Winning Words 7/2/10
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” (Thomas Jefferson) There’s more to the 4th of July than fireworks and picnics. Perhaps you can print out Jefferson’s words and re-read them on Sunday, and think about what a great country is ours. ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: There is an interesting article in this week's "Detroit Jewish News": page 33, "Did the Hebrew Bible Give Birth to Democracy? Scholars begin to challenge view that the rise of democratic values is attributable solely to Western secular thought." "I do think that Hebraic arguments, particularly about monarchy, played an important role in the ideological origins of the American Revolution--most spectacularly
in Thomas Paine's Common Sense." Reflecting upon the Declaration of Independence and our forefathers and foremothers FROM JACK: That's an interesting thought. I hadn't heard it expressed before, particularly in connection with Independence Day. FROM JACK: If many Americans feel that way returning after visiting other lands, I wonder if the reverse is true.

FROM NL IN FLORIDA/INDIANA: Amen to that FROM JACK: Amen

fROM DAZ IN COLORADO: Well done FROM JACK: Rare!

FROM BBC IN ILLINOIS: Thanks, NPR just did it for me; they did a great reading of the preamble and complete declaration read by some of their top newcasters…I had forgotten all of the words and thoughts behind those that you posted. Have a great holiday weekend. FROM JACK: I remember memorizing the Declaration Independence and the Gettysburg Address in school. While it may have seemed like a chore at the time, I'm glad that I was "made" to do it.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: Yes, ours is a great country, founded on the principle that we are all created with the right to be alive, to live free, and to find our individual choices of happiness. That simple concept allows us opportunities to be comfortable, creative, and socially involved as we like. Over a couple centuries the country has progressed, prospered, and contributed enormously to the rest of the world, and we take pride in all that. On July 4th we celebrate it. Nevertheless, there are many around the world who oppose what we do, not only criticizing our way of life, but making every effort to destroy our way of life. What is it that disturbs them so much? Are we overlooking something about ourselves as we push on? FROM JACK: Could it be "the green-eyed monster?" Jealousy is probably too simplistic of an answer. Different cultures have different values, and it takes WORK to try and understand that truth...and to try to get along with the differences. And the sword cuts both ways.

FROM SF IN MICHIGAN: Amen...how blessed we are. FROM JACK: As with blessings, we need reminders from time to time to count them. The 4th of July is a time to think about the word, "independence," and what it really means. Maybe we need a refresher course in history...American and World.

FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: as part of our celebration maybe we all ought to reread the Declaration and the constitution. When was the last time we looked at these two valuable documents A happy Independence Day to all FROM JACK: Beyond rereading, I think we need a recommitment to the principles behind those documents.

FROM JM IN VIRGINIA: I visited the Library of Congress a few weeks ago and in the US History room, they have an exhibit entitled, "Creating the United States". Actual rough drafts of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are displayed, as well as letters back and forth by the drafters discussing certain language, etc. Very interesting. There also is a recreation of a portion of Jefferson's library about 2,000
actual volumes. Go to www.loc.gov. It's a great website. Happy 4th of July! We'll be picnicing and watching the fireworks from the parade grounds in front of the Pentagon building which faces over the river toward the Washington Monument. FROM JACK: Those were real, live people who put together those documents, and you got a chance to see evidences of that. History comes alive in museums.

FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: If you travel anywhere else in the world, you are happy to return to the good old U.S.A.! Jefferson's words are appropriate for the 4th! We may be in deep distress as a nation right now, but having read many historical biographies, I'll wait for history's verdict... God bless America!

FROM AW IN ILLINOIS: I've been watching the series on PBS about "the Story of Us" and they had a very good segment on the war of 1812. However, my recollection is that very little , if any, is taught about this important, vital event in our history at school. According to that sgment, the U.S. general in charge of US. forces had the largest US. flag ever made flown over the fort..and that is what Francis Scott Key saw and was inspired by. Also, hymn # 893 in the ELW "Before You, Lord, We Bow" has words by FSK. You probably knew that. FROM JACK: No, I didn't know that....and we sang that hymn in church yesterday. I thought that it was a good one, but didn't look at the composer.