Part of planning for life – whether for success or to moderate the stresses of potential emergency – is doing an assessment of what you already have. Too often, we turn to our spiritual side in times of tragedy, disappointment, fear to ask for help. It seems we fail to remember to express our gratitude.

In my view, it’s appropriate on this weekend of celebration to be considerate of what we have and not simply express outrage at those who stand in the way of the victory required to realize the aims of those who created that first Independence Day. 

The establishment of the United States of America on that day has caused great changes in the world. I think that, for a long time, we forgot what the purpose of the U.S. really is. 

The mission statement seems clear enough: 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,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Let’s look at it. First, equality under the law is critical. It seems like we were on the way to losing that as we have before in our history; it still could be lost shortly, but it seems the tide is turning.

Next, rights are not privileges; they’re gifts from the Creator to all who live – as they should be – and that government exists to secure those rights. Government, they point out, is properly accomplished with consent of the governed. 

When government “becomes destructive of these ends,” it becomes the duty of the governed to sort it out. We don’t change governments because we disapprove of the Executive’s necktie or other minutiae, but we appropriately have little patience with government that suppresses equal protection, due process and civil rights (including those enumerated in the Bill of Rights). 

It seems clear enough. We’ve also had those who have alleged an indictment indicating they believe it’s time for change.

That whole “consent of the governed” thing seems to have moved that action back. It happens. 

You’re currently living inside an experiment, one begun in the 18th Century and which continues, in some ways improperly modified, today. 

So, look at the bright side: We’re not at war. Congress, at the time this is written, may be on the way to repealing a bit of taxation imposed to minimize the rights of the people. Forum-shopping in litigation on certain federal issues may be constrained. 

I was reflecting on life a few days ago and I realized something. To me, it’s important and it sets my approach to the day, each day. 

“I’m living in the greatest country on Earth – itself a collection from all the peoples of the Earth – at the greatest time in history to be alive.” 

That doesn’t mean that freedom isn’t messy; it is. It doesn’t mean that life is without risk. 

There is no life absent the promise of death. 

It’s our Independence Day. Free yourself from fear, anxiety and outrage. Be thankful.

— Rich Grassi