Happy Independence Day!

As we all celebrate today, it is also a time to reflect back on the freedom's that we have all become so accustomed to living here in the "Land of the Free." Or is it?

After just visiting Eastern Europe for the 1st time and experiencing a culture of people that have recently gained their freedom over Communistic oppression, I can honestly say that I found a renewed sense of what freedom is really about. You see, here in America we sometimes walk around with blinders on and more often than not we take our personal freedom's for granted. In Eastern Europe, I saw a people who were not only proud of their culture, heritage and history but also found a culture of tolerance and acceptance that is NOT found here in the USA. In general, the people of Eastern Europe are totally supportive and open when it comes to human rights and that means a culture of acceptance for people of color, religion and sexual orientation. How refreshing! It is hard to believe that in 2008, the majority of people in the USA cannot get past their own issues to allow for a truly FREE nation.

So, as I celebrate today it is my hope that one day the USA will truly embrace what Freedom truly means and we will have a society free of oppression.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!