4th of July

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

On this July 4^th week perhaps it’s time that we all take a few moments to truly think about the words that we speak when we recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

We may disagree on the details of some political policies or how we accomplish this program or that one but we do so as one nation. In our Country we have the right and responsibility to speak our minds - to work together no matter how uncomfortable the process. We have a tendency to forget that.

There are events that happen from time to time that remind us of this. Unfortunately many of them are tragic but certainly not all. As we watch some of the Olympic trials this week we can think back to many chants of “USA!, USA!” that came with so many events in the past like the 1980 US Hockey team, the entire 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles or even the latest accomplishments of Michael Phelps. We celebrate them together as one nation.

We seem to spend far too much time looking for the political differences between us and not enough time on what we have in common. We take great pride in finding these divisions and using them as a wedge but I truly believe that our desire to seek liberty and justice for all is a common trait among us. How we get there is a question solved by discussion, diverse opinions, understanding and compromise. It’s not dictated or mandated by any one individual, group or organization. It’s worked through and resolved by each and every one of us on a daily basis. Sometimes the process is not pretty but it has worked for well over 200 years and we are not about to give up on it now.

So enjoy the holiday this week and take a moment to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as you see the flags flying around your neighborhood. Then think about what it means to you.

Happy Birthday America!

More later