The Fourth of July, 2010.

A day for celebrating our independence in the United States. Why do we HAVE that independence? Because a hell of a lot of people gave up a lot, and continue to give up a lot, to see that we keep it.

I extend my thanks for the democracy I enjoy to the people who made it possible. The obvious group are those who serve or served in our military. Some, like my father and my good friend (and fellow photographer) Tom Ferguson gave up years of their youth. Others, like my Uncle Roger, were severely wounded, and spent the rest of their lives living with pain and disability so that we could continue to live in freedom and democracy. Countless others gave the ultimate sacrifice, dying while in service to our country. (Next time your responsibilities to our democracy, including voting, paying taxes, or participating in civil political dialog feel excessive to you, compare your burden to that LAST group. Then tell me about how unreasonable the demands on your time or wallet are.)

Others are teachers in our public schools and universities. We depend upon these folks who dedicate their lives  to helping the next generation learn the value of our way of life, the values that keep it alive, and teaching the skills that will keep us going for … well, for a while longer. Most of all, we depend upon teachers to teach our children to THINK RATIONALLY. We depend upon teachers to assure that each generation knows the basics of history and learns the civics skills needed to be an effective part of our democracy.

Still others serve our country as policemen, firemen, border guards and social workers. All these public servants keep our social fabric intact. Without that, we have no basis for our democracy.

Often these people get less support from us than they deserve.  It’s easy, over time, to forget the people who made great sacrifices. It’s easy to feel the pinch of budgets and forget yesterday’s contributions. To forget the value of schools. To forget the effort it takes to run for local public office – win or lose.

I believe our political process is becoming more polarized, less civil, less truthful, and less rational. We again face rising challenges in the world, in our communities, and in our environment. This fourth of July it would be a good idea for all of us to remember that the United States needs to be just what the name says – The UNITED States. That means we all chip in, and we all  give as well as get from our society. And we remember democracy is based upon compromise and mutual respect.

Three quotes come to mind:

SERVICE:

“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time. The only thing that lasts is what is shared with others.”
Marian Wright Edelman

ADVICE TO POLITICAL LEADERSHIP FROM CITIZENS:

“Abandon the failed politics of partisanship. You can’t demonize each other and expect us to trust you.”
Report by citizens from an AmericaSpeaks national Town Hall meeting held June 2010 about the US Budget Deficit.

DEMOCRACY:

“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.”
Winston Churchill

I wish you a fun, safe, and thoughtful Fourth of July, 2010.

Art

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