Independence, what does it mean? What did it mean to the founders in the middle 18th Century and how does that transcend today? When I think of these questions, I personally am not the least bit confused or even hesitant about the answers. A third graders understanding of the historical facts tell us that, by and large the colonists sought to be free of Great Britain’s cross Atlantic and all-encompassing King and Parliament. Though there was no immediate or coordinated approach to achieving such an unheard-of ambition for the times, the “rebels” would eventually come to understand the basic premise of unalienable rights afforded not by the hand of a “tender and merciful Monarch”, but by the grace of God. And they would fight for those rights. Oh, there were certainly the loyalists (Progressives?) who could not reconcile a life “un-ruled”, but liberty would eventually win the day and freedom would come to America by way of great bloodshed and sacrifice.

So taking into consideration the incomprehensible size and scope of our government today, I ask you two questions on this 4th of July 2012, and I look forward to your answers. Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives alike, what does independence mean to you today, and does our nation’s current status and application hold true to its founding?

Ultimately, I believe these questions will be answered this November. And at the very moment when Election Day 2012 is settled and “We the People” have spoken, we shall know our children’s (and our own) future…