4th of July Must Still Have Meaning
As I watch the children wade in the kids' pool, the teens rock to the beat of Material Girl and the older adults dance to Boogie Oogie Oogie at the Weston pool in South Florida, I wonder if there is still meaning in the phrase Fourth of July.
International view
Many internationals in this Weston mega-pool with its water falls, giant hot tub and endless smoothies have experienced less freedom. Whether experiencing directly or indirectly (through their parents and grandparents), the people here have experienced fear and oppression. The Indian couple I met yesterday must have known about British constraints on Indian freedom in India in the early 1900s and the recent threat of radical Islam from neighboring Pakistan.
The parents' of the German girl that I played table tennis must still readily recall the communist menace in and around their country. The Jamaican and Guyanan that I met surely remembers that threat to freedom imposed on their country the last 50 years. The Filipina who I spoke with in the pool certainly remembers the days of martial law under President Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Philippines
Marcos' dictatorship was the reason why my family left while the borders were still open. Marcos' and his wife Imelda were like the John and Jacqueline Kennedy of our country--before they took over with the help of the military. Don't we know that freedom of fragile?
One year (1971) the Philippines was free; the next (1972) it was in chains. If we are not vigilant as free individuals, then oppression, even in the land of the free and home of the brave, can and will come.
History against freedom
Throughout history, freedom is the exception, not the rule. Under Roman rule, many were in servititude, if not slavery; under the Greeks, most live as serfs serving the wealthy patriarchs. Under the monarchy, communism and radical Islam, many women, children and families are under the threat of unjust edicts or terrororistic subjugation.
During this Fourth of July, remember that freedom is not free, the cost of liberty are lives lost. The march toward freedom many nationalities, particular by Filipinos was hard and long--against Spanish monarchical rule (1521-1898), against brutal Japanese oppression(1941-45), and against Marcos dictatorship (1972-1986). The Philippine government just yesterday survived a coup attemp. Know this: The force of history and fallen human nature is against freedom.
American freedom
I encourage you, specifically as Americans, that we renew our vow now: We "pledge [our] allegiance to the flag and to the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Freedom is not natural in this world; humans oppressing other human beings is the historical norm. Many Americans have felt oppression--remember British tyranny and American slavery.
The Spirit of freedom
Liberty is the work of the human spirit with God's spirit.
The Good Book states, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
So where there is spiritual, moral and political vigilance, there is freedom. Yes, during this holiday, enjoy the cool pool, good music and cold smoothies but remember that freedom is wrought from the furnace of human and divine determination.
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2 comments:
It's a good habit to honor the blessing and cost of freedom once a year as a nation.
Instead of American lives being used in the self-interest of a king or the powerful elite, Americans can choose to lay down their lives.
And they do not risk their lives for an agenda, such as foreign oil or imperialism. Americans lay down their lives to secure freedom for other their countrymen.
Many nations do not enjoy the natural rights guaranteed to every American by our Constitution, empowered by the lives laid down by Americans who have served and are serving overseas.
Freedom truly is the historical exception and not the rule. I believe a very large portion of our society takes our freedoms and liberties for granted primarily out of historical ignorance. Their historical understanding goes no further than their own experiences.
Patriotic holidays like the 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day should again be celebrated with a great deal of patriotic pride that would make George M. Cohan proud.
Unfortunately, the devaluing of our country and its heritage is winning the day. I pray that good old fashion patriotism comes back into fashion.
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