Happy Birthday America

I always like to read the Declaration of Independance on July 4th. Go here to read it. I especially like the following:

"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."

I sometimes forget that it is my responsibility to pursue my own happiness.

10 Things I love about my country.

1. That we are like a big family -- we have our feuds and complain about each other over some pretty petty things (Mom, he looked at me!) but when we are attacked from outside we pull together and stand united.

2. We are free to roam around the country at will and can even leave the country without being challenged.

3. We are blessed with abundance and our citizens will generously share what they have with those in need.

4. The opportunity to pursue our dreams.

5. Free and open elections -- and being able to openly criticize elected officials without fear of imprisonment.

6. Our towns love to celebrate July 4th in a "big" way with marching bands, floats, picnics and fireworks. Don't forget the one person who is always willing to dress up as Uncle Sam.

7. The multitude of religious beliefs living side by side in tolerance.

8. The enormous expanse of our land and the natural beauty that it contains.

9. Our ability to look outside of ourselves -- to explore, to question, to invent, to thrive.

10. Finally, although there are, at times, significant problems within each of these things we the people continue to have the desire, and therefore find the ability, to become "united" and seek out solutions that address our common welfare.

May these qualities never be lost.