Do we Americans truly understand Freedom?

Freedom. As our country celebrates the day of our collective independence 237 years later, what does freedom really mean? We aren’t the only country to enjoy freedom per say. Our western counterparts retain many of the same freedoms that we Americans possess. We Americans are truly a unique breed. We are loved and hated all in the same breath. So why do we feel we hold exclusive title? Why are we synonymous with freedom and independence?

As I fetter away on my keyboard, many families from many walks of life, rich and poor, immigrants (legal and illegal), are preparing food, drinks, and activities to celebrate our country, communally, with family and friends. Smells from BBQ grills waif through neighborhoods, shrieks of children playing, fireworks igniting in celebration. We loudly trumpet our independence and freedom and wave our flags as parades march in downtown streets across the country. Do most Americans truly appreciate the day and the meaning or is it just another day off to get a buzz and enjoy a summer’s day?

This country is steeped in tradition of extending freedoms and independence of its people. Passage of the 13th amendment in 1865 to outlaw slavery, the 19th amendment in 1920 enfranchising women, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 all act to promote freedom for its citizens. Each amendment a permanent building block, serving as the foundation of our young tumultuous country. Although, one could argue that our freedoms are being taken away with events like the NSA scandal and increasing pleas for gun control legislation in the forefront. That's a different discussion.

 

I tend to think our culture has embodied freedom more than any other and that is perhaps why. It is part of our intrinsic framework. Most Americans own cars and have a love affair with road trips and driving. Most of us can recall childhood car trips in all their glory. Echos of "Are we there yet" and wanting to stop at every tourist trap on the road side. We drive everywhere, the vast asphalt road being our guide. We grumble about wanting more affordable mass transportation but in a country as vast as ours, but underlying in our reluctance, I think it undermines our freedom to come and go as we please. We will not be dictated to by a train timetable but we will sit in congested traffic with a Dunkin Donuts coffee in our lap. It’s on our terms though dammit!

So as we all celebrate our liberty today, I hope everyone took a brief moment to honor our forefathers. They seriously had some big balls to do what they did. A few thousand miles of ocean and the several million francs gave a bit of confidence too. But we started as a nation of outcasts and storm bravers and as we sit in our backyard loungers stoking our metal fire pits from Lowe’s this evening, blowing up things, remember millions of citizens have died and continue to fight for our ability to get buzzed and eat too much. And we thank them deeply. It’s the American way and exactly what our forefathers intended.