Courage for the Pursuit

Today's divisive politics are dampening the celebrations of our nation's 250th anniversary - the great experiment in self-governing. In July 1776, our founders ignited a worldwide revolution for freedom. The United States of America has protected a government of the people, by the people, and for the people for 250 years. Imperfect from the beginning, but still the best freedom experiment running on this planet.

Our unalienable rights are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Profound, carefully chosen words that Thomas Jefferson and his co-authors forged into our Declaration of Independence. But no one owes you happiness; no one can create it for you, and the government doesn’t have it to give.

The prescription is: find the courage to begin your own pursuit. This is a lifelong journey full of true grief, uninhibited joy, and opportunity. Our challenge at the 250-year mark is to honor what we've received (from sacrifices most of us cannot fully comprehend) and pave the next 50 years to better serve the next generation.

The Declaration ends with this line:

Imagine these courageous leaders directly opposing a powerful global monarchy, betting it all on the dream of freedom. A monumental legacy to uphold.

I am fully bought in. Who is coming with me?