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Freedom is a Living, Breathing Thing

July 4, 2020

July 4, 2020
By Victor Riches

Independence Day is traditionally a day of celebration—cookouts and fireworks, parades and picnics, fun and relaxation with family and friends. But in a time of coronavirus, many Americans won’t be able to gather for their traditional plans. And that’s why this year, Independence Day is an especially important day to remember how precious and fragile our freedom is.

Freedom isn’t a given. It’s a living, breathing thing—a garden that needs tending and attention. And at the Goldwater Institute, we’re working diligently to bolster our freedoms, even in the midst of these challenging times. Over the past year, we’ve scored major victories across America to protect freedom:

The Declaration of Independence—adopted on July 4, 1776—declares that Americans have been endowed with the rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This is the quintessence of the American idea—that we inherently possess the freedoms to pursue our lives as we see fit. It’s easy to take these freedoms for granted when times are good, but when we face challenges, we must remember that freedom is not a guarantee that we’re entitled to in perpetuity.  Maintaining freedom is not easy — it takes vigilance and work.  

Perhaps most importantly, it requires our protection.  While the opponents of liberty are out in full force, it is now more important than ever to safeguard and nourish freedom — and to remind all Americans that it is, in fact, the very essence of our country.   

This Independence Day, the celebration of our freedom may look different from the way it usually does.  This year there may not be as many barbeques and fireworks.  But on this July 4, we should rejoice in the idea that freedom is alive and that America remains the greatest accomplishment in the history of humankind.  That’s exactly what we’re celebrating and will continue to pursue at the Goldwater Institute.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Victor Riches is President and CEO of the Goldwater Institute.

 

 

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