As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence fast approaches, this historical milestone has me ruminating on what it means to be American. So hopefully I can express some of my thoughts and feelings in this post.
I believe Americans are more bonded together by a creed than a nationality. The creed of individual freedoms outlined in our Constitution. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. Free markets. While the words “free markets” don’t explicitly appear in the Constitution, the document does protect private property and commerce. Yes, America has physical borders but it also possesses ideas. Many ideas we propagate around the world.
Obviously, we haven’t always gotten those freedoms right, but I am inspired that we continue to strive for a more perfect union. For it is better to do a course correction than to travel the same road in the wrong direction.
This century (so far) has proven to be a divisive one. Unity seems difficult to achieve. Very little agreement can be found on foreign, economic or social policy. Our political leaders have proven to show little leadership, if it all.
America has had quite a run these past 250 years. Forming a government. Expanding our territory out west. Giving leeway to entrepreneurs to create some awe-inspiring global business and inventions. Rebuilding after a brutal civil war. Becoming the largest economy in the world. Integrating millions of immigrants from around the world. Winning two world wars with allies. Advancing civil rights for minorities and women. Transforming into a cultural and art hub. Lighting the Information Age. Just to name a few things.
This Fourth of July I hope we focus on the ties that bind and not those that divide.