HAPPY 250th ANNIVERSARY TO US

2 PARAGRAPHS 4 LIBERTY: 470

As we all know, this coming July 4th marks the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which was the first step in the Founding of the United States of America because it led to the ratification and signing of our Constitution in 1787. But should this really be a celebration? My answer to that question is a categorical Yes! Why so? Because those Founding and Guiding Documents specified that “All Men Are Created Equal,” and that all have Fundamental Rights that are protected by the Bill of Rights specified in the First Ten Amendments from improper interference by the State. (Since that time the term “All Men” has appropriately been defined to include females as well as males.)

Okay, we know that our Constitution is the oldest surviving foundation for a republican government, but why has that made such a difference? The answer is that it has kept us from being ruled by a monarchy or autocracy, and that has directly led to individual people – by their own planning, efforts and diligence – to reap the rewards of their efforts. In other words, we do not have a class system here, we achieve success by merit. Thus anyone who is creative and works hard can make it in America and, transparently, that is not true in many places around the world. So, in effect, we have institutionalized Dr. Milton Friedman’s famous comment that “Incentives Matter!” Compassion for people’s situations has a place, but receiving the consequences of people’s actions is what drives success and prosperity. As a result, immigrants as well as people who were born into lower economic class families can achieve success and stature through their own efforts. As an example, about eight of the world’s largest companies are American, and four of those were founded by immigrants!

So Happy Anniversary America – 250 years and still achieving! Certainly we continue to have problems, but as long as we remain faithful to the concept of Liberty for All, as bequeathed to us by our Founding Documents, we will be destined to continue to succeed!

(One more thought to share: Seek purpose – happiness will follow. Purpose gives life depth; happiness tends to show up along the way when you’re living intentionally. Chasing happiness alone is slippery; it prefers to be surprised.)