Freedom is NOT free. Freedom to believe is not free. Freedom to chose comes at a cost. Freedom to vote is not free. Freedom to own comes, part and parcel, with the price of ownership.
Freedom is NOT free.
Today, we Americans enjoy more freedoms than any civilized society in the history of recorded time. In fact, illegal Americans enjoy more freedoms than many citizens around our ever burgeoning world. We Americans tend to take our freedoms for granted. We’re normal. You and I, most likely, never had to fight for them. I know for a fact in my case. So, today, as you enjoy your celebration of our Nations founding, take a pause and reflect on all you’ve been given. Slow down and reflect.
You and I are not the self made men and women we tend to believe we are. You and I are standing on the shoulders of the founding generation, the war of 1812 generation, the civil war generation, the reformers generation, the industrial generation, the WWI & WWII generation, the Korean War generation, the Vietnam war generation, the Iraq & Afghanistan war generation, and the war on terror generation, just to mention a few. You and I are standing on some broad shoulders. This unique human platform we find ourselves perched up all nice and tidy upon, came at huge price. Our response should be a bit beyond taking it for granted and passing on our passivity to another generation one more layer removed from the fight. Our response?
Marry our appreciation for our freedoms with a deep devotion to discipline. Yup, that’s it. Marry freedom with personal responsibility. America’s heritage is built on pushing freedoms onto a personally responsible public. Today, we’re quickly forgetting this fact. We are becoming a Nation of Victims. Yup, we are. And, freedom will not sustain itself in victimhood. Freedom, remember, is NOT free. Freedoms gotta be earned.
So, today, take a few deep breaths and enjoy your freedom to relax and reflect on the blessings of being an American. And, don’t forget your freedom here isn’t really free. Come Monday, get after it with a little Spirit of 76, a little piss & vinegar, and a lot of LOVE of country, community, and whatever company you are blessed to keep.
Happy 4th. Don’t forget to earn it…
BUILT TO LEAD 