Independence Day. Everybody has their own way of celebrating it. Some don't even celebrate it. I'll skip the debate over how best to celebrate secular holidays for another time. Since TIME Magazine came out with their articles on Thomas Jefferson, I have been rereading some books about the man and his ideas. Today marks the anniversary of the day the Declaration of Independence was issued not just to Americans, but to the world. Our Revolution was an extraordinary event and one that inspired many other people to rise up against oppression. I hope it continues to inspire people here and abroad to respect the rights of man and uphold the ideals that helped create this country. The most perfect thing about this country is that we allow for improvement, for progress. That simple thing has always made me proud and grateful to be an American. For any other flaws or mistakes our government/country may have, the idea that it is up to the people to make those changes is the very essence of freedom.