Happy July 4th

I originally wrote, in the heading, Happy Fourth of July, but that isn't really how we think of it, is it? We have iconized the 4th of July. Which is lovely.

On thisNational Independence Day, I want to quote 2 amazing documents that remind us of our common values. Both Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives love this country - otherwise we wouldn't argue so much for what we want for all.

First the Preamble of the Constitution

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

It is a beautiful and hopeful start of a new nation. One we continue to maintain as best we can, even through discussion, argument and disagreement.

Second, a bit of George Washington's Farewell address after the first 2 terms as President.

... Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

...

Relying on its (the country's) kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.