Legacy of Freedom--Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Martin Luther King, Jr.--More

Martin Luther King's birthday is a good time to reflect on the legacy of freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.  Thomas Jefferson, primary crafter of the Declaration of Independence and James Madison, a primary crafter of the Constitution of the United States of America along with Ben Franklin, George Washington, and others created a foundation of freedom celebrated in the United States of America since its founding in 1776.  Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others helped expand this foundation of freedom to include people of more cultures and races living in this country.  Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, began writing about women's rights in 1776 and they, too, have come a long way.

Each of us today benefits from this legacy of freedom.  It is our responsibility to maintain it and to extend it.  Discrimination exists in this country for lots of reasons including economics, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, language, and many other ideas people use to distinguish one person or group from another person or group.

We have challenges to overcome--terrorists focusing on destroying American culture and values, natural disasters (such as the earthquake in Haiti) that requires authentic human response to met the needs of victims regardless of any differences we might be aware of.

President Barack Obama has been in office for almost one year.  In his oath of office, he promised to preserve, protect, and to defend the Constitution of the United States.  He is working hard to live up to his promises and to continue the legacy of freedom for his children and for all of us in the years to come.