Independence Day the Sequel

No taxation without representation was the cry of young American colonists seeking to make their own mark away from the global superpower England. They declared independence, with Rhode Island first to do so. As a war broke out because the crown could not keep its influence, the British military expected to be welcomed by the rank and file who were neither rich nor land owners with no voting rights. Initially, the general populace held little interest in the battles based more on economics than freedoms. It was not until many a colonist home and person were fouled did the back of their indifference break. These non-natives of this land, but nevertheless tenants of this country, fought, as what the British would deem insurrectionists ("insurgents") who would dare to fight the crown's rule.

A battle of wills and attrition was marked by a war which gradually lost the support of those who would remain proud to be called English. They saw colonists as fanatic, godless terrorists who dared to fight unconventionally. Eventually, with the aid of the French, the war was won and our Constitution was drafted within a decade. Remarkable how history can repeat itself, but the cast of characters evolves and the events are written to suit the combatants with much literary license taken.

I am proud to be an American - less so of those who represent my community and my family. They no longer speak for me. Many no longer remember the oath to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution. We have a government with so much potential; but ignoring the map our forefathers fought for and left for us to follow is at our own future peril, as was justified when wars between the states were for economic resources other than oil.

All of us risk losing that which we celebrate on July 4, if we are unwilling to defend what it means to be uniquely American. We need the resolve and the courage of our convictions.

Freedom of speech, protection of privacy and individual rights for the greater good, as well as leadership's adherence to our laws is why I served my country as a U.S. Marine. We still pay taxes, but it is clear good government has failed to best use our hard earned dollars to represent what we want: affordable health care, quality education and fairness in the pursuit of economic and social justice. Instead, the de facto monarchy, in absence of real opposition, has waged a war based on exploiting fear, dividing with discrimination and justifying all with lies.

Is it independence if we are not allowed to govern our own future?