EDITORIAL: Celebrating the American way

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July 4, 2012

EDITORIAL: Celebrating the American way

The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Wed Jul 04, 2012, 01:06 PM CDT

CULLMAN — Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. — Thomas Paine

The dawning of freedom in America was not a soft, fluffy landing.

Colonists were divided in their thoughts about politics and government. Many viewed themselves as loyal subjects of a greater power across the Atlantic Ocean. Others were experiencing a broader view of the new land in front of them. The thought of building new homes and business opportunities was closely accompanied by a growing desire for independence — maybe a new country, free of old rules and class systems.

Even the Revolutionary War was not a united front of colonists battling the great armies of the British empire. Loyalists worked hand-in-hand with the British. Maintaining an army on the American side was also difficult because of money and demands at home to maintain farms.

The long struggle for independence appeared a grim prospect for George Washington and the rag-tag army that followed him into battle. Nevertheless, the thirst for freedom prevailed, just as it does today.

The days that followed independence were often troubling as the new government found itself a true institution of the people. Through the years, the nation has eliminated slavery and expanded the much-cherished notion of rights and freedom to all its citizens. Still, that desire to carry forward the banner of freedom occurs both internally and to other shores.

Today, many families are simply enjoying a relaxing day of recreation and food. Others are serving in our armed forces to ensure that the free remain free, and to liberate those who are oppressed. But don’t feel guilty if you’re basking in the sun today. The hallmark American quality of debating every aspect of life will surely resume tomorrow. That’s our way. That’s what we fight to uphold.

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. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ... The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

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