Consciousness and Self Evident Truths

The 4th of July in the United States of America is a remarkable day that many use to celebrate many things, like the beginning of barbeque season. But at heart it is about being present to the wonder this country is, the microcosm we are for the world.

 From the Declaration of Independence:
  
"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:

(And, yes, Thomas Jefferson, who wrote this was a slaveholder. As were many white supposedly educated men at the time.) 

This statement is the foundation of the United States of America. In time this country would be the ideal for the world societies and a new way to engage its inhabitants. and you have to appreciate the energies present in its creation. 

In 1776, for those who were predominantly coming to these shores, power meant white european men, not women and no others, native or foreign born outside of Europe. They came looking to conquer resources. Or, now as then, they and their families were fleeing persecution. Most settlers here were unwanted where they were from and being hounded. The choices were to stay and die or go into the unknown and hope for the best. Famine and plague were also reason to come. Escape and sanctuary are part of our national identity.  

The American Constitution and its documents are not a manifesto of control and supremacy over others. Which was a reversal about how people had been ruled pretty much, with a few exceptions, for the span of man. It was about creating a new way of ruling, a government of democracy. It was and still is about a partnership between people, no matter their status and those they choose to represent them as a whole and how that will be done. And, like anything sometimes this works better than other times.

In its time and place it was and still is a remarkable set of documents. No matter the limits of the founding fathers we have gone beyond that time. Over time amendments have updated the documents to our present. We value free speech, a free press, the right to question, our citizens of all sexes, place of origin. and religion have protection. Rights that some today would still question or limit.

In its design, it has become an invitation to respect and value all who choose to be here as part of this country. It does not matter where you are from. or who you are, only that you are willing to become part of something new, something united not divided. The much lauded American dream was you could succeed no matter your beginnings. That is what we want it to mean.

Those of us here for generations may have forgotten that. It is an invitation that in the past many have risked life to reach our shores. And it is ours to protect and foster and hold sacred.

 In many ways this country is very threatening to others as a way of life and its' ideals. I can appreciate people's concerns about the allowing of criminals into this country from foreign shores and those who mean to harm others. There needs to be safeguards in place. But across the board denials I question. To paint a people as evil because of some is prejudice and speaks to our fears not our compassion. 

We also need to remember that terrorists come in all shapes and sizes, internal and external. They can wear many faces, businessman, politician, beloved icon. Those who think in terms of terrorism probably are familiar with the dynamic from all its sides as in being one in behavior and being victimized by one. Inside every terrorist is a child looking out in reaction.

We seem to find ourselves to be stuck in the middle of this shouting match in our political and media arenas. Our hidden feelings and insecurities are front and center these days which is good. Not pretty but it is important as we evolve.

Humanity is evolving. Across the globe dictators are in stress, men and women are redefining their relationship. No matter the race or culture we are awakening to value women and children and helpers as equal, not chattel. The Collective is awakening. Quantum leaps are happening.

No matter how we got here, we are here now, in this time and space we call America. We all came from someplace else to settle here even the native population. We are much enriched by the diversities of culture that the United States has become. 

Every being, no matter their point of origin upon this earth deserves life, liberty and to know what makes them happy. We are One, we are Consciousness and as we start living this truth we will all be better off. 

Janet Barrett
Life in the Beyond/Journeys Into Enlightenment
www.janetandbeyond.com
janetb@janetandbeyond.com