13 Great Things on this Fourth
On this 241st year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, may this list below remind us all of the freedoms and gifts and accomplishments that our country has brought into this world and inspire all of us to continue to make our country into that ideal set forth so long ago.
Below are the things I believe have made our country great and I hope and will continue to fight now more than ever to ensure we uphold our lofty goals and vision for the future.
Equality
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”. Perfect in its imperfection, we continue the arc of chasing this ideal from women’s rights to civil rights to LGBTQ rights. https://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
Immigration
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!.”
The constant renewal of the wretched refuse yearning to breathe free brings continuously new energy and ideas into this great land. https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2016/10/02/3-reasons-why-immigrants-key-to-economic-growth/#563b828a7dab
Technology and Entrepreneurship
Apple. Google. IBM. Facebook. Microsoft. Tesla. What’s next?!
National Parks
Almost 400 spectacular parks both preserved and accessible to appreciate the amazing gift of this land. https://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/parks/
On the Move
With so much to see in this great land, it’s no wonder that the automobile and the airplane were born here. https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/wright-brothers
Boldly Go
“We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMINSD7MmT4
Title IX
Our women rock the sports world and as the father of a teenage daughter, I love the strength and confidence that team sports instill in everyone especially women. Title IX opened the flood gates. "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/brennan/2017/06/22/title-ix-45th-anniversary/418751001/
The Greatest Generation
Hitler gone. Just as important, the Marshall Plan and the GI Bill gave hope to a new future. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/marshall-plan
The Rooney Rule
In 2002, the NFL required teams to include one minority candidate to always be interviewed for a coaching opening. Granted, a shout out for the Rooney clan – the Pittsburgh Steelers owners, but it just goes to show you that a simple rule change can make change. Just ensuring opportunity opens doors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooney_Rule
Peaceful and Regular Transfer of Power
The most powerful leader in the world regularly and peacefully steps down after 8 years, modeling the example of George Washington on how to serve and lead.
Jazz. Blues. Rock ‘n Roll.
From the head to the heart, the music invented over the years is a gift beyond imagination. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVAy0LWgMHo
The Big Screen
When it’s done right, it’s magic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYROqsUAw0o
Freedoms
Especially speech, religion, and press. https://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/bill-of-rights/
I hope this list helps us all to reflect on what we have. I am sure your list may be a little different. I'd love to hear your thoughts!