Happy 4th of July America!  It is our celebration of our national identity, our day of Freedom!  Independence from the tyranny of King George, and a new government based upon the idea that all men are of the same flesh.. "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal", as Thomas Jefferson so eloquently wrote in the declaration of independence.  To be or not to be? Or perhaps, Know they Self?  What is an American, or what is it to be an American?  Is it privilege?  Is is wealth and beauty?  Is it mystique or mere fascination?  Once upon a time we viewed our selves as a "benevolent America". Once upon a time we were the champions of good.  Once upon a time we were a nation to be envied.  What on earth has happened to us?  Why are we a people of peace, and yet our biggest industries are those who produce the machines of war?  How can we be the land of the free, yet we have more prisons and people in them than any other nation on earth?  How can we be the wealthiest nation in the history of mankind, and also have the greatest amount of debt at the same time?  Why are so many of us painfully silent about our views and opinions?  With freedom comes responsibility.  First and foremost, it is our responsibility to be certain that our freedoms are protected and uninhibited.  This our duty.  Happy Birthday America.