the history books that have been revised often through the years. Look closely at the lives of those who lived back then. Consider the vision the founders had for the nation and the sacrifices they were willing to make. Sense the daily uncertainty that must have surrounded the lives of average residents. Realize the great price so many were to pay for our freedom.
Then take time to savor that freedom.
For it is a freedom that allows us to openly embrace a faith and share our beliefs, coming together to worship in public without fear of reprisal.
It is a freedom that let’s us assemble in an orderly fashion, taking a public stand on issues and the actions of leaders, even when that stance has far less than universal appeal.
It is a freedom that let’s us speak out, even if ours is the only voice to be heard.
It is a freedom that gives us a press that is not subject to daily censorship, allowing light to shine in areas that some would prefer stay in darkness.
It is a freedom that allows us to create better lives through education, whether it comes in the form of a degree or life experience as there are no limits on our opportunities to learn.
It is a freedom that allows us to see what can be, building foundations for new beginnings for not only ourselves but others.
It is a freedom that touches all Americans to varying degrees — along with would be Americans who come from distant shores.
It is Americans who embody that freedom in so many different forms, from the members of our armed forces and the dissident on the courthouse steps to pastors in the pulpit on Sunday mornings and teachers who inspire thought.
The freedom is further be found in leaders elected by the people, attorneys who defend our judicial rights and artists whose creations are limited only by the dictates of their minds.
This freedom can at times be hard to grasp for all it is. Yet, this freedom provides the crucial threads to the fabric that is America.
This freedom, which we can never afford to lose sight of, is to be celebrated tomorrow and in times to come.
This freedom is what’s right with America.