����vlog

Happy belated Independence Day.Amidst the parties, picnics and signs of patriotism, let’s not forget the significance of our celebration. The founders of this country declared their independence 248 years ago from Great Britain. And with our Declaration of Independence, the United States of America was born.The promises our forefathers made to themselves and future generations were always aspirational. It’s easy to find the places we still fall woefully short. And perhaps that’s why this year I find myself reflecting. Reflecting on how far our nation’s rhetoric and civil discourse has fallen. Every major issue seems to create an opportunity for character assassination and division. Long lost are the days where competing ideas or philosophies could be respected. Today, we seem to live in this perpetual cycle of hate. Hate for any idea in direct opposition to ones we hold. We blame the government, blame the media, or blame anyone else.Let’s use Independence Day as a time to remember: our country was built on the principle of government that was “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Meaning, the improvement we want isn’t going to come, unless we all do our part.So as the dust settles on this year’s Independence Day weekend, how about if we all pledge to lift up more and tear down less. We have big issues to solve. We can solve them, but it starts with respecting ideas, and thought, and allowing civil discourse to happen. Our forefathers imagined a more perfect union. We can create that, but it takes all of us. WATCH: Fireworks light up the sky for Yankee Doodle Pops