Yesterday was July 4th. Since we are separated from many of the things that would reinforce the meaning of the day, in the morning I asked Petr if he knew what the day meant. He answered that it was America’s Birthday. While that is a good answer, I figured he was old enough to know a bit more. So I explained a bit more to him and thought it through myself.
While it is in a sense the day the USA was born, nothing really happened on that day of physical significance. It was a culmination of an idea that was set forth. It then had to be fought over to gain any merit, and then be put into practice to test it out.
The idea that was put forth was that the government was for the people and not the people for the government. It seems quite simple, and fundamental. Yet I think there are too many people who need to be reminded of it, many of whose authority I live under, both here in Africa, and as a US citizen.
On a lighter note, we had a good time getting together with a bunch of Americans for a great BBQ and potluck. We even had 3 Germans, 2 Australians and a Chinese.
God Bless America.