July 4th is the day that Americans celebrate the birth date of the United States, the day that our founding fathers drafted the official document – the Declaration of Independence – penning the grievances and citing the motivations that contributed to our breaking free from authoritarian British rule.

July 4th Fireworks

The official decision, and approval, for the succession from Britain actually happened two days earlier, on July 2nd.  John Adams wrote to his beloved wife Abigail shortly after, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

And indeed we have – only not on July 2nd, but July 4th.  Every year we celebrate this day as the birth date of the United States.  Patriots wave flags in the air, corrupt politicians give speeches about the greatness of America, fireworks light up the skies.  Pomp and parade, as Adams wrote, has indeed been recognized from that time forward, forever more.

On this day more than any other, I can’t help but wonder what our founding fathers would say, think and do if they saw what we’ve allowed our “elected representatives” to turn this country into.  We demanded independence from Britain to avoid rule from a foreign and often unjust government, but I am afraid that after 233 years, we’ve done nothing but replace one corrupt government with another.

The only difference is – this time – we’re the ones voting for them.

It seems every month a new allegation of corruption surfaces involving a politician, whether that be fraud, abuse of power, prostitution, adultery, or tax evasion.  We have a government in debt to the tune of trillions of dollars and no sign of relief.  We have a government that has forced its way into the business of private financial and automotive commerce against the authorities of the Constitution.  In fact, we have a government that completely disregards the just limitations placed upon it by the Constitution.  By definition, our government is out of control.

I celebrate the infallible honor and bravery of our founding fathers like any other, but I also mourn the trespasses upon liberty at the hands of our career politicians like so many more should.  Perhaps to some this is a day to forget those concerns, but our “great experiment” is too important to forget – to cast aside – even for a single day.

Celebrate with your families.  Enjoy the summertime warmth with a BBQ, games, bells and bonfires.  Wave your American flags in the air and thank our soldiers for their noble sacrifice.  But, don’t forget the freedoms and liberties that our founding fathers fought and died for 233 years ago to give us this day of celebration.  Demand a similar respect from our day’s politicians of those same freedoms that all Americans deserve.

We cannot afford to forget.