Do I Own My Own Patriotism?

Isn't it a wonder when many ideas all come together in several parts of your life? On this fourth of July, I have had the opportunity to do some deep thinking about freedom. I'm not talking about your sappy, John Philip Sousa, red-white-and-blue-polka-dot-baby waving an American flag reflecting. The processing of my individual beliefs has taken years of experiences, instruction, observing, and reflecting. I truly think as I was reading my most recent read, Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson, I had the unique opportunity of forming a definite opinion about what freedoms I believe are the "unalienable rights" referred to in our country's constitution. What a lovely gift on the fourth!