We spent an American evening last night. A Fourth of July with our family. We grilled in the back yard and then packed all thirteen of us, along with enough blankets and lawn chairs, to watch the city fireworks display. While we ooh’ed and aah’ed at “bombs bursting in air,” my mind was on the state of our nation.  Something that I had read earlier in the day stuck in my mind, and I hope you’ll allow me to share it with you. 

This comes from an essay by historian Victor David Hanson:

“On this Fourth of July of our discontent — with spiraling fuel prices, a sluggish economy, a weak dollar, mounting foreign and domestic debt, continuing costs in Iraq, a falling stock market, and a mortgage crisis — we should remember two truths about America. First, the United States remains the most free and affluent country in the history of civilization. Second, almost all our problems are lapses of complacency, remain relatively easily correctable, and pale in comparison to past crises.

By almost any barometer, the United States remains the most fortunate country in the world. We continue to be the primary destination of immigrants, who risk their lives to have a chance at what we take for granted. Few in contrast are flocking to China, Russia, or India. The catalyst for immigration is primarily a phenomenon of word of mouth…”

Amen! And, thank God for the blessings I take for granted, that are so obvious to millions who risk so much to come here.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

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