Writing on the Fourth of July has left me thinking about a few things. Earlier in the day the TV had baseball games, festivals, and specials on George Washington and the Statue of Liberty. All very appropriate for the holiday, but I think I was most moved by the special on the Statue of Liberty.

Liberty and freedom are the foundation of this country. The people that settled the colonies were all here to make with their own lives what they wanted with them, to not be forced into a certain role dictated by the governments and societies of the countries they came from. Here they could have a chance to be successful and wealthy if they wanted to try, but mostly free to live as they chose to. This spirit seems to be remembered every year on the fourth. I only fear that it is remembered less every year.

Life becomes more complicated as technology and populations grow and that leads to more laws and regulations. I fear that many wealthy individuals, companies, and politicians start to abuse the system and use it more than it should be. People start to create laws for their own individual good or just to get them elected to an office (or the money to help get them elected).

I ask that all those in politics remember the basis on what this country was founded and the original beliefs of the majority of the people that lived, fought and died for this country to be founded. There are too many people in the world that are eager to advance their own lives at the costs of others. The government has a responsibility to prevent the common people from being relegated to a lower class of living on a permanent basis. Everyone should still have the same basic freedoms to live their lives, to have their jobs and businesses, to be happy with what they do.

People all over the country need to take a few minutes every day to remember why we have this country and to respect everyone's freedoms in the way they choose to live out that day. Maybe it will help people everywhere be open and understanding of their neighbors and the people around them so they can all enjoy their freedoms.