Freedom For All But The Most Deserving

Today we celebrate the two hundred and thirty-sixth anniversary of our nation's independence. American flags appropriately fly over our gatherings of family and friends, as patriotic pride overshadows politics and social issue divisiveness on this --Uncle Sam's birthday.  Like millions of my countrymen, I too am proud to be an American.  However, when I read the Declaration of Independence, my pride turns to shame when I consider the ones whose certain unalienable rights have been denied them for nearly forty years now...the most innocent and defenseless among us...our unborn American children:          

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Since the fatally flawed Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, we've been living in a country governed by laws that often value animal, sometimes even plant life, above human life.  I’m reminded of this every time I go to my office.  The lake outside my window is home to a large flock of Canada Geese.  Come to think of it, the lake outside most office windows in America is home to a large flock of Canada Geese.  Although beautiful creatures, they are far less valuable in the eyes of their Creator than any human life ever conceived.

Yet, The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 affords geese far more protection than we give innocent unborn American children.  The penalty for destroying a goose egg in America today can be up to $5,000 and six months in jail.  The penalty for destroying an unborn child?  Sadly, there is none.  Seriously?

As you give thanks to the One who gives us true freedom this 4th of July, please add a special prayer for our country to restore those certain unalienable rights to those most deserving of it.  And, may every goose sighting hereafter prompt you to do the same until a woman's right to choose no longer trumps a child's right to live.   

Click here to read the full text of The Declaration of Independence.