Two centuries and 40 years ago, our founding fathers separated themselves from the British and the journey of America as we know it began to take form.
American’s wild, often fantastical imaginations, conjure images of colonial militia fighting against the British, flags and rifles in hand, unified under one cause. Images can be found of our founding fathers deliberating in the court hall collectively deciding how our newly independent country will function and thrive without the arm of the British.
It can be discouraging to look at the current state of America and long for a time of fresh revolution where everyone can agree on at least one thing. However, this wasn’t the case in the early years of American politics.
Colonial soldiers fought for our freedom, and countless veterans have continued to do so since America’s birth, for that Americans are thankful. Our founding fathers deliberated over our constitution and laws to create a fair government system that represented the people and not a monarchy, but not in the grand cooperative or inclusive nature Americans are so accustomed to envisioning.
Early American politicians were at odds with each other over numerous issues. Most prominent of which was the expansion and extent of the federal government to empowered state government, a topic still debated on today. There were federalists and republicans both of which strongly disagreed with each other on the organization of the U.S. government.
The 2000s thus far have promised to bring us some of the same base policy and organizational arguments we have been fighting over for 240 years.
Two centuries later, America hasn’t changed too drastically. The most noticeable difference is the right to vote has extended from only white, land-owning males to all citizens, regardless of background or lifestyle. The right to vote is the most fundamentally unique and sacred privilege established for us by our founding fathers.
Amidst the presidential election Americans find themselves in the familiar place of disagreeing with each other on just about everything. One thing the majority can agree on is that the right to vote is sacred. A right that cannot and will not be denied. A right available to us because of the actions of our founding fathers and colonial militias in the 1700s. For one day we can all celebrate the accomplishments of those that came before us. With burgers, hot dogs and beers in hand, Americans celebrate and salute the men and women who have fought for our freedom, independence and ability to voteover the past 240 years.
Come November celebrate this freedom once more by voting in the presidential election.
Kevin Douglas Neighbors
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