As we pause to celebrate our Nation’s independence, I thought it would be an appropriate time to take note of our dependency upon one another.
The men and women who fought to secure our freedom were completely dependent upon one another for their very survival. They relied upon their fellow soldiers to watch their back, their superiors to advance strategies leading to victories on the battlefield, and their statesmen to plead their case to the World. Had any of these failed – if any team member let the others down – our freedom and independence from tyranny would have been in jeopardy.
Success Through Dependency
Today, to establish a successful and prosperous city, we rely upon similar dependencies. Our firefighters work together with a bond that ensures they do their part to keep each other (and the rest of us) safe. The same applies for law enforcement officers. Similarly, we are dependent upon those who ensure our trash is picked up, water arrives at our homes with the turn of a spigot, that our streets are safe to travel upon, that our neighborhood park will have mowed playfields, that our local library will be available for our inquiries, and that a teacher will be there helping prepare our children for the future.
We are no less dependent upon those who establish priorities, set budgets, and enact laws. Without our Councils, Boards, Commissions, Legislature, and Congress, we would be left with much less opportunity and protection.
Each of Us Doing Our Part
The people and institutions a that we all depend on for our safety, prosperity, and enjoyment may not be perfect; but neither were those who first gathered to demand our independence and freedom. The imperfections make them no less important. Indeed, the imperfections help highlight the dependency these individuals and institutions have on us – an informed and involved citizenry.
So, as we gather to grill hamburgers and hotdogs, watch fireworks, and listen to patriotic music, let us also recognize that our freedom and independence rely heavily on our dependence upon one another, and upon the institutions that we have formed to benefit each of us, both individually and collectively.
- Bob Cowell