Independence is a gift we give each other - everyday.

It's not Friday, but tomorrow is a holiday, so it's time for another Thought tale hour at the Henderson's. It's been a week where here in 'the land of the free and the home of the brave', we observed a great deal of interaction between our own trinity of government.  The news was filled with supreme decisions, executive orders and legislative exaltations. There once was a time when we would come home, quietly read the newspaper or watch the network news, hear about these things, and perhaps discuss them around the dinner table.  We'd then possibly discuss them with a co-worker or a neighbor, form an opinion, and go on our way.  But this is 2014, and if one has an electronic device connected to the internet, our opinions are blasted throughout the world, instantly.  I am no innocent in this activity.  I am indeed drawn to it like a fly to a manure pile.  And this week, as I was basking in the sunshine, smelling of the manure of electronic opinions, I had to ask myself, are we hurtling ourselves toward a civil divide more vast than that of the 1860's?  Isn't the desire to be separate and equal the very reason we declared our independence?

What has happened to the appreciation of our differences that make us strong?

Marty and his idea of indepent thought

From my perspective, it seems we have allowed a very nasty and corrosive human character flaw to begin to worm it's way into the free sharing of ideas, thoughts and belief systems as we interact with others behind the electronic curtain.  It's that same smarmy worm that oozed from the response of King George and his Parliament when the rebels from the colonies asked them to give them some space.  It smells of arrogance and the sense that you are just not going to be allowed to be a part of something higher and glorious.  You are just not insightful enough to know what's good for you.  You can never be a part of the solution, because you are such a huge part of the problem...  We shut each other up with quips adopted from leadership we've never even met.  After awhile, they stand like large boulders that keep us apart.  We are no longer looking very independent, or free.  We are worried about losing ground in the war of words.

"What worries you masters you" - John Locke

Kim's sparkly heart

This is a celebration of independence and the pursuit of happiness.  The right to my pursuit means I might step on your toes with my beliefs, but never should I leave a lasting dent in your foot.  If I have, then you should tell me about it, and we can reason it out together.  That's what I think of when I read the Declaration of Independence.  It was and is the best example of a group of people charting a path for how to live together, separate but equally.   Independence doesn't mean you have to stand alone or even on top of anyone to have it. We should never have to harm another or belittle another to live independently and exercise freedom.  Stop and think about that for a minute.  I challenge you friend - if you are marching to a cause that means you find yourself doing that, then perhaps you need to step away from the manure pile and get some air.  I know I've been there, and I'll probably be there again.

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself" - Ben Franklin

Terra and Michaela, always at the center of the party

So tonight, let's toast to the gift of independence, and to giving it to those around us every day.  It's not comfortable, and it often takes closing the computer screen, pulling your hair a little, and taking a deep breath, but it's the kind of gift that is the best example of living what we stand for here in these United States. It's a living example of our Bill of Rights.  And the best way to live it is with a little sense of humor and lots of grace towards those who just can't see it our way.  We will toast tonight with a visual example of independence with a drink I call "Separate but Equal".  Happy 238th Birthday America!  CHEERS FRIENDS!

Joy's Separate but Equal Cocktail

1/2 oz of Grenadine

1/2 oz of Vodka

1/2 oz of Blue Curacao

In the order listed, slowly pour each ingredient into a shot glass to create a layered effect.  Drink it so that it all goes down together, just like a true band of citizens. 

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