Independence from ....... ?

Independence Day. The phrase conjures thoughts of freedom from tyranny,  freedom from unfair rule, freedom to be exactly yourself without persecution. The American forefathers had that idea in mind when they drafted the Declaration of Independence. Is that what is really true in our country now?

The small world of the legal system community makes deals unknown to those governed behind closed doors. Taxes are levied in accordance to who has the most money to donate to the "appropriate" political fund. American troops fight wars that they don't understand, but because they believe in the strength of our country, they go into battle anyway. Judges are friends with lawyers and do "favors" which can hardly be deemed impartial. Politicians make deals with the highest bidder, as opposed to doing what's in the best interests of those who voted them into office. Are we truly "independent"? Or are we governed by those who only have their own personal best interests at heart?

The Declaration of Independence states that "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." In layman's terms, when the government goes stupid, it is up to the citizens of said government to set them on the right path. Are we on the right path?

Personally, I'm considered politically "unaffiliated" because I have agreements and disagreements with every political party out there. However, when the laws of the courts are pre-defined in favor of those who have clout, I have an issue. When the proof of those accused lies in proving they shouldn't have been accused, I have an issue. When those who have no means or money are treated as subhuman without the ability for recourse in the American legal system, I have an issue. When soldiers die on foreign land and their families are not given information or acknowledged, I have an issue.

On this, the celebration day of American Independence, let us remember what is important and crucial ... Truth, Justice, and Liberty For All.

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress