July 1, 2009

Editorial

“When in the course of human events …” begins the unanimous Declaration of Independence of the 13 United States of America.  That noble clause and the entire Declaration is still relevant – extremely relevant – to all Americans and to the whole world today.  Please read on.

You can hear the Declaration of Independence ceremoniously read this Saturday, July 4, at 10:30 a.m., from the balcony of the Old State House, just as it was read to the patriotic citizens of Boston in July, 1776.  Parades, music, and salutes prior to the reading begin at 8:30 on the City Hall Plaza.  A reception follows.  It’s a grand (and uncrowded) way to observe Independence Day.  If you can’t get there, at least read the Declaration of Independence to your family.  They’ll remember that you did. 

By the way, reading the Declaration of Independence aloud takes only ten minutes.  Yes, just ten minutes.  Our single most important national document – a document that ranks as one of the most important in human history - takes only 600 seconds from start to finish.  Yet, the Declaration of Independence says it all for Americans:  “ … certain unalienable rights, that among those are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

The American colonies issued their Declaration of Independence 233 years ago.  So, what is the relevance of that Declaration today?

Well, look at Iran.  The recent elections were rigged.  The incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the victor by Iran’s supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  Since Ahmadinejad received more votes than there are voters in Iran, the opposition, led by Mir Hosein Mousavi, rightfully cried “Fraud!”, and demanded a recount. 

Despite being threatened by Iran’s religious leaders (who also – wouldn’t you know? - command Iran’s armed forces), millions took to the streets.  Why?  Using the only English word many of them know, the demonstrators answered that question by yelling, “Freedom!”

And that poor woman, Neda Agha-Soltan, who was shot by the Iranian police during a protest.  Via the Internet, she died before the whole world.  How immensely sad to see a freedom-loving person like Neda, as her eyes rolled back into her head and she bled to death.  That poignant image is more than enough proof of the importance of freedom.  And of the wisdom of separating church and state.

Look elsewhere in the world.  Hugo Chavez is presiding over the collapse of his country, Venezuela, in the name of something he calls “21st Century socialism”.  That term actually translates into demagogic cronyism – read “Fascism”.  Think about Russia for a moment, then ask yourself if you’d like to live there.  Don’t even bother to think about the lifestyle in North Korea.

Yes, the Declaration of Independence is extremely relevant – now and in the future.

But don’t get too satisfied with our own situation.  The U.S. is embroiled in many, many problems we must solve very soon:  our economy, the environment, a dysfunctional medical system, a dumbed-down educational establishment, governmental overkill at all levels, and staggering government debts. 

We will have to cut the fat out of the lifestyle we have gotten accustomed to in the last 60 years.  The corporate greed-heads and politicians, who’ll do anything to be re-elected, are partly to blame, but we must also control ourselves, our instant gratifications, our early retirements, our maxed-out credit cards, and the houses or cars we should never have bought. 

Why?  Because if we don’t, our grandchildren will be paying for these extravagances of ours long after we’re gone.  That’s why!  So, let’s get back to working and saving.  Otherwise, Brazil, China, and India will own the U.S., and our grandchildren will be working for them.

Do you need other evidence that people still want freedom in AD 2009?  Look at the recent vote by 60,000 citizens of Greenland, the world’s largest island.  Denmark has ruled Greenland for nearly 300 years, and subsidizes Greenland to the tune of $500 million a year.  That’s approximately $8,000 a year for every man, woman, and child in Greenland.  Even so, the vote last fall was to begin governing themselves.  The Greenlanders gave up the Danish money and peacefully chose freedom at the ballot box, by a very large majority.  To some peoples, freedom is worth more than money. 

We need to relearn that in America.  Don’t take freedom for granted.  Its price is “eternal vigilance”.  Remember that the Declaration of Independence concludes with a solemn vow:  “ … we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”  Well spoken. 

Please enjoy your Independence Day weekend.  Many difficult challenges and choices are facing the U.S., Massachusetts, and South Boston when we return next Monday.  Our fair land is the oldest, most successful nation of free people on earth – no dictators need apply.  But no one ever said freedom was easy. 

Your thoughts?