Reflections on Independence

As the last sparkler is extinguished and the last man-made comet fades into the stratosphere, we head for home. The 4th of July Independence Day celebration leaves us giddy and tired. But in the quiet aftermath, I reflect on the theme of “independence.”

Striving for independence is something we do as individuals from the time we are born. I have the blessing to be around a little baby these days. Every time I see little Everett, he is taking on a new challenge; pushing himself to use his hands, trying to talk, or trying to turn over. And every new development means he will become more independent. And of course the mothers among us know quite well the dramatic push for independence that typifies adolescent angst.

As a country, I believe we are at a critical juncture. For the United States, striving for independence is not about breaking free of a totalitarian regime or of asserting our own sovereignty as South Sudan has just done. And yet that striving is in our nature.

Let us strive to become free of our dependence on fossil fuels by exploring and developing our solar, wind and water power. I would love to see this goal being tackled with the spirit with which we tackled the exploration of space. As was the case with the space program, this technological frontier could be the catalyst for many jobs, new technologies and inventions. We could be world leaders in this quest.

I would also love to see us become the symbol of freedom and truth that is personified by the Statue of Liberty. That no one in this country shall suffer inequity. Although we have come very far, there is still a long way to go. The freedom to live and work and thrive has been severely compromised by the economic conditions and by the lack of jobs. Higher education has become a luxury for many, and unfortunately, so has health care.

Our conqueror is not a foreign despot. Our frontier is not space. Our challenge is to overcome the obstacles facing us and to breaking through to a healthier society. To reassert our leadership and independence in ways that enrich our lives and become a beacon and inspiration to the world.