A friend of mine, who lives outside of the U.S., was concerned about a threat that was made in a LinkedIn group during a bit of a political debate.

When a few of the group members openly criticized President Obama, someone threatened to report them.

My friend asked me if they could be reported and if something terrible could happen to them.

I explained to him that we live in a country where we can openly express our views without fear of the Gestapo coming in the middle of the night and that the only “reporting” that should happen is the person threatening to “report” being reported as an asshole.

Freedom Is A Funny Thing . . .

I think from time to time we all need to be reminded about what we have and the price that was paid to obtain it for us.

In July 1776, a group of 56 men, signed a document, that was basically the 17th century equivalent of giving England the finger!

They were considered “traitors” and needless to say, put themselves and their families at risk!

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence . . .

5 were captured and tortured!

12 had their homes ransacked and burned

Several of them lost their sons in the battles that followed!

During the actual war, approximately a quarter of a million men fought for our freedom and approximately 25,000 died!

Of the 25,000 who died, 8,000 – 12,000 died of disease and starvation brought on by horrible conditions they experienced as prisoners of war!

Fast Forward To A 3 Day Weekend . . .

Somewhere between the July 4th sales, the 3 day weekend, the barbecues and the beer . . .

Let’s pause to remember those who have paid the price for our freedom.

Let’s pause pause to remember those who continue to fight for it too!

Here’s a link to a PDF of The Declaration of Independence because every once in a while, we all need to be reminded!

Wishing you a Happy Independence Day!