AMERICA: 250th birthday essentials

Some have called these 250 years an experiment. Some have declared that the experiment has failed and want a radical restructuring.

But consider these data points: 1) our American culture, our way of organizing government, our ways of appreciating the intrinsic dignity and potential of each person have supported stunning progress in human endeavors. 2) America has been at the forefront of defending Freedom and of helping other nations in need. 3) Multitudes have sacrificed much to come to America as well as to sustain its ideals. 4) World Cup visitors express great admiration regarding their interactions with Americans.

Rather than a failed experiment, America is a work in progress, always striving for the ideals of Liberty.

By June 11,1776 the Continental Congress had passed a resolution to separate from Great Britain and appointed a committee to write the Declaration of Independence. The document was adopted on July 4 with Thomas Jefferson as principal author.

Jefferson was a rigorous student of the history and style of governments. He favored the ideas of John Locke and Montesquieu from the Enlightenment. He wrote eloquently of the God given natural rights of man and believed a republic to be the best vessel for government.

The animating element of a republic is virtue. Recognizing contradictions, Jefferson pushed repeatedly for the removal of slavery from American culture and for a meritocracy based on virtue, talent, and achievement.

Jefferson knew a nation cannot be both ignorant and free; that education is the best defense against tyranny; and that loss of virtue leads to collapse. On this 250th Fourth of July, let’s honor Jefferson’s wisdom and recommit to learning and sustaining the spiritual principles of Liberty.

WILLIAM GREEN

Coeur d’Alene