PERSONAL NOTE
For everyone in the USA, Happy Fourth of July! I am celebrating many things this month. My great niece is coming home after almost a 1 1/2 years at treatment centers for extreme Anorexia, my brother will be moving into his new custom home, and I celebrate all of you reading this. Whether you are a close friend, acquaintance, or someone I have never met, you all hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being the wonderful people you are and being an important part in my life.
This month let's talk about freedom.
ARTICLE
Freedom is the Heart of America
Freedom in the United States isn't just a buzzword; it's like the beating heart, the guiding star woven into the very fabric of our nation. From our Founding Fathers' passion for liberty in the Declaration of Independence to discussions about civil liberties and individual rights, freedom's essence runs deep in the American soul. But what does freedom really mean to the citizens of the United States?
At its core, American freedom is all about having the freedom to be yourself and pursue your passions without unnecessary interference. This freedom is safeguarded by a system of laws, rights, and institutions that are designed to protect our individual liberties. Take the U.S. Constitution, for instance, with its Bill of Rights that guarantee rights like freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the press, showing just how essential these freedoms are to our way of life.
In America, freedom is also deeply tied to the concept of democracy. The idea that we, as individuals, have a say in how our country is run through elections, activism, and civic engagement is crucial. This democratic process allows for diverse voices to be heard and for differences to be resolved peacefully, making sure that freedom isn't just a luxury for a few but a right for everyone.
And let's not forget about economic freedom—it's a big part of what makes America tick. Believing in free markets, entrepreneurship, and the chance for individuals to thrive through their hard work is ingrained in our values. This economic freedom, along with the rule of law and property rights, has fueled our country's economic growth and innovation.
Of course, the concept of freedom in the United States isn't without its challenges. We're constantly debating how to strike the right balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility, especially when it comes to issues like public health, national security, and social justice. Privacy rights, equal opportunities, and the limits of government power are topics that continue to shape our discussions about freedom.
Looking back, our history with freedom has been a journey filled with struggles and progress. From the dark legacy of slavery to the fight for civil rights and ongoing efforts to tackle systemic inequalities, we're always striving for a more inclusive and fair freedom for all Americans.
In the end, the meaning of freedom in the United States is rich and ever evolving. It covers individual rights, democratic ideals, economic opportunities, and social justice. It's a delicate balance between personal autonomy and the common good, between our rights and responsibilities.
Freedom isn't just a goal to reach—it's an ongoing journey that requires us to stay engaged, vigilant, and committed to the values that have shaped our country.
COOL RESOURCE
While preparing this newsletter I was thinking about the requirements of becoming a citizen. Each person applying is asked 10 questions (out of the 100 possible questions) and must get 6 correct answers or 60%. I took the sample test which is 20 questions and got 95%. If you would like to take the test here is the link Welcome to the 2008 Civics Practice Test! | USCIS You may find it interesting to see how well you score, frankly I wasn't sure how I would do.
I LOVE GETTING YOUR COMMENTS
Let me know what you are celebrating or your score it you took the test.
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Stay safe, healthy, and happy!
Coach Jan
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