Independence Day

Three definitions of freedom:

1. being able to do what you want

2. living under a government that understands there are limits to its own power

3. being able to change your situation in life

So how is the U.S. doing on bringing freedom to the world this 4th of July?

Under the first definition, some Iraqis are more able to do what they want; many of them are doing things we would rather they not do, like killing Americans and other Iraqis. The U.S. is also beginning to see poverty in Africa as something worth fighting, which could possibly lead to some more "absolute" freedom.

Under the second definition, the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan seem to have had some setbacks lately, with diminisehd ability to persuade their citizens that they are both safe and independent of the U.S. The government in Iran seems less likely to observe restraint toward its citizens or in Iraq with the election of a non-reformist as president. The dictator of Uzbekistan is still in power.

Third, economically speaking, there seems to be some progress in China. Human rights may be taking a back seat there, I think. I can't say whether middle class Americans as a whole are less able to make positive changes in their economic or social situation, but I think many of them are.

Random thoughts as viewed through an American lens. Not sure if I'm getting the whole story. It's tough to be comprehensive on a subject like this. More just musing.

Happy Independence Day! Did you know, the Declaration of Independence was actually voted on in the Continental Congress on July 3rd? The 4th of July printed on the Declaration is, in some senses, a printer's error.