As we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, let’s take a moment to think about all those in our country and our world for whom independence is just another word in the dictionary. We often take for granted the very ideas of both progressiveness and tradition upon which our country is founded. As we watch the fireworks blazing across the sky, let us remember that each sparkle represents lost lives and the sacrifices of families. We speak of celebration, but we forget the cost that allows us to have that celebration. We laugh, we drink, we eat, and we play as people around the country - and the world - go hungry, look for jobs, and struggle to put another meal on the table. We visit with family and forget those who will never see loved ones again. We think of our own losses and forget about the losses of others. We take a day off and forget about all those working that allow us to have that day off. We choose to abuse our Earth and expect her to keep taking care of us with no replenishment. We criticize and belittle those with whom we disagree rather than look for solutions to our joint problems. We forget that we all live in this country - in this world - and what we do affects someone else. We forget that when we spew hate and violence, we deprive others of their independence. We think more about being right even when we know we’re wrong than doing right. We care more about putting others down than lifting our fellow human beings up.
So on this Independence Day, I encourage you to stop for one minute and think of those who may be hurting, hungry, or oppressed. I encourage you to approach life with joy and an attitude of gratitude. I encourage you to choose to do the right thing when the damaging thing would be easier. I encourage you to decide against hate and violence. I encourage you to love more and give more.
Then go ahead and celebrate the joys in your life, the family you have, the friends you’ve chosen, and the fact that you are first and foremost a part of the human family.