Current Events

Thoughts & Reflections on The Fourth of July

KANWAL PRAKASH "K.P." SINGH

The greatness of the United States of America is often overshadowed by the current rancor in state legislatures and the U.S. Congress, all of it driven by uncompromising political ideology rather than by any urgency or a collective will to resolve the critical challenges that we face as a nation today:

Jobs, national debt, health care, taxes, immigration, national security, and our future direction as a Republic.

Americans are rightly outraged, dismayed, and distrustful of national leaders, elected representatives, the wasteful spenders, and unconscionable exploiters. The global community that always held America in the highest esteem and envied her eternal optimism, innovative trailblazing, sacrifices, commanding leadership in time of war and peace, triumphs and tragedies, is concerned and watching our political confrontations, divisions, shaken resolve, financial decline, and wondering about our lofty ideals, policies, and founding principles now adrift.

Uncertainty has not stopped people of diverse faiths, cultures, and communities from the farthest corners of our globe from converging here, as if by providential decree, to build a “More Perfect Union.”

Immigrants see America’s shining pioneer spirit, making the impossible dream possible; relate to American freedoms: rights to life, liberty, and happiness; are fascinated by unimagined generosity and compassion toward others. They want to be a part of this divinely inspired experiment and give definition to their American Dream.

My thoughts on the big issues of the day are based on Punjabi-Hoosier common sense.

Governance of a free society at the city, state, and national levels is sustained by the trade of goods and services and tax revenues. Taxes are people’s “trust money,” an assurance and insurance to receive critical services, quality of life, and accountability in exchange. The abuse, misuse, disruptions, massive over-spending and burgeoning debt is a violation of that trust.

National security and safety at home demand that our borders and interests are secure and that we are mindful of hidden dangers, accompanying challenges and stresses that such large-scale illegal influx is causing to the border states and Nation. The states and cities must have sovereign mandates and responsibility to safeguard the well-being of all citizens.

But America should remain a nation of legal immigrants.

We must tighten our belt as a matter of national security and American dignity; make a solemn pledge to end borrowed spending from this July 4 forward. National debt is a threat to our Republic and an unconscionable burden to the generations that follow. Creation of jobs must be priority number one.

A job restores a person’s dignity; prosperity brings in revenues to lower the national debt.

Healthcare for every American and every person, legal or illegal, is a sacred right and humanitarian responsibility. Federal takeover and dictates are infringements, troubling, and a frequent budget-buster. European countries are finding out that the spiraling costs of socialized medicine and universal healthcare are unsustainable frightening experiments.

I dream of an America:

-   Where the brilliant ideals enshrined in our Constitution and the proud legacy of American visionaries that have few equals in the history of human civilization, remain our anchor and guiding light.

-   Where our individual potential and collective strengths transcend the frontiers of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, and dismantle all barriers that diminish our promise.

-   Where equality, opportunity, freedom, safety, and human dignity are not just a promise but an honored living mandate; leadership, service, and generosity reflect the true American spirit.

-   Where just laws reflect our time and place, are our sacred bedrock foundation and fairly apply to all citizens.

-   Where universal hopes, dreams, and trust in our intertwined destiny govern our conscience; light and labor of each one enhances the gifts and promise of all Americans, fellow human beings; and the people’s business takes precedent over ideology and self-righteousness.

-   Where learning about and from one another dispels unfounded stereotyping, and peaceful coexistence are a worthy endeavor; interfacing with diverse people, cultures, traditions, and perspectives is not a cause for fear but a rewarding opportunity to discover in solidarity the amazing “American Renaissance.”

To honor such a vision, dream, and prayer:

I open my heart and spirit in the time-honored tradition of American greatness; do my part and be counted among those committed to making a difference in the strengths, dignity, and well-being of fellow Americans; not be an undue burden by demanding more than I contribute in positive ways to keep alive the promise of America for future generations.

I remain optimistic about the innate goodness of Americans who have encouraged the winds of cultures and brilliant ideas to flow through our corridors and crossroads and harness the collective wisdom to achieve yet undreamed of successes in important arenas.

I am proud to serve with my modest gifts and nurture the renaissance that began with enlightened Americans centuries ago to become a reality for our children.

Happy Fourth of July!

July 4, 2012

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