As we celebrate Independence Day 2024, the Shrew believes it is time for our nation to reflect on what it truly means to be independent. In the United States each state is governed independently, each town or city within each state is governed independently, and each citizen 18 years of age and older governs their own lives independently. No single person or group within our nation can demand allegiance. Instead, we each pledge allegiance to the republic. A pledge is a solemn promise and in this respect we each promise to be loyal to the founding principles dedicated to the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of each individual.

Consequently we use the democratic process to elect representatives who further swear an oath to a constitution that limits their power. Independence in this way conforms somewhat with dependence. It has to do this because we naturally understand that no man or woman is an island. People must choose to bond in right relationship, and therefore it’s important to remember that all relationships require some dependency.

But sometimes dependency can be unhealthy. Are we now growing more dependent on a federal government that is making our lives, liberty and happiness unhealthy? Absolutely!!

The federal government is now printing money for increased spending in health insurance coverage, college loan forgiveness, migrant resettlement programs, green new deal initiatives, and forever wars. All of this spending is a huge tax burden on the poor and middle classes who make up the majority of our citizens. What is the policy goal of the federal government based upon the aforementioned practices? Reality shows that causing great discomfort to the majority can and will result in a cry for help. A reliance on help from government sources leads to dependence on the government. This is not the American way to life, liberty and happiness…Instead the goal is a Marxist way to authoritarianism.

Unfortunately we now have a tug of war going on at the highest levels of our government. This war does not end with maximum liberty for American citizens. Social issues and economic issues are always divisive and therefore are better solved by people at the most local level. Congress will never solve abortion, transgender therapy, race relations or financial inequality unless an authoritarian ruler is in charge. Understand that legislation is not the American way to life, liberty and happiness, yet social unrest is the Marxist way to authoritarianism.

We now see that a divided government is the best government. Why? Because it shows us that we can only really solve our problems on our own. This brings the focus back to individual life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Freedom of expression is unique to each of us and dependent on no one. Pledge allegiance to our nation’s flag…Not to a political party and not to a special interest group.

Always remember that your Creator who is the Great Liberator has your soul in His hands. He cares about your pursuit of happiness in this life and beyond as long as you love kindness and treat yourself and your neighbors with compassion. He depends upon this commitment from human kind. Now that’s a dependency that works!!