MVN: Most Valuable Network

For me, I have always treated July fourth as more than just an excuse to fire up the grill, get drunk and blow things up. I do all those things, but I also take some time to reflect upon what exactly is celebrated. It is the birthday of the USA and coincidently enough, Al Davis.

On July 4th, 1776 great patriots gathered in Philadelphia to sign a Declaration of Independence from England. They threw off the repressive rule of the British Crown, and established a new nation based on the concept of the a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." This new nation based on this radical concept floundered its first few years under articles of confederation. In 1789, however, those patriots and visionaries gathered once again to create the document that would provide the means for a government that met their stated goal, the constitution of the United States of America.

The United States of America was considered a "Grand Experiment in Democracy" as the concept of a democratic republic was something that was nearly unheard of at the time. Rule by the consent of the people was a truly radical concept, as all of governments to that time had been borne of monarchies or theocracies.

America was an imperfect nation even from her birth as she allowed slavery and invested power inordinately in the hands of land owners. As time went by, these changed and the power was put further into the hands of the people. She faced her first and greatest challenge as she neared the century mark, as a group of states declared their independence from her. Abraham Lincoln showed himself to be a great statesman as he led the Nation through this trying time, and was able to lay a path towards reconciliation of the North and South. His assassination set back the process, but the two factions were able to once again unite as one nation without slavery.

She has faced the challenges of the Great Depression and two World Wars, and she survived with her integrity and freedoms intact, with the exception of Executive Order 9066 which ordered the internment of US citizens of Japanese ancestry. Given the fear of the time it is understandable, but is a violation of the founding principles of this great nation. Regardless, she has healed from that wound as well as the McCarthy witch hunts of the fifties.

Many people now say that she is in trouble again, and she is a nation divided like no time since the Civil War. This division is artificial. Yes, there are several hot button issues that many reasonable people disagree on. Yes, there are things that she can do better. Regardless, one would have to say that this grand experiment has been a smashing success, as people will go to the polls on the first Tuesday in November and elect the 44th president, and regardless of which candidate wins there will be yet another peaceful transition of power.

The beauty of this country, is that despite her flaws, those in the seats of power do govern based on the consent of the governed. Those who have shown themselves to be corrupted or having lost touch find themselves on the losing end in the ballot box.

She is a great nation despite her imperfections. This is a day to celebrate that we live in a nation that still protects the rights of the citizens. This is a day where its not about Democrat versus Republican or Liberal versus Conservative. This is not a day about blue state versus red state. This is a day to celebrate the birth of that grand experiment in governance, that has been a model for many nations to follow. A day to remember that despite our disagreements, we are a nation "of the people, by the people, and for the people." May we never forget that, for once we forget that guiding principle, that experiment becomes doomed.

**On a side note, not completely unrelated, about a week ago I dropped my mom off at Norman Y. Mineta Airport in San Jose. I stepped out for a cigarette, and when I returned the check in area had filled with probably 200 soldiers in uniform. It looked like they were headed out for leave. I have to say that was an awe inspiring sight to see all those young men in uniform who were serving our country.**

Rob and I would also like to send a special Independence Day greeting and thank you to all who are serving or have served this great nation!

Feeling patriotic here at TFDS!