Amid the fireworks, food, and family fun, let's reflect and remember that what we are celebrating: that we are the most free, most democratic, most open society and country on earth. This country and system of government did not happen by accident--the vision and principles of our Founders were grounded in the beliefs of God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness--principles that are not subject to interpretation or to the whims of those who yearn for a "living," "breathing," constitution. Our Constitution has endured for 220 years with just 27 amendments. Contrast this to France, which has had over 5 Constitutions or Germany, or a number of other countries like the United Kingdom which do not have constitutions to specify the liberties and rights of the individual and the limitations of the power of the state.Only in the United States could Charles Carroll, a Catholic from Maryland sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 alongside of Thomas Jefferson, a Protestant, at a time when religious wars were waging in Europe. Yet the delegates to that first continental congress found common agreement in the belief of God-given rights and liberties--the foundation for a new type of government by the people, of the people, and for the people.
Lt. Governor Sean Parnell will take office later this month. Palin resigned before finishing her term; shocking the political establishment, and gave no indication of her future plans except to successfully outline her administration's accomplishments while stating that she wanted the state to get back to business and she was tired of the distractions and ridiculous ethics complaints--efforts by her opponents to stymie her administration.Will Palin go into private life? Is she gearing up for a run for the presidency in 2010? If so, it would be more practical to finish out her term. I happen to think she may be gearing up for a Senate run in 2012, possibly challenging fellow Republican incumbent Lisa Murkowski in the GOP primary (unless Murkowski chooses not to run for a second term).What do you think? How does this affect the Republican presidential field for 2012?
