Happy 4th of July!

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.