Fourth of July? A+

Founding Fathers (ACTUAL PIC) credit to redbubble.com

The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to learn about our nation's history. On that date in 1776 we ratified the Declaration of Independence and broke away from the British Empire. Some would say that it was the world's Evil Empire at the time, and we broke away from them like it was NBD. Ho hum, America off to a hot start!

Basically, we got tired of dealing with some asshat rulers across the ocean and we weren't gonna take it anymore, shoutout to Twisted Sister. People like Thomas Paine and Ben Franklin informed the public with radical pamphlets and newspapers, spreading the idea of breaking off from our once very close relatives. These guys took matters into their own hands and inspired a generation of people to act on what they thought was right.

Now, all of these guys weren't the poster children for morality. I mean, there wasn't any mention of women or people of color in the Declaration of Independence. Their version of someone that deserved every right was someone who looked like them. While this was a pretty gross oversight, their declaration laid the groundwork for the America we know (and some) love today.

We all know the inequalities created at the start of our nation led to long fights for the people of the oppressed class (basically everyone that wasn't a straight, white dude.) Most of these fights still rage on today, and for good reason. While the founding fathers may not have meant it at the time, most of us have come to realize that America should be a place where everyone can live a happy and healthy life. We have some of the best opportunities in the world. 

I think this is a good holiday to take a breath and realize that what we have here could be special. Giving everyone in this country a true equal opportunity is something we should be striving to achieve. If we do that, not to sound corny, we could literally be the greatest nation in the world. I'm sure it sounded ridiculous that women would have the right to vote in 1776, so you never know what could happen.

If you have time this holiday, take a look around your life and take note of what you like and what you think could be changed. These things you like, build on them and make them better. These things that need change, work on them to make everyone's experience in this country a little better. 

I know some don't get the privilege to take a break this holiday. The American dream is a tough one to fully achieve and sometimes you have to make some sacrifices to make ends meet or to keep your community safe. Just have a little love for your fellow Americans this Fourth of July and work as hard as you can to make it a better place for everyone to grow, thrive, and live comfortably in. 

With that being said, here's a video that will probably make you cry. Politics aside, I'm thankful for those who choose to protect our nation from terror and hate from abroad. Some make the ultimate sacrifice and should never be forgotten on a day like this. Shout out to all the soldiers.

Happy Fourth of July!