[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://tricityvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/TCV-Search.png” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.6″ animation_style=”fade” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”4″ _builder_version=”3.14″ height=”0px”]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ hover_enabled=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff”]
As we approach July 4th, our nation’s birthday celebration, it is an appropriate time to consider how and why it came into existence. At the time of rebellion, colonists were deeply divided between those who supported continued allegiance to England and others, chafing under rules, regulations and taxes that, to them, were intolerable. The divided loyalties and subsequent outbreak of hostilities included not only battles between colonists and British – and mercenary – soldiers – but local partisan skirmishes and others who sought to profit from the chaotic environment. The concept of a country governed by the people rather than a despot was revolutionary and unsettling.
Although the United States of America emerged from the struggle as a separate country, divisions between states, philosophies and economic interests remained. Discussions at the Continental Congress and subsequent emergence of the Constitution of the United States recognized many basic elements of the newly independent nation, but shied away from others such as slavery, considered too difficult to resolve at the time. To this day, many of the same divisions continue to threaten the viability of our nation. So far, national unity has prevailed and those who choose to challenge its foundational principles, are a distinct, although vocal, minority.
As some states transformed from primarily agrarian economies toward industrialized societies whose population concentrated in large cities, others due to social and economic factors, remained heavily rural. The resulting economic disparity has fueled ongoing conflicts including the Civil War, revealing festering grievances that exist to this day. At times, even with technological advances and social changes, it feels as if the schism between regions is as deep as ever. However, no matter how difficult to accept for some, demographics and attitudes have and continue to change.
Two hundred and forty-seven years have passed since that bold declaration and many divisions remain, although tempered by time. No longer an argument with a foreign power over a right to exist, much of the discussion has turned inward. Introspection and a clear understanding of our nation’s birth and development brings context to current affairs. It is only through comprehensive examination of our past and present, that we can move toward a better future. Education that allows a variety of viewpoints and philosophies is critical for continuance of the “American Experiment” that subscribes to independence for our country and its inhabitants.
Independence is defined as outside other’s control or support. However, the Declaration of Independence was a document that signaled not only a desire for home rule, but also a notice to colonists and other nations of a country of laws respecting the rights of all citizens. It was understood that in order to achieve its goals, a critical element was support of others within and outside the new country. Independence was used to describe the intent to emerge as a separate entity from the British Empire, but not a declaration of isolationism. The founders recognized the strength and comfort from other countries to achieve their goals.
The strength of our founders’ vision, of a nation governed by the people and laws that affect all equally, is a balancing act for all of us. Its challenge is to recognize the relationship between independence and responsibility. A personal declaration of independence should include a commitment to our families and communities. As you enjoy parades, fireworks and family gatherings, it is also a good time to consider political literacy and volunteer activities as part of your declaration of independence.
Happy birthday, USA
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
