Fireworks, freedom’s fight
July 4th, more than fireworks
After a week of hearing fireworks in the evening, the big night came July 4th when families gathered to watch fireworks shows put on by others or showcasing their own fireworks show for family and friends. Sometime after midnight, Kearney grew quiet. The lights and booms had been lit and used up. Time for everyone to go home.
My question--how many who enjoyed the fireworks shows took any time to consider what the celebration was all about? How many of the younger generations even realized the title for the day is not July 4th but Independence Day? How many understand what America even stands for? Do they realize America stands for personal freedom, freedom to worship, and tolerance of different perspectives?
All of these values are disappearing because we are not sharing with our children and grandchildren the true history of what our founders accomplished in even starting a nation of faith and freedom. Think about it. Those of Jewish heritage are now in danger in their own country--students, professors, employees.
Many on college campuses and other places no longer tolerate anyone with a different opinion or religion. Often the target of such intolerance are Jews, those who value the lives of the unborn, and even parents who seek to speak at School Board meetings because they disagreed with decisions made. How many individuals now remain silent rather than expressing an opinion, fearing reprisal?
Makes me wonder what we even celebrate the 4th of July. If we no longer have the freedom to share our values, opinions, or beliefs in public, if we can be arrested or assaulted for doing so, what makes America different from a dictatorship with overwhelming government control?
I am thankful these problems are not as evident in some parts of the country where citizens do believe in what made America great—a firm commitment to life, to the right to speak, and the right to exercise our faith publicly and in every venue.
For the sake of passing on freedom to our children and grandchildren, let’s understand the truth about America’s history—good and not-so-good, and not try to twist it or discredit it. Once we know, refuse to be silenced and share so our kids and grandkids also will understand the why and how of America’s greatness.
Next year let’s make sure our kids and grandkids learn why we celebrate Independence Day. Let’s explain about those who gave everything, including their lives, so that they could live without constant threats of assault or arrest. Let’s share that we, our kids and grandchildren can truly experience free speech as well as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Kearney Hub Column published 8/8/2024 https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a4/page_da3755cb-5b94-5e0a-a65a-78385cac6968.html
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/29/business/antisemitism-college-harvard-upenn/index.html
https://edworkforce.house.gov/uploadedfiles/keating_testimony_redacted_redacted.pdf
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/pro-life-activist-arrested-by-fbi-acquitted-on-federal-charges/
https://judiciary.house.gov/media/in-the-news/republicans-hold-hearing-doj-targeting-pro-lifers
Some parents have been arrested for even bringing their concerns before school boards. Peaceful pro-lifers have also been arrested. Yet both those who are pro-life and parents have every right to free speech. Yet in today’s America, more and more individuals are being silenced fearing reprisal of one kind or another, even job loss.