July 4th

Happy 244th Birthday America!

Generally on this day, we make plans to travel, go to the beach, attend a parade or have potlucks. This year, July 4th is going to be a little different for everyone. With coronavirus still surrounding us, we are all celebrating on our own, with our own near and dear ones. It may not sound as exciting as previous celebrations but it gives us a chance to learn the importance of this day better.

July 4th, 1776 represents the day of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an Independent Nation. The Independence Day holiday is one of the only days of the year that all Americans stop and celebrate together, as a nation. This day should reset the direction in which our country is headed. We must collectively stop and ask ourselves and our leaders:

What is our vision for the future? What are the lessons we have learned this year? What have we achieved and what are our goals? What grounds divide us and unite us? How are we setting the course for a better tomorrow?

How and where the United States will stand maybe a decade or so from now will depend in large part on the policies we adapt today. Politicians are going to intensify their campaigning between now and November 2020. As citizens, we need to ask ourselves, are the governments representing us and our visions. What are we looking for in our next elected President? We need to think critically about our future and have our politicians inspire the public to help execute that objective.

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, January 20th 1961 inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. His historic words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” challenged every American to contribute in some way to the public good. Voting, paying taxes, following the law, respecting the opinions of those who disagree with ours, be aware of the government and policies, volunteer and many more. We cannot control how others choose to live but we have the choice to be a model citizen.

Like many immigrants, my GoodMan came here over two decades ago to live a part of the American Dream. According to Wikipedia, the American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.

The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that "all men are created equal" with the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Also, the U.S. Constitution promotes similar freedom, in the Preamble: to "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity".

For many years, the GDP or gross domestic product and unemployment rate have been used to measure a sense of how well a country is doing. However, these fail to define how well a country is serving its citizens. In my opinion, the two important ingredients of any successful country are the Health and Happiness of its citizens. Wealth is important only as long as it encourages greater well-being.

Our founding fathers inspired dreams of a better future that served as a foundation of this republic. Today we stand at the crossroads of unique challenges and new opportunities while being gifted with the wonders of technology and global bonding. We need to collectively fire up our spirits and imaginations for a better tomorrow and not settle for anything less.

Our children expect and deserve a better World.

May peace, love and happiness always be with you.

God Bless the United States of America!

~ MG