In less than a month, Americans will unify to celebrate the 250th birthday of our Founding Fathers’ decision to formally declare their independence from England. As we lead up to the July 4th celebration, it is good to recall the principles that drove the brave and momentous decision to sign and issue the Declaration of Independence.
The signers of that document wrote: “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. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
Individual liberty. Property Rights. Minimal interference in business and personal freedoms by governmental action. Businesses thriving on the passion, innovation, and vision of the individuals who own them. These are the principles that were worth fighting for America’s independence from England 250 years ago and they are still worth fighting for, today.
There are so many liberal voices in our country that are clamoring for “free stuff.” But individual liberty and economic freedoms do not mean “free stuff” – especially when the promises come to fund the “free” benefits for some with the hard-earned taxpayer dollars of others. Not “free” universal health care from the government. Not “free” college tuition from the government. Not “free” teeth – for homeless meth addicts (no joke, check out the recent public interview statement by the current Los Angeles, California Mayor).
America broke free from government tyranny. It was a long, arduous, costly fight. As we look ahead to next month’s upcoming celebration, let’s continue to focus on what really makes us a free nation.