Reflections on the Fourth of July
The USA is the empire of the world right now. There have been many empires in the past.
Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Aztec, Inca, Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Mongol, Spain, France (briefly), England, USSR.
But the USA commands loyalty that goes beyond what is typical.
It is typical for goods and wealth to flow to the empire. It is normal for the language of the empire to be spoken wherever it has influence and power. Spanish is still spoken all over South America. Russian is spoken in many places around the world. English is, of course, the trade language of the world right now.
It is not the military power of the USA that commands loyalty and love. Respect, certainly, but not love. Our military prowess is astonishing. We have been called “The policemen of the world” But the fearsome military does not bring love and admiration.
What commands the devotion of its citizens, the admiration of the world and the longing of people everywhere who will do almost anything to obtain residency here?
The Ideals
Our USA is loved and admired for our ideals. The country was founded on Christian values and ideals. Here are just three of the Christian based ideals that have continued across several centuries, and still make the USA so attractive today.
1. All people are valuable - whether rich or poor, smart or otherwise, intact or challenged. Women are valued and respected. A remarkable difference from so many places in the world. Children are protected and cherished. The disabled are cared for and protected.
2. Freedom. All people should be free. Today there is a lot of celebration around freedom. The freedom of the colonies from England. The freedom of speech, of worship, of travel - inside the country and abroad. The freedom to elect, and unelect, the government that leads us.
3. Opportunity. All people should have equal opportunity, even if not equal results. No country in the world gives as much opportunity to citizens and foreigners alike. There is opportunity to work, to prosper, to flourish, to own property, to innovate, to build, to master a skill or a business. To succeed.
So today let’s celebrate the ideals that have made this country great. Happy 4th!
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