Today we celebrate Independence Day, the day that our forefathers declared that the colonies on this side of the Atlantic are and by right free and independent states. The Declaration of Independence has in it the phrase “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.” Although at the time these words were written, only some men were recognized as individuals in their own right, this idea that all men are created equal has morphed into a standard including women and minorities of all types.
This country was founded on an idea. Many came to the colonies for religious purposes or for business, but the basic core of our foundation is the idea that all men and women are created equal. Not only is this under law, but also that no barriers except what the individual puts up can keep a person down. There are and will be obstacles to achieving what one desires, but anything can be overcome with time and effort.
With this idea of equality, our nation has been tested time and time again. It has taken a civil war, various violent encounters and social stigma, as well as passage of laws to enfranchise groups of people. It has not been easy, but as one learns about these time periods, more and more are we prepared to appreciate what we have gained.
Ours is a wonderful history, for where else
In our nation, as people became free in their thinking, so has much been accomplished. It has been due to many groups who have joined the causes freeing people from bondage to old ways of thinking and putting forth the efforts to the end when freedom rang out in the areas of concern. I have seen the California History Museum and the wall of women who have done so much for this state and for our country, the shame of the concentration camp for Japanese citizens, read about the inventions and the breakthroughs of many different individuals of all types in medicine and science, and the pioneers who settled this land, among them many strong women who stood by their families and could shoot as well as a man, rope cattle and do farm work while at the same time insuring the survival of their families alongside their men folk.
With the exception of individuals and certain groups, our nation as a whole has not treated the African-American and the Native American and other minorities as they should have been treated. But over the years more and more respect and understanding for these groups has taken place. It is still not easy and there are people who still can't seem to understand these things, but the basic core of our country is such that many individuals want our nation to be better in our relationships with each other.
Hollywood has been portrayed as immoral, yet because of the movie industry, many men and women have been able to portray history and what it meant to the people of the time, not necessarily as it was, but with a degree of accuracy that has helped many to appreciate what we have. It has also been an industry that has been at the forefront of non-discrimination against any group of people.
As we continue to work through our problems and hopefully with civilly, let us pause to remember that each of us can make a difference no matter who we are or where we are on life's journey. Let us celebrate our great nation and its history, looking to make things better and rejoicing in our heritage.
Ted Adams resides in Arcata.