HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY AMERICA! by Kimberly R. Thorn

Is it me of does it seem like it should have been more than 250 years since this great county started?  But upon my disbelief, I did do the math and it is indeed exactly 250 years ago today that America began.  Now, some may believe that this is not a great country at this present time.  Do I agree that we have many things that we, as a country need to work on, yes.  But the overall idea of our forefathers of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness does still exist.  Let’s ask ourselves the question, what other country in the world that has these same three principles?

Please don’t get me wrong.  I am well aware of the turmoil that we as American’s face.  I would be dumb not to realize them.    The biggest one is the division between all of us currently.  There are Democrats, Republicans.  Pro-life versus Pro-Choice. Professed Christians and Non-Christians.  Homosexuals and Heterosexuals.  Just to name a few.  If I proceeded to name all of the divisions in this blog, it would take days.  I think you get the gist of what I am saying, though. 

There are two points that I would like to make today, when we are celebrating the 250^th anniversary of this country.  First, where else in the world would you be able to express your differences so openly and freely?  Try it in another country and you would be punished or killed.  Second, let’s remember that even though we are all different people with different beliefs, ideals, preferences, etc. (as I know I am missing tons of specifications), we are all still Americans.  Let us celebrate these divisions and not let them divide and conquer us.  We need to stand united and firm.  We cannot let our differences alienate us from each other. 

Please understand that I do not want to offend anyone.  That is not my intention at all.  I am just so tired and disappointed of the name calling, the finger pointing and the hateful ways that we, as Americans are talking to each other.  We, as a people, will not accomplish anything if we are arguing amongst ourselves.  United we stand, divided we fall.

I thank all who have ever served and still serve our great country along with our forefathers, for giving us the opportunies that we have, even today.  We’ve come a long way and while we still have tons more work to do, I know that we, as Americans can continue to grow and improve.  I remember after 9/11.  We didn’t see each other as different political party members, by sexual orientation, or by religion.  Prior to 9/11, we were divided then as well, but we all came together, as Americans and stood up against those that attacked our people and our Country.  We helped each other.  There were volunteeers from countless communities that all joined together.  That is my America!  One where we pulled together and not let it separate us.  Let’s remember that today as we celebrate our country’s 250^th Anniversary.

Happy 250^th 4^th of July y’all!  Be safe and cool today!  LET FREEDOM RING!

250 Years of American Wit and Wisdom by Yvonne Saxon

It’s our birthday! From sea to shining sea we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our independence. Picnics, parties, and parades will take place all over the USA and fireworks will turn night skies red, white and blue! As a party favor, I’ve collected a handful of quotes from American writers that spans the last 250 years. From presidents to pundits to activists, their writings have influenced our culture. Enjoy!