Included in this month’s issue…
Have an exceptional 4th of July
The operative word is “exceptional.” America is an exceptional nation. Why? What makes America so unique in all the world?
America was founded on ideals. Whereas other countries have had an ethnic group and a piece of real estate to define it, America is a nation defined by our Constitution.
Our Constitution was a revolutionary document when it was written. Most people around the world, certainly most leaders and governments, did not believe people could choose their leaders and govern themselves. It seemed inconceivable that a nation could even exist without a King or Queen to fight and die for; no one would fight for anything other than their “beloved leader”.
America’s Constitution changed all that. It is based on the idea that individuals have certain rights, “inalienable rights” and freedoms irrespective of what a king, sovereign, dictator, or even a judge, court or legislative body may decide or vote on.
These freedoms and rights do not derive from the government but are from our Creator and are not to be questioned or tampered with by earthly people and institutions. Further, if a government does not honor these “inalienable rights” the people have the right to overthrow it.
This is an exceptional document. In addition, our founders acknowledged that humans are flawed, and people in power are not to be trusted. Therefore power must be divided among branches of government. For example, a legislative body may remove a President from office and a court may declare a law passed by a legislative body as unconstitutional and invalid.
Because America is a nation of ideals you can walk into an office filled with hundreds of workers from dozens of countries exhibiting very varied facial features and skin tones. Every one of them may be as American as someone whose ancestors came over on the Mayflower. What defines whether a person is an American is adherence to an amazing document, our Constitution.
Have a great 4th of July holiday and remember that the solemnity of Memorial Day and the joy of the 4th are two sides of the same coin. People have fought and died to preserve the freedoms we so loudly celebrate in July.
Please click here to view the rest of our July 2015 newsletter.
For Your Health,
Dr. Scott Van Dam