ABOUT A WORD – AT 11:15 P.M. ET:  As we celebrate Independence Day, we might pause to consider what "independence" means, and to distinguish it from another word.

"Independence" and "freedom" are different concepts.  They are often merged, as if they are the same thing.  As the colonial era dimmed, countries gained their "independence," but were often labeled "free" by a less-than-careful press.   We would regularly hear tinpot dictators of former British or French colonies shouting, "We are free," as the bonds were broken.

But many of the "independent" countries were, and remain, far from free.  Most, in fact, never were particularly free.  Basic freedoms often eluded the "free" countries of Africa.  Revolutions of the "people," as occurred in Cuba, were too often revolutions of "some people," without any guarantees of real freedom.

And there are countries, like Canada, that are not entirely independent – it is part of the British Commonwealth – but are remarkably free.

The United States is both free and independent.  Our freedoms had to be fought for, and, for some parts of our population, freedom was initially denied.  But today we are a free nation with remarkable opportunities and mobility.  And our freedoms are carefully defined in law. 

The question is whether we can maintain that freedom.  The issue is always in doubt.  Ronald Reagan warned that "freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

I don't believe Americans will lose their freedoms.  I do believe it's possible we will give them up, drawn by the siren song of the vicious left:  "You don't need them lousy freedoms.  We'll tell you what to think."  It is amazing to recall how many people have bought that line...and how many "educators" have taught it to others.

Eternal vigilance is required.  But it will be useless unless the corruptions of our educational system and our media are corrected.  That must be the first line of our defense. 

July 4, 2018