Independence

Today is July 4th. Most people have a cookout then go back to their mundane lives. I see things from a different perspective, so I thought I would share my thoughts.

My new wheelchair gives me independence. For 5 years, I tolerated a chair that was mediocre at best and certainly not made to sit in for long periods of time. With independence comes responsibility.

When the papers were signed and the ink was drying, the chair was mine. I could do with it what I wished. Opportunities to move around my house with ease awaited me, but I had to push the button first. Likewise, the Declaration of Independence was signed 234 years ago, but its words shouldn't be taken lightly. The freedom and liberty that Jefferson spoke of came with a price. Most of us want to say, "It's the soldiers responsibility to protect us!" You are only partially right. As Americans, we have a responsibility to preserve our culture. Do we want to be remembered for our iPhOnes and fast paced life? Do we want others to say that we have money, but yet our country is one of the unhappiest?

The moment we cheapen freedom to a picture of a flag with fireworks, we're in trouble. Our founding fathers paved the way for our nation to be one that fosters creativity and growth, but it's up to us to keep it that way.

We get the choice each day as to what kind of mark we leave on this world. Preserving our independence starts with me; it starts with you.