Celebrate our Independence!

Have a patriotic and safe 4th of July today.  Dadsworld hopes that you are spending time with your family and loved ones today, and taking some time to think about our country, it’s history and it’s future.

My thought for the day is to be sure to work on raising children (and working on yourself) to become self-reliant.  Our country was built by people who could take care of themselves.  Literally.  Our ancestors were self-sufficient, able to provide themselves food, shelter and a way of life that supported their families and created communities.  I see way too many people today who can’t even change a light bulb, or repair a loose railing…let alone live independently.  Too many people have an entitlement mentality, in my opinion.  Waiting for the government, or someone else to take care of them.  That’s NOT the American spirit.  That victim mentality is a modern day disease, created by an ever growing and intrusive government.  The spoils of a successfull society can create lazy and incapable individuals who depend too much on the system.  I think hurricaine Katrina showed us all too well that the government CAN’T effectively help us.  Although many people still don’t seem to have learned that lesson.  You couldn’t create government that can really take care of all of it’s citizens (even though there are massive efforts ongoing to do just that).  No.  The citizens need a fierce independence, and the skills that go along with it. 

Be sure to honor our forefathers and work on ourselves.  Especially today.  Remember those that fought, and continue to fight for our freedom and exercise your independence.  More and more of our freedoms are being taken away with every new legislative session.  Even our constitution which grants us the rights to life, liberty (freedom) and the pursuit of happiness is under constant attack.  We have to be diligent and skillfull to retain those rights, or they too will eventually disappear under a government that purports to be acting in your best interest.

Dads matter in children’s lives.  Be there, and be the rock solid leader and teacher that they want you to be.  You have a unique ability to teach your children about the meaning of freedom and sacrifice.  Teach them the skills they need to be independent, and encourage them to go after their dreams.

Have a great day!