Must not take freedoms for granted

On January 20, 2017, I attended the inauguration of a new president as power was peacefully transitioned from one administration to the next. It is an occurrence every four or eight years that we, as Americans, accept without a second thought. When the electorate speaks at the polls, we expect office holders to pass off power to people from the opposite political party who are often political rivals.

However, in the history of the world, the peaceful transition of power is a rarity. Even today, changes in government in many parts of the world are sadly met with violence and bloodshed.

Two hundred forty-two years ago our nation’s Founding Fathers declared our nation’s independence. Since that time, we have grown from a ragtag confederation of 13 small colonies into the most powerful and prosperous nation that the world has ever known. We have reached these heights because we protect the freedom of the individual, and we uphold the rule of law.

America’s experiment in self-governance is still unfolding. We face many serious and contentious issues. Yet, we must remember that the freedom and the rule of law that we enjoy in America, as well as the prosperity that comes from it, are not universally experienced. Across the world, governments jail activists and journalists who speak out against their governments. Many countries bar women from participating in civic life. Every week, millions of religious faithful are forced to worship in secret.

As Americans, we must not take for granted the freedoms and peace that we enjoy. Countless Americans have shed their blood to keep us free and allow us to live in peace. It is up to us to carry on the legacy. As President Ronald Reagan famously said:  “We know that peace is the condition under which mankind was meant to flourish. Yet peace does not exist of its own will. It depends on us, on our courage to build it and guard it and pass it on to future generations.”

On this Independence Day, let us be grateful for the incredible freedoms that we enjoy in this great country. Let us remember that America is a beacon of hope to the oppressed across the world who long to experience the peace and freedom that we often take for granted. And let us continue the work begun by our Founding Fathers to build a country that nourishes human freedom and upholds the rule of law.