Happy Fourth

America used to be an almost ideal country. Some of the most scientifically recognized men in American history gave their work and their blessing to the country to make it function. Men like Ben Franklin. Yet the patriots of America slowly fell from being patriots for the sake of righteousness and goodness such as Nathan Hale slowly became nationalists for nationalism's sake. Nathan Hale's America was the bottom of the dung heap. Today we have risen to the top, but now, as recession begins to plague the country, we are slipping from our long held king of the pile position. 

Since his day America has done some truly foul things. America split over slavery, and racism is still a huge issue today. Who holds these things to be self evident? What were they again? Something about equality?

War crimes in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, the two nuclear bombs in Japan. Wasn't there something about life in that document that we are, as a nation, so proud of?

Guantanamo. The pursuit of happiness? Weren't there two wars fought on American soil for the freedom of its citizens?

I realize that I am making broad sweeping statements about a country that are wildly inaccurate in many places. I know that my examples might not be as precise as I would like them. However, I also understand that it isn't any one individual at fault, but at the same time, maybe we should realize our new place in the new world, and maybe that place isn't at the top. If we can live out our lives in peace and freedom, isn't that worth not sacrificing our founding principals? Wasn't freedom what Nathan Hale gave his life for? The men in Valley Forge? Should we let what they died for slip away from us?