235 Years and Still Going Strong

Today is a day we celebrate our Independence from Britain.  After a long revolution, the battle cries, the tea parties, the midnight rides, the letters and speeches, a final decision was made and a letter was written to our favorite penpal of yore; the Declaration of Independence was signed and sent to Parliament in Great Britain.  On July 4, 1776, it was adopted by Congress.  Democracy was established, a Constitution was written, and the Thirteen United States of America were in full swing.

Today is our 235th anniversary as a nation.  I read about the days when our founding fathers were laying the foundation of a powerful nation (no, they weren't working hard to abolish slavery, Ms. Bachmann), independent and strong, with a vision for a land of opportunities.  They had a vision.  Would they be proud of where we are today?

Let's think about it.  We have a Bill of Rights, permitting us such liberties as Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and the Right to Bear Arms.  We fought a Civil War.  Slavery was eventually abolished.  Women can vote.  People "of color" can vote and use the same facilities and services as the "Whites."  We have grown to 50 States.  We have our first black President in office.

While our nation may be young, we have come a long way over the last 235 years.  I'm not sure if the founding fathers would be proud of where we stand, but they would definitely say that we have grown.

Sure.  There are things that need work.  Our immigration policy, our foreign policy, and a handful of freedoms that have yet to be granted.  Is our government too strong?  Without it, we wouldn't be where we are today.  What do you think?

What would you change if you could?