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.
Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
Abraham Lincoln called the Declaration of Independence “a rebuke and a stumbling-block to tyranny and oppression.”
A full transcript of the document can be found in the National Archives website.
Today marks birth of the United States of America. Citizens throughout the country are celebrating.
I love my country and have always considered myself patriotic, even when I don’t agree with everything that is happening or what our leaders are doing. I’ll make sure they know how I feel at the polls and by writing to my representatives.
Our country was founded on the principal that all people are created equal. (See the Declaration of Independence, 1776.) It is a land of opportunity where everyone has the freedom to practice the religion of their choice.
Constitution of the United States: Amendment I (1791)
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. Our constitution clearly states a separation of church and state, but some religious zealots are trying to change that. It’s frightening to watch. Now, more than ever, it is vital that all eligible Americans vote in the coming presidential election. Our democracy is in danger of being destroyed.
Am I thrilled with choice of the candidates this year? No, but at least one of them has shown a clear disregard for our constitution, the rule of law, and has demonstrated an affection for dictators over our allies. This same individual has pandered to extremists, racists, and shown a lack of respect for women. He called the bigots who waved guns and drove into a crowd of peaceful counter protesters good people, and the radicals who participated in the violent assault on our capital four years ago patriots. He sees himself as above the law. When things don’t go his way, he complains that things were rigged, calls people disparaging names like a schoolyard bully, and makes up whatever pseudo-facts suit him without any evidence to back them up.
The other major candidate, has demonstrated integrity and support of our constitution. He has stood up to dictators, supported our allies, and allowed our judicial system to do its job without interference. When his son was convicted, he accepted the outcome with grace. He didn’t question the validity of the court’s decision or resort to tantrums and name calling. Has he made mistakes? Of course. No one is infallible. That’s why we have checks and balances built into our government. But at least he tries to do what is best for this country and all its people, not just a select few.
We are a country made up of many different people and cultures. This diversity is what has made us strong. When we work together, amazing things happen. When we don’t, well, bad things happen.
I am a third generation American with eastern European roots. There are some citizens here who consider themselves pure Americans, better than the people who travel miles, through many hardships to reach this country, but unless they are descended from one of the first nations, they are immigrants or descended from them.
Today I started my fourth of July celebration with huevos con chorizo. (eggs with chorizo sausage, a traditional Mexican breakfast) Tonight we will grill Mediterranean inspired seasoned lamb, roasted eggplant with garlic, and tabbouleh salad. (Tabbouleh is from the Middle East.) Later I’ll have some peach cobbler and watch fireworks.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day and embrace our wonderful diversity
Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.
Wolf: In honor of Independence Day, I’ve invited Marty the Merchant and Gareth Jenkins to Wolf notes. Both are characters in STAR TOUCHED. Tell us a little about yourselves.
Marty: Not much to tell. After the Cataclysm wiped out most of the population and the country fell apart, I became a traveling salesman. I’m not into the mercenary thing like some former army folks.
Gareth: I’d already left the army by then to open a bar in my home town. Things were rough for a while, but business has since expanded to include a store and rooms to rent.
Wolf: You both seem to have adapted well. There is quite an age difference between the two of you, fifteen years. Did you meet in the army?”
Marty: Yeah. I was a bit of a trouble maker. Gareth helped straiten me out and refocus into more useful activities.”
Gareth: Marty is being too polite. He was a prank pulling pain in the butt. Even so, he always managed to do what needed to be done without complaint. A slacker he’s not.
Marty: I’m glad someone saw more than trouble. Gareth recommended me for special forces. It was a turning point. Turns out my sneaking around skill had a bonified use.
Gareth: We’ve helped each other through the years. Marty pulled me out of a rabbit hole after my wife, Margaret died. Don’t know what I would have done without him.
Wolf: Sounds like you make a good team. The Cataclysm tore a lot of people apart, yet you’ve managed to stay connected. How’d you manage. I mean there are no phones or computers and the roads are a mess.
Gareth: Marty knew where I was.
Marty: Being a traveling salesman lets me roam the country side. One of the first places I went to was Atherton. Needed to look up my buddy.
Wolf: About that roaming, what is it you do?
Marty: I’m just a merchant.
Wolf: Right, sure you are. There are a lot of things that people have had to do without since the cataclysm. What do you miss the most?
Gareth: Tuna. I love canned tuna but after eight years in a can, even I don’t want it.
Marty: Yuck. Canned tuna and noodles is what my mom cooked all the time. Sometimes she’d mix in canned peas or green beans for variety. I’ve had enough of that stuff for a lifetime. I miss coffee. Anytime I find a stash it’s like I hit the jackpot.
Gareth: There used to be a coffee place on almost every corner, even Atherton had at least two. That’s saying something for a small town. Now all we have are a few old stale beans. Tea just isn’t the same.
Wolf: At least you have those. If you could reestablish the USA, would you?
Gareth: Absolutely, but I’d get rid of the electoral college thing. Everyone’s vote should count. And there should be limits on how much money can be spent trying to get elected.
Marty: Term limits, definitely term limits. A government for the people by the people has no room for professional politicians. Elected officials should do their duty, then go back to their daily lives.
Gareth: Don’t forget about education and health care. We need to see to our future leaders and care for all citizens
Wolf: That’s a lot of changes. It’s going to be hard to do when so many are struggling to survive.
Gareth: Never said it would be easy. Maybe the star-touched could help with some of the health issues. Put their healing abilities to good use.
Wolf: Switching gears slightly, try to complete this sentence. You’re walking through the woods and come across….
Gareth: A quiet lake teaming with fish and a small boat. I’d row out to the perfect spot, toss a line in and wait for a bite. Pure bliss with no worries.
Marty: Sort of like that fishing trip we took after you left the military.
Gareth: You mean the one where you said you were going to sleep late, then swam out and put a dummy on my hook? Absolutely not.
Marty: The look on your face when you reeled that thing in was priceless.
Gareth: You almost gave me a heart attack!
Wolf: I’m with Gareth. You have a warped sense of humor.
Marty: I’m not that bad.
Wolf: Really? How would you finish that sentence?
Marty: Can’t answer. This is a G-rated blog.
Wolf: On that note, pick up a copy of STAR TOUCHED and have a happy and safe 4th of July. If you see any military or former military personnel, don’t forget to thank them for their service.
