Today in History

Sitting with my laptop open and the desktop staring at me I pondered about the contents of today's blog. Current events? Satire? Editorialize? Then I wondered what happened in the past on July 30th and I discovered some interesting events that have affected our society today. Some I just had to add my comments about.

In 1839 a ship used primarily to bring slaves to America was overtaken by rebel slaves. The name of the ship ... the Amistad.

In 1863, President Lincoln issues what is called the "eye-for-eye" order, according to several history publications. That order simply stated to shoot a rebel prisoner for every black prisoner shot. I wonder how the ACLU would feel about that today.

Three years later, on this date, in the City of New Orleans two events occurred. One was a race riot, the other was the New Orleans' Democratic government ordered police to raid an integrated Republican Party meeting, killing 40 and injuring 150 people.

In 1898 Will Kellogg invents Corn Flakes.

Fast forward to 1948. Professional wrestling premieres on a prime-time network. Does anyone remember the DuMont Television Network? It was considered the fourth network and had a life span from 1946 to 1956.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in 1956, signed a joint resolution of Congress authorizing "In God We Trust" as the national motto. Considering the state of our nation's economy maybe we should amend it by adding: "All Others Pay Cash."

And senior citizens take heed. Today is the day to get up at the crack of noon and party until it's time for the early bird dinner special at your favorite eating place. In 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill establishing Medicare.

Finally, let us wish Giorgio Vasari, an Italian painter and art historian a happy birthday. If had he lived until today he would be 499 years old. 

Have a great weekend.

Oh No ! Another Law ??? Caveat Amator

There is a bill that was introduced into the Massachusetts legislature this year that is absolutely scary. Picture a possible scenario ... sitting in a cocktail lounge and you strike up a conversation with a member of the opposite sex. A little while later you are consensually engaged in the throes of passion and the sharing of mutual pleasures. An unusual occurrence? Hardly.

Now, fast forward to a few days later. You're sitting in jail charged with a crime because you lied. You told the other individual you're single, divorced or lost your spouse and it turns out you're married. While I'm not condoning such action, we all know it happens all the time. But the bill would allow you to be charged with "rape by deception." A game changer for thousands of people.

Perfect honesty in the age-old quest to get laid? Has that ever been a factor? For either gender?

A story, reported by the Associated Press today, tells of a Palestinian man who was sentenced to 18 months in jail for having sex with an Israeli woman after giving her the impression he was single, Jewish and interested in a relationship. He was convicted of "rape by deception."

The 30-year old, father of two, said he was approached by the woman on a downtown Jerusalem street where he had parked his motorcycle. Within 30 minutes of their initial encounter they were having consensual sex in the stairwell of an office building.

In sentencing the man, the judge wrote: "If she hadn't thought the accused was a single Jewish man interested in a serious romantic relationship, she would not have cooperated."

A "serious romantic relationship?" Having sex in a stairwell within 30 minutes of having said hello? Damn! And all of these folks spending money for speed dating and online matching sites ... what a waste of money.

Massachusetts' legislators say without the new legislation, police and prosecutors are virtually helpless when someone reports a rape that occurred because the victim was deceived or tricked into consenting. They cited a case in western Massachusetts in which a woman consented to intercourse with her boyfriend's brother because he claimed to be the brother.

Do I really need to add a caustic comment for the woman's mental prowess?

Four states, California, Tennessee, Alabama and Michigan already have statues on the books regarding "rape by fraud." In California a man was charged because he had sex with a woman who believed he was her husband.

Not only does this have the potential for a major set back in the "dating game" but just think of all the cougars out there who need to be cautious.

Perhaps, in the one person's view, we could label this type of legislation as asinine; as taken from the Latin asinisus or asinus meaning 1) extremely or utterly foolish 2) of, relating to, or resembling an ass. Not my words but the definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

"Resembling an ass?" Isn't that what this whole thing is about?

Religion is Dangerous

Bill Maher, an American stand-up comedian, social critic and political commentator, has often voiced his opinion regarding religion. One of my favorite quotes from him is: "I think religion is a neurological disorder."

Reading various pieces I have saved over the years I came across this one reprinted in The Memphis Flyer and written by columnist Ed Weathers. The article is quite lengthy and I have picked what I believe are the most relative portions to include here. The Memphis Flyer does include the caveat that it does not reflect the views of that publication. However, I can add it does reflect mine.  

Religion is superstition. It is mankind crossing its fingers. Its sole functions are 1) to comfort and console those who cannot bear the suffering and death that are ultimately the lot of every human being, and 2) to offer meaning in a world where meaning can never be established. 

On balance religion has made the world a worse place. It has generated magnificent art and wonderful music, and spectacular architecture, and millions of people have, over the centuries, done good and beautiful things in its name, but on balance it has not been good for the world. Those millions of good people would have done just as much good without it. Mother Teresa would have been saintly without the New Testament. Martin Luther King would have been a paragon of eloquent courage without being baptized. Ghandi would have overturned an empire leaning on his walking stick. Virtue would exist without Christianity or Judaism or Islam or Hinduism, which in their vanity and vaporishness, are no different than the Roman's belief in household gods or the Druid's belief in tree spirits. A magic act is a magic act, whatever robes we clothe it in. But because of religions like these the world has experienced centuries and centuries of backwardness and unnecessary suffering. Throats have been slit in their name, hearts exploded, the best minds distracted or destroyed, sweet people tortured, millions of children sent horribly to oblivion.  

It Has To Be Said 

Perhaps the worst of religion's dangerous superstitions is the notion of the "holy" place. That this patch of earth or that building or that city or nation is somehow sanctified by some god has left us with the bombs and guns and bodies of Kashmir and Belfast, of Bagdad and Jerusalem. What is land but land? What is a building but a building? 

There are wars enough when "holy" is not part of the picture. There are land wars and economic wars and grudge wars and wars for no reason anyone can understand at all. But religious wars are the most tragic, because they are built so deeply on a deluded sense of righteousness. Have non-believers started wars? Of course! They have started wars for land or politics or pure villainy. But I don't know of a single non-believer who has killed simply to make others stop believing. Stalin you might say? No, he killed for power. On the other hand the world has thousands, millions, who will kill, and have killed, in order to make someone else believe as they believe. 

I wish the Near and Middle East would suddenly be flooded with a sea of atheism. I wish other areas of the world would overnight experience religious amnesia. How much more at peace the world would be. 

A man truly awake does not need religion. He doesn't need gods. He doesn't need miracles. He doesn't need holy lands here below or celestial heavens up above. For him, life in this universe is itself holy, as is every patch of ground and every path he walks. Life itself is enough of a miracle. To believe in a god who made this life is to believe in a miracle even greater than this miracle. Who needs more than one unfathomable miracle? Existence is a fluke, a freak, a wonder, a dream, a bizarre uncanny thing. Our own conciousness of this existence is so incredible, a phenomenom that I don't understand why anyone feels the need to believe in anything else more "spiritual." It's all "spiritual." It's all true magic. Why add imagined magic to explain the magic that is right before us? 

Religion is dangerous. It needs to be said. Our politicians won't say it. Our commentators won't say it. The power of self-censorship in this God-fearing country is too strong, freedom of speech be damned. I can say it here because this audience is so small and I have little to risk. (Will fifty of you read this? Will 500? I have no business you can boycott and no office you can vote me out of.)

Nearly all my friends are believers. Nearly all of those I love are believers. Most of them are generous and kind, and their religion gives them hope and comfort and pleasant society. I have seen many good works born in synagogues and church pews. But the non-believers I know are just as kind, just as loving, just as hopeful, and they have given just as much comfort to those in need.

To add this one person's view, I once read that a myth is based on something that no one has ever seen ... and this is how God got so far.

Have a great week and always open your mind, question and think.

Racism - The Elephant in the Room

It seems no one writes about racism unless they are nationally known or, a member of the media. It isn't discussed among politically correct society but like the proverbial elephant in the room it's there.

Yesterday, on national news broadcasts, we were informed of the firing of an Agriculture Department employee for a statement she made regarding a incident some 24 years ago. And she wasn't even a government employee at the time. Also, further probing revealed the statement was taken out of context and she did not discriminate in her actions.

The turn of events involved an Afro-American woman, who made a remark about helping a white farmer. She in fact helped him. The white farmer told an interviewer if it had not been for her assistance he would have lost his farm in Georgia.

I hope I'm NEVER considered politically correct. My one hope is that I'm considered honest and the realization I will not compromise my integrity for any cause. With that thought in mind, and with the hope of maybe provoking some thoughts of the reader this is simply One Person's Views on racism.

For any one person to stand and make the statement: "I am not prejudice" tells me they are either a liar or just plain full of sh**. We are human, we are different, and yes, to a degree, we are all prejudice whether it be biased for or against whites, blacks, Hispanics, Arabs, Jews, or any nationality or race. The best we can hope for is to acknowledge the fact and allow objective not subjective thinking color our decisions and the way we deal with people.

Throughout the history of the world great advances and discoveries have been made by people of all races and backgrounds. No one group has the corner on that market. And, no matter who made the discovery, everyone has benefited.

One example is Dr. Charles R. Drew, a black physician. In late 1940, before the United States entered World War II and during the time of segregation, Dr. Drew directed the Blood for Britain project. A program to aid British soldiers and civilians by giving U.S. blood to Britain. His methods and discoveries served to help form the basis of international blood banking still practiced today.

While it is true we are all different, in many ways we are all the same. Perhaps, the two most glaring examples of this are found universally ... on the battlefield and in the operating room.

In combat, it doesn't matter who is next to you. You trust them with your life and they trust you with their life. On the operating table, when the incision is made, the blood is the same color no matter the color or tint of their skin. And the surgeon sees only a patient who is trusting in his or her skill to return them to a life with a future.

If we put young children, toddlers, in a room together filled with other young ones of different races and nationalities, they will play together. They may exhibit some curiosity in the various colors or traits of their peers but there is no animosity, no hatred, no discrimination. They simply accept each other.

Racism is a learned behavior. We should learn from the children. There are good and bad in all peoples. Around the world people say they want peace. They talk about it, sing about it and pray about it. But, until we can emulate the little children and accept people for who and what they are, we will never have it.

As I Matured

As we mature we all discover there are certain things in life that we appreciate but have no intrinsic value. Nonetheless, they become important revelations on a more personal level.

Since it's Monday I thought it might be apropos to share a few, although I must admit many are not my original thoughts but epiphanies of other enlightened folks from whom I purloined them.

• I've learned you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in. 
• I've learned that one turn gets most of the blankets.
• I've learned that no matter what hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
• I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others ... they are more screwed up than you think.
• I've learned it's not what you wear; it's how you take it off.
• I've learned that you can keep throwing up long after you think you've finished.
• I've learned age is high price to pay for maturity.
• I've learned that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
• I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, somebody else did it.
• I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away. And the real pains in the ass are permanent fixtures.
• Last but by no means least: I've learned I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.

 Have a great week!

Free Speech Can Be Expensive

Among our many Constitutional freedoms is that of free speech. But it seems what guns and government can't suppress big corporations can and do. Its commonly called a SLAPP suit.

SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It is a method by which corporate money can keep people quiet and suppress them from speaking out.

A company doesn't file a SLAPP suit because it feels its been legally wronged. The suit is filed because executives know that defamation lawsuits cost tens of thousands of dollars to defend, and the vast majority of people will stop using the "offending speech" rather than face such an expense, according to Stacy Johnson of Money Talks News.

This form of legal harassment is becoming more and more common in the age of instant communication. Before the internet, it was primarily word of mouth that spread information between consumers. Now, with blogs and websites, people have the ability share experiences and opinions with uncountable numbers of others.

How does a SLAPP suit work? Suppose you decided to begin a blog or a website and you name it: "Reviews of Popular Corporations.com." Over time you collect and begin posting negative reviews and opinions from everyday people. Our Constitution guarantees, you have the right to do this. But, companies also have the right to bring a defamation lawsuit against you.

It is a corporate strategy to control negative things said about the company by filing such actions. The corporation really doesn't care if the information was correct that was posted, or that the speech is protected, or even that it could never hope win such a lawsuit in a court of law. The one thing they do know is that the greater majority of people will give up rather than face such a lengthy and costly venture against such a wealthy opponent.

Such large, and even small, corporations are using this tactic to do what the United States government cannot do: take away your First Amendment right to free expression. It may not be right or ethical but it is legal.

To those of us who value free speech, we will fight with all our resources to protect this right. If I am ever the target of such a lawsuit, I'll probably opt to fulfill the prophecy that he who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client. But like the story of David and Goliath, I'd have to take on the giant.

Like everything else in life, we must simply bear in mind that for every action we take there is a responsibility. And, in this one person's view, it is our responsibility to defend the Constitution no matter the cost.

An Eclectic Mix of Friends

The other day I was reminiscing about the people I've met and the friendships that have been formed. It occurred to me they mirror my collection of music CDs ... eclectic. The CDs found in my assortment range from classical to country, from jazz to new age and pretty much everywhere in between. The same is true of the people I've met over the years, and like my music, they bring me great joy.

To single out any one person, outside of my family, would be impossible. I have shared meals with every strata of our society, from homeless substance abusers who were HIV positive to presidents. On many occasions I have spent the night in discussions of every sort with people from all over the globe. And I have witnessed true humility in men and women, that in their own way, have made a difference in others' lives.

To write something describing each one would require a lengthy book. Yet, to simply pick out a few is a daunting task for they all are very special in their own way. Perhaps, I am more fortunate that most in that it would be impossible to select only a few to describe in a short blog piece. So many people go through life with just a short list of those who have influenced them.

In very general terms I can go back to my early school years and recall the nuns who taught me and whom I detested for their discipline. But it was this discipline that proved invaluable in college and post-graduate school, they taught me how to learn. Or, maybe to a man named Tom Looney, my eighth grade science teacher who imparted a quest for learning and installed a curiosity that made learning fun.

In later years, it was seeing the despair of so many who had nothing but never gave up their dignity. Although, there were times that dignity became mired in a sea of chemical induced haze. There were also others to whom fate dealt a nasty hand.

One person I'll never forget had suffered a massive stroke robbing him of his mental acuities. At the age of 14 he was discussing ancient philosophy and reading Sanskrit, a dead language, with college professors. But, in his 60s he had lost what the doctors estimated was 80 percent of his intellectual power. Dave surprised everyone by his pure tenacity and recovered nearly all his mental capabilities.

Then there is a middle-aged nurse, who spent the summer camping in primitive conditions trying to figure out what to do with her life. Her caring and compassion overrode the prejudice she experienced as a native American to lead her back to practicing her profession.

In the north Georgia mountains, the heart of what some consider "red-neck country," I learned African dances from a group of students studying at Georgia Tech from Kenya. Some two thousand plus miles away in a small California community, 125 miles from the closest Walmart, I became friends with a man who could hardly figure out how to tie his shoes but was a world renown environmental architect and met a lady who's life dream was to become a simple seamstress. She had literally been a rocket scientist and project director for NASA.

My travels have taken to many countries and I've been privileged to share my life with the lives of so many diverse peoples. I like to think, in some small way, I may have made a difference in a minute way to help better the lives of those I've met. Yet, whatever my contribution may have been, it is dwarfed by those I've met and who I call my friends and their impact on my life.

It just proves the adage that one's life can be enhanced by everyone they meet.

Politically Correct ... Not A Chance

As a native Texan, who has also traveled extensively, I am still amazed at the level of pretense that abounds in some people. And, it seems some more than others like the Northeast corridor and California. I don't mean to imply all the people from those locations exhibit such behavior but it sometimes appears they do outweigh the "real" people from those geographic locales.

For those who can hardly survive without their Starbucks, designer clothing and personal trainers I offer these tips when you visit the Lone Star State to help clear up any misunderstandings:

• That farmer or rancher you see leaning on a fence did more work before breakfast than you did all week at the gym.
• It's called a gravel road for a reason, no matter how slow you drive you're going to get dust on your Hummer. We have four-wheel drive vehicles because we need them. Drive yours or get out of the way.
• Any references to "corn fed" when talking about our women will get your ass whipped ... by our women.
• Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod, just don't cry to us if a flathead catfish breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little trout you fish for ... bait!
• Pull your pants up, you look like an idiot.
• That's right! Whiskey is only five bucks. We can buy a fifth for what you paid for one drink at the airport.
• No, there's no "Vegetarian Special." Order a steak, or you can order a Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
• If you bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.
• So you have a sixty-thousand dollar car you drive on weekends. We're real impressed. We have quarter of a million dollar combines the we use two weeks a year. 
• Some towns only have one stop light. When it's red we stop, and we may even stop when its yellow.
• Yeah, we eat catfish, maybe even carp and turtle too. You really want sushi? Its available at the bait shop. 
• There are pigs and goats and cattle. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don't like it? Interstates 10 and 20 go two ways, east and west. Interstate Highways 35 and 45 go north and south. Pick one and use it accordingly.
• The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday. You can get breakfast at the church.
• So every person in every pick-up in a small town waves. It's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
• Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazard. It spooks the fish. 
• The Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot ... his name is "Sir" ... no matter how old he is. 

 Now enjoy your visit then go home.

Smile and have a great week.

Beyond the Eulogies

It seems there are rare occasions when a eulogy is filled with humor rather than remembrances. I suppose I have a warped idea of funerals. Yes, they should be a moment in time to pay tribute to the unwilling guest of honor but I don't think they should be depressing. They should be a celebration of the deceased's life and all they gave to their loved ones and friends.

Perhaps, one of the greatest attributes they could pass along is a sense of humor. For hundreds of years, on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, headstones have recorded such traits. Here are just a few:

Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York:

Born 1903 - Died 1942

Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. 

It was.

In a Thurmont, Maryland cemetery:

Here lies an Atheist

All dressed up

And nowhere to go.

On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie, Nova Scotia:

Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102

The Good Die Young.

In a Ruidoso, New Mexico cemetery:

Here lies Johnny Yeast

Pardon me

For not rising.

In a Silver City, Nevada cemetery:

Here lays The Kid.

We planted him raw.

He was quick on the trigger.

But slow on the draw.

On a lawyer's tombstone in England:

Sir John Strange

Here lies an honest lawyer,

And that is Strange.

Found in another cemetery in England:

Remember man, as you walk by,

As you are now, so once was I.

Remember this and follow me.

To which some enterprising passer-by replied by writing on the tombstone:

To follow you, I'll not consent.

Until I know which way you went.

And discovered in Key West, Florida, etched into the stone, the simple words:

I told you I was sick.

Have a great weekend.

Just Look at This ! ! !

How many times during the course of a day has someone held out a newspaper or an advertisement or some other form of written communication and said: "Look at this."

Three months ago my blog carried a piece entitled "As easy as A B C ???" Over the past holiday weekend I gained a new insight into the world of illiteracy. Once again I read the Declaration of Independence and the history surrounding those fateful weeks, months and years. The thought entered my mind how powerful those words still are. Yet, 14 percent of Americans can not read that historic document or the history associated with it, they must rely on someone to read it to them or tell them the history ... they cannot read.

Some 42 million of our citizens cannot know the pleasure of reading not only that wondrous writing but so many of the printed pieces that make up our history. They cannot even fill out a simple form to allow them access to a class that will teach them ... someone must help them.

To me this is so sad. The enjoyment I get from reading and from writing they may never know. The statistical numbers translate into about 1 in every 7 Americans have no comprehension of the written word. They simply can't read or write. Many are too embarrassed to admit this while others become more and more frustrated trying to find a non-bureaucratic environment to help them achieve this most basic goal.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident ..." They are powerful words and their power seems to be magnified when they are read rather than spoken. There is something about the written word that transcends the spoken word. To hear the droning words of our history spoken tends to make me sleepy but reading the records of the events that led to the creation of our nation opens the mind to visuals and imagination. To know 42 million of our citizens can't share in this is depressing.

Many experts have made the statement that the crisis of adult literacy is getting worse. The numbers of Americans that can only read and comprehend at a fourth grade level or less, euphemistically referred to a functionally literate is becoming an epidemic that is destructive to our future.

From coast to coast there are organizations and foundations devoted to reversing this alarming trend. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who can't even comprehend the headlines splashed our nation's newspapers or such life saving signs as "Caution Men Working on Roadway." More drastically the information contained below a sign proclaiming: "In Case of Emergency."

So many times I have written YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. In almost every community there is a public library that can steer you to a group or organization or foundation where you can help someone overcome this disability.

In the past I have mentioned a dynamic lady who spends uncounted hours combating illiteracy. The foundation she began with only a hope and dream has blossomed. Ina Hillebrandt's idea of enhancing youths and adults skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening not only improves lives but contributes greatly to building self-esteem. The Pawprints Literacy Plus program is fun and makes one want to read.

If you cannot find a resource in your community where you can become a part of helping those who are unable to read visit the Pawprints website at www.inaspawprints.com and explore. Still at a loss, contact Ina through the Pawprints home page, just scroll to the bottom and look for the contact us button.

No matter how you do it ... help make a difference in someone's life. Help them to aquire a most precious of gift ... the ability to read.

After July 4, 1776

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKean, of Delaware, was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers  looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Ruttledge and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and he died bankrupt. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and I a free and independent America.

History books omitted alot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government.

Many of us take our liberties so much for granted ... don't. Now that the celebrations and fireworks are over, silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember, freedom is never free. Over the course of our history, our men and women have died to insure our freedom. Today, members of our military are dying to not only insure our freedom but to help bring freedom to others.

Like those who gave all to forge our great nation, that sacred honor has been passed down generation to generation and our founding fathers would be proud to see their legacy continued.

Independence Declared

On July 2, 1776, all thirteen colonies voted to declare independence. Yet, we celebrate today, July 4th, the day the actual Declaration of Independence was approved by the 56 representatives of the 13 states.

On July 3rd John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, predicting July 2nd would be a great  American holiday. Adams thought the vote for independence would be commemorated; he did not foresee that Americans, including himself, would instead celebrate Independence Day on the date that the announcement of the act was finalized. It was nearly a week later, on July 8th, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and the great bell was said to have rang out at Independence Hall.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

These words are known throughout the world and have fostered the dreams of millions. But, they are not the beginning of our treasured Declaration of Independence. They are the beginning of the second paragraph. The first paragraph simply but eloquently states what follows are the reasons for such a declaration.

It was 11 years later the Constitution was penned and another year, in 1788, when it was ratified and became the law of the land replacing the Articles of Confederation.

The Declaration of Independence records for the first time that our country was referred to as the United States of America.

Americans around the world will remind the world of this historic day. Flags will be flown and speeches made. From the pageantry in our nation's capital and Philadelphia to the communities of ex-patriots found around the globe and in the battle torn regions of Iraq and Afghanistan celebrations will occur.

The 4th of July is more than fireworks and bar-b-ques, the flag of this great nation will fly and continue to foster the dreams of peoples everywhere and serve as a reminder freedom is only obtained when a people join together for the common good with sacrifices and courage to secure this precious, and sometimes elusive, state.