Happy Birthday American

238 years ago, a handful of citizens in Colonial America risked their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” upon the REVOLUTIONARY idea that individuals (not governments) should have the freedom to control their destiny.  These powerful ideals of liberty so brilliantly outlined in the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania eventually changed the world.

The result of combining this expanded individual freedom with the economic freedom of a limited government created a dynamo for human progress.  Soon, the average American family’s standard of living was almost doubling every decade while most of the world continued to stagnate in oppression and war.

It did not take long for this information to spread worldwide. In the late 19^th century, millions began leaving a Europe dominated by monarchs and dictators for the liberty of America.  These immigrants wanted the opportunity to apply their skills and then own the fruits of their labor.  Most including my own grand mother from Sweden immigrated with no guarantees.  Today, new generations stand in line and even risk their lives to continue that tradition.

With less than 5% of the world’s population, for two centuries the United States of America has slowly guided the rest of the planet away from tyranny.  This liberty in America has never been perfect and has often resulted in two steps forward and one step back.

However, contrary to the small minority of America haters, people world wide continue to overwhelmingly vote with their feet for the freedom and opportunity of the United States of America.  Consider our liberty and celebrate this Fourth of July by reading the approximately 1300 words in the Declaration of Independence.