Millions of us worldwide, but especially here in the United States, have been fascinated by the mystique of this "forbidden" island so close to our shores.
The 4th of July is a "feel good" holiday. Most of us are going to find ourselves beach-bound or at picnics with friends and loved ones. On a deeper level, it carries powerful meaning because of the freedoms that were delivered from our Founding Fathers.
Some Americans loathe the government and are doing everything they can to make the public so cynical about it that it's no longer capable of doing much of anything. But true patriotism means paying for America and coming together for the common good.
President Barack Obama's recent announcement giving the children of illegal immigrants the opportunity to work and the outraged reaction of the GOP made me step back and think "what makes someone an American?" Is it an accident of birth? Or is it an attitude?
It's time for you to declare your independence. To stand up for yourself. To take responsibility for creating what you really want from work. You need to know what you want and be able to speak up for it
One of the greatest forms of patriotism can come from the newest members of our society, who take the oath of citizenship and join the Armed Forces to protect our inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Let's call this right-wing "freedom" catch phrase what it really is: a grossly political strategy to dupe the public, which holds the word "freedom" as something sacred.
Join the national conversation with #INDIVISIBLE. Starting today, I invite you to share your view of America, and how we can all put citizenship over partisanship.
