Thoughts from here and there…
Celebrate the beauty of America. There is much that is beautiful. Take a trip to any number of Wisconsin’s extraordinary parks and forests. They are busy, there is no doubt of that. But I have seen the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the awesome sight of the magnificent Redwood Trees in Redwood National Forest. I have heard the roar of the surf along Highway 1 in California, and viewed the incredible power of the tide along the Maine Coast. Take a trip to Door County and marvel at the scenery. Camp in Governor Dodge. Drive through the Kettle Moraine and enjy the beauty of the countryside.
Celebrate the productivity of America. It is not just the extensive array of products on super market shelves that boggles the mind. It is the too-numerous to mention products that are available to help us achieve the world’s highest standard of living.
Celebrate the diversity of America. Milwaukee must be the festival capital of the world. The rich ethnic heritages of many people are celebrated every summer. It is this diversity that has led to the development of new products, the utilization of the productivity of nature, and the creation of art and music.
Don’t forget our religious diversity. Because we cherish the freedom to worship and proclaim the gospel, we have many religious organizations to which people may belong and find faith and support for their daily lives. God is not confined to one church or denomination. God is in all churches and all denominations. God will find people wherever they are located.
Celebrate the freedom of American. Where else can people be truly free to follow their dream or to pursue their ambition, for great good as well, as sometimes, for great evil.
This may be true. Freedom has its price. So does social responsibility. We can be socially conscious and active in the midst of the veneration of our freedom.
Celebrate the opportunities that America provides to all its citizens. The opportunities are endless. It is true that they must be recognized when they pass by. It is also true that opportunity must be pursued by those who would benefit from them. It is true that you need some education and economic resources to realize the opportunity. Opportunities are in abundance.
This Fourth of July tune out the critics, turn off the gloom and doom soothsayers, turn on the opportunity to celebrate America. Sing the National Anthem. Salute the flag. America, it is worth celebrating.