Happy 4th of July, Americans.
However you celebrate, remember that freedom is a lifestyle people worldwide struggle to achieve.
Freedom marches on sore feet. Freedom cries on an empty belly. Freedom learns in all colors. Freedom prays in many languages. Freedom hurts. Freedom heals.
We all have a stake in making the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution an ongoing force. An evolving reality that began with dissension over wordage and power. And changed. And changes still.
Be civil. Be fair. We are stronger united but many voices demand an ear. Listen. Read.
We are the face of humanity for the rest of the world.
We are the standard of liberty for all people.
Be civil. Be seen. Be loud. Be present.
March. Write. Speak. Think. Vote.
Assure rights to all Americans. Every day. Every year. Every place.
Life. Liberty. Pursuit of happiness.
Happy 4th of July.
Just a thought 42
Image: United States of America Declaration of Independence
Sharon Bonin-Pratt's Ink Flare 
Comments on: "Freedom" (35)
Wise advice. It’s amazing how prescient and all-encompassing the Constitution is.
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The Constitution is the scaffold.
“We must be free not because we claim freedom but because we practice it.” – William Faulkner.
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Well said, Sharon! Happy 4th!
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“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
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Perfectly said.
I put your words right up there with Faulkner and Mandela
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Judy, I don’t deserve such honor. But thank you for the thought.
“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts: not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” – Abraham Lincoln
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Beautifully said, Shari! Seems these days, it’s all about the fireworks stands every few blocks, gunshots and all kind of he!!-raising! What happened to real patriotism? Enjoy your Independence Day and the freedom this day represents! I know I will!
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I recognize other ways of celebrating the 4th of July, though I could do without the gunshots and M 80’s firing all night long. But I wish each person would stop and think about how much freedom costs and how it demands an ongoing commitment in order for us to remain free. It isn’t how high someone raises their flag but how much they’re willing to extend freedom to the strangers in their neighborhood.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan
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Wonderful words, all of them, Sharon. Thank you!
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Thank you, Betty.
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It’s special to see a picture of the actual declaration – think of their hopes, expectations, belief in the future. Sharon, your thoughts are needed more in today’s world than ever – beautifully written with passion and wisdom. Wishing you a brilliant day!
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It really is an incredible document, especially considering what a radical idea it proposed. The idea of a democratic republic when monarchies reigned all over the world – imagine how deeply these people thought about what a future might look like without a king. You seem to be having a wonderful summer so far, Annika – hope it continues.
“With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from “I Have A Dream”
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It is a trying time we’re in, Shari.
Happy 4th of July!
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That’s for certain. Happy 4th to you and your family, Audrey.
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Sharon, it is wonderful to see this original of the declaration. Would it that all
listened to the beautiful and well thought through words.
I quote you great words: “However you celebrate, remember that freedom is a lifestyle people worldwide struggle to achieve.
Freedom marches on sore feet. Freedom cries on an empty belly. Freedom learns in all colors. Freedom prays in many languages. Freedom hurts. Freedom heals.”
Celebrate and be proud of what is the basis of your land.
miriam
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Thank you, Miriam – my own words quoted right back.
“The American Revolution and Declaration of Independence, it has often been argued, were fueled by the most radical of all American political ideas.” – Carl Bernstein
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Hope you had a lovely 4th of July, Shari!
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We did, thank you. I continue to be surprised by how many people who are not Americans know so much about our country and yet most of us know very little about other parts of the world. Do you celebrate a similar holiday?
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I think that’s maybe because of the great influence America has in so many different areas, especially in the movie industry. For example there’s no Spring Break here in Germany but every student knows about it. 😉
We’ve got a holiday celebrating the unification of Germany (East +West) in the 3rd of October but there actually are no real festivities going on then. Germans are very cautious when it comes to celebrating anything related to the people and country because for obvious reasons. It was a huge surprise for every one in 2006 when the Football World Championships were here and the people allowed themselves to be publicly proud of their team and showed the flag in cars etc without having to fear being called a Neo-nazi. And I think we handled it really well, although we didn’t win. 😉
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Sarah, I read your comment three times, internalizing the implications.
You’ve really opened my eyes to something I didn’t know.
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I sincerely hope your fellow countrymen listen to your words.
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Not likely me, but hopefully to someone with intelligence.
“The longest day must have its close — the gloomiest night will wear on to a morning. An eternal, inexorable lapse of moments is ever hurrying the day of the evil to an eternal night, and the night of the just to an eternal day.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
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She had the words then and even today her words have meaning. Great quote.
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Yes, Stowe had great vision.
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Wonderfully said, Sharon! Your words and messages are vital for all to read and hear. Hope you had a grand celebration!
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The 4th of July is a big event in our family. Several members have birthdays on the 4th, and my husband, a Vietnam vet, participates in the local parade in an iconic and much beloved float. As for me – I cook – if there’s a party, gotta have food. How was your celebration?
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Yours sounds like a great time for all! This year we spent ours at the county fair. It’s always fun to view the exhibits, enjoy the food, and take in the fireworks in the evening. I also managed some 1st and 2nd place ribbons. 😉
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We love the county fair and go nearly every year. Sounds like you had a really wonderful day on the 4th. In what events did you win ribbons?
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It’s our annual tradition each year, too, but not always on the 4th. In answer to your question, poetry, an essay, and photography. Entering is always fun to do also. 😊
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Good for you for entering and congratulations on your wins.
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Thanks, Sharon! Enjoy your Sunday and stay cool!
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Brilliant post. Perfect for the holiday. Sadly, I often think our rights and the sacrifices of so many are taken for granted by the masses
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Certainly, too many people take freedom for granted and forget the many people who have kept us safe.
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It is quite sad.
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Yes it is.
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