* * Our nation's greatness

On this Independence Day, a friend posted on his blog, “It’s time to honor the country we call ours and remember that even with our problems we’re still the greatest nation on earth.”

While I make it a regular habit of counting my blessings and enjoying what this nation has provided for me, the notion of whether we are the greatest nation on earth is a question I don’t really ask.

We can ask if Johnny Unitas was the greatest quarterback ever.

We can ask if Beethoven was the greatest composer ever.

For me, asking what is the greatest nation on earth is a fruitless exercise.

You see, I’ve been to lots of others. They’re populated by folks mostly trying to do the same things we are: feed, clothe, educate, and keep their families healthy.  The degree to which they are able to do that is largely dependent upon the governance and power structure of their nation. For many of us, we’ve been very fortunate in that regard. But certainly not everybody.

Our nation was pieced together by a Dream Team of Founding Fathers. The aggregate wisdom and intellect of Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Monroe, and the others had never been seen before and will likely never be seen again. Nevertheless, we lead the world in too few of the positive indices: access to health care, access to capitol, education, per capita income, etc. The Dream of the Founding Fathers is still in our hands.

Today is our nation’s birthday. So let’s go drink some beer, shoot off some fireworks, and spend time with friends and family. Tomorrow, let’s get back to work making this country what we all know it should be.