Independence Day is more than just an expression of an historic American desire to be independent from England. It is more than a separation of a colony from the home country. Independence from England was declared to end the abuse of government on the governed. It was a declaration of independence from an over-arching structure of feudal treatment. It was a radical idea in its time - a large “benevolent” government usurps the individual, God-given rights of men.
Our founding fathers did not espouse a large central government, they rejected one. Our founding fathers did not hold to the idea that government was a charitable organization dedicated to ensuring that everyone was happy. They presumed, correctly, that most would be happy if they were given equal opportunity in the pursuit of happiness, in the equal administration of liberty, and a right to live without undue interference from government.
As we celebrate our God-given rights this day, let us not forget what our statement of Independence in 1776 was meant to reject. While times may have changed since then, the basis upon which we declared independence should not. If you keep that in mind, it will serve you well for the rest of your life.
Happy Independence Day and God bless you all.
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