MONTHLY THEME JULY 2008

Freedom has a cost. Are you willing to pay?

As we celebrated another 4th of July in much the same way as years past, there was an obvious question on everyone's mind...is this still for real? Are we “really” free, and what does “free” mean in the first place?

Back when we were the obvious number 1, and most of the non-westernized world was far behind in both technological and economic clout, my father and his could say with bold enthusiasm, “we ARE the home of the free, and the land of the brave”. Having just ended the war to end all wars (league of nations after WWII), we could now get down to the business of being American. The dream was “born” as it were, and the baby boom, interstate hi-ways, television news, and electric kitchen appliances carried us all the way to the moon and back.

The promise of cheap Nuclear energy was a key player in this new world of peace and plenty. Looking back at all that has passed since, things feel a bit unique this year. Many cities and gatherings had smaller, or even no fireworks celebrations. Justified by higher costs, or potential environmental impact (both literal, and political) they forced a change on the public awareness through announcements and news feeds etc.

That and the constant nagging feeling that we didn't do our homework. I've asked around, and everyone I talk to knows what I mean. Why is the world so mad at us, and what can we do to correct that perception. I mean this really is the place where we accept and tolerate (crime per capita based on ethnic hate is technically low and has been going down in the US).

I have a good definition of it in “Current Events” from a report in 2002.We are by dollars spent, the most charitable nation in human history, and we have maintained a democracy against all challenges (both from within and without) for over 200 years for good reason. We believe in Freedom, and we believe in Humanity. We believe that all people, no matter where they are born, or what color their skin or the shape of their eyes, everyone's worthy of Freedom. And we hope that as people understand that, they will not want to destroy our civilization in the name of their GOD any longer.

I think the real shift in our understanding though, is related to this sudden crush of data that suggests we are really impacting the planet through our unabated appetites, and conspicuous consumption. Our plan for Nuclear fuel didn't pan out due to the familiar cast of characters, graft, corruption, and greed that lead to fear, uncertainty, and doubt. So the “oil” industry was happy to oblige and fill the gap, and actually put their heads together with the energy politicians and devised a plan etc...etc.

We all know what has happened since, and now we find ourselves in
America paying an incredibly high price for freedom and that is what I'm celebrating this year. That we can still afford to pay for freedom, and in my celebration, I'm praying that we can learn to manage our appetites and clean up our sources along the way so it doesn't continue to cost so much. Most often, the cost that hurts the most is the one that can be fixed the quickest when we all set our minds and hearts to it!Co-create Heaven on Earth and tell everyone about it!

Start each day in harmony with our Heavenly Creator's spirit.

Be Happy and Feel Free, for you are an Eternal Being.
Drv tekojchoe

In Jesus Way,
Amen, Amen, and Amen.