Yes, today is Independence Day, and it reminds me of the blood, sweat, and brains of our Founding Fathers and other revolutionaries who were passionate enough about their independence and about the future of this nation's independence.

Let's be sure to remember the true reason for this holiday, even though I know fireworks are awesome, beer is fun, and barbecuing is all you look forward to, please remember today why you CAN blow up colorful stuff, drink alcohol, and char some beef (not to mention the freedom of religion, freedom to keep and bear arms, so on and so forth...): the battle has already been fought for us. There were many different factors that ultimately led up to the American Revolution, but this quote could sum it up:

"Taxation without representation is tyranny."     -James Otis

Such a simple quote, and yet truth drips from it. Remember that quote every time you go to the ballot box, faced with yet another piece of legislation or taxation that relinquishes even a bit of your freedom. Taxes. How simple. How easily established. How inflammatory if misused.

Remember. Please.

If we forget our nation's origins, if we refuse to consider the past and learn from it, we will lose our freedom and liberty, and we will have to die to gain it back.

-Cydney

Cross-posted on The Celebrity.