As we pause this week to observe the founding of our nation it may not be out of place to point out that “America” is more of a dream than a reality. From its very foundation, it was more something to look forward to than something actually experienced.
The lofty statements of the Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution were visions of what might be possible not descriptions of present conditions. When Americans (and pardon the temporary U.S.-centric use of the term) speak eloquently of our freedoms they speak of that which they seldom exercise and have only foggy, often false, notions about.
Few of us can name but one or two of the Bill of Rights. Few have any idea of the structure set forth for government in the Constitution. Few can name more than one or two politicians despite the fact that they control some 40% of what each of us earns every year.
We are a nation of wannabe fans of freedom, pretenders to liberty, and as such we are the real enemies of those principles. Those who proposed this form of government knew well the risks involved and many doubted its success. They were correct.
The dream has descended to the nightmare of a President and Vice President who claim a status beyond legal restraint and Constitutional limitations. The dream is spoken fervently by those who protect our flag and our borders from the infidels but who also refuse to take part in community issues that require attention and seldom even vote.
We are a nation who likes the fashion of democracy but finds it difficult to pay of the credit card of citizenship. As America observes its birthday it might be time to face reality.
The American dream is failing of neglect and complacency.
We are traitors to liberty.
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