After pondering the meaning and significance of these words myself, I came to the conclusion that independence and freedom are often over looked, and thought of in only one form.
Independence: most commonly associated with our "break up" from the Brits is "freedom from control, support, influence, or aid of another"; or in other words the single jurisdiction of a nation, family, company, church, or town-something America cannot fully deem themselves a candidate of. While The United States of America is not owned or ran by any other nation, monarchy, or dictatorship (something we should all be grateful and thankful for), we do have the support, and at times influence of other nations; something that is equally good and bad, but also something that many Americans seem to forget.
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| The signing of The Declaration of Independence was the first step in creating a nation so strongly rooted in freedom and faith, a nation other countries molded theirs after. |
Freedom: it is a powerful word that a definition can only skim the surface of; which Webster's dictionary describes as-"the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint"; along with "the absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government", "and the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved." Freedom is a word that should not be used lightly, and in my opinion is a word that is subject to a matter of opinion. While we do have the power to "speak and think as one wants without hindrance or restraint", at some point a restraint will be in place, because when your freedom jeopardizes another individuals freedom, ( for example murdering, reckless endangerment, and other criminal acts), your freedom of thinking and acting must come to an end because of the laws and regulations our nation has abided by for centuries. Freedom is often thought of in the literal sense; one that a definition from Webster's can be used for as demonstration-"the absence of not being imprisoned or enslaved". While The United States of America freely governs itself, and does not have to answer to anybody, they still have to abide by the specifications and standards of other nations in regard to Universal conduct and alliances; because we can't just go bomb China, or take over Iran without some kind of repercussions- furthering my notion that freedom is more than the literal meaning. Freedom is creativity, sacrifice, the ability to choose your future. Freedom is the ability to make your own choices, and freedom is honoring tradition, learning from the past, building on the future, having the opportunity to generate change. Freedom is balance, persistence and responsibility, but most importantly, Freedom is a realm of hope.
I ask that as you enjoy time well spent with family and good food this 4th of July, you take a minute to think about the leg work that was put into this country-for us to have the ability to express ourselves, create a future, change the world, and make a difference. Think of the judicial and legislative systems that were put in place so long ago, and thank our Founding Fathers for the Checks and Balances System. Think of the fact that you can walk the streets surrounded by friendly people, not war and sadness. Think of the men who bickered over how our country should be ran so many years ago, and thank them for instilling a sense of Faith and a adoration of God into our way of life, governing, and thinking. Think of the lives sacrificed over hundreds of years and countless battles fought by brave men to ensure life and liberty for every citizen, and think of the essential things- such as your family, water, and a roof over your head; something some countries just don't have the luxury of. Think of all you have, and the endless possibilities of all you could have-because in this great nation, anything is possible; and that too me, is the pure essence of freedom.
