Good Morning,

The Declaration of Independence declaring the United States independent from England was signed on July 4, 1776. The signing of this declaration did not make us free. That took a war as England did not give up easily. Independence Day became a national holiday in 1870, almost 100 years later. Today we should celebrate that independence. Today, better known as the Fourth of July, I would suspect many have no idea about what the holiday celebrates other than mid summer picnics. Sad!!

What does independence mean to you? I looked up the definition up in the online Mirriam-Webster dictionary. There are many definitions of which I chose the following: “not subject to control by others : SELF-GOVERNING” It seems to agree closely with the reason for the Declaration of Independence. Today, as we think about our independence, we need to ask ourselves the simple question: Are we more or less independent than we were in 1776? Which way are we moving? When nearly all medication and electronics are being manufactured in China, are we independent or dependent on a hostile nation? When we are afraid of speaking up or say the wrong thing in fear of repercussions, are we more or less independent? When we enforce safety and environmental rules for American manufacturers but not those from other countries around the world, are we making ourselves more or less independent?

Dependence and interdependence are different things. Interdependence deals with the economic theory of Comparative Advantage meaning countries produce products and services that they can do so more cheaply and easily than others. I add “given a level playing field free from government subsidies and interventions.” Here both sides win as there is an exchange of more than just money.

Independence and keeping independence comes from citizens speaking up and being willing to defend what they strongly believe. Individually, we may not be able to change things at the federal level, but it is amazing what we can do at the local neighborhood or service association level. Amazing what these associations can accomplish at the local level, what local communities can do at the state level and, yes what states electing national politicians that will stand up and fight for what their citizens want.

Maintaining our independence is not the celebration of a holiday. It is an ongoing fight to preserve the country our founding fathers envisioned.

Happy Independence Day,

Jim