February 5, 2009  
Mr. Rod Gilbert

You are Free in America

In America, you are free to express your religious beliefs, your political beliefs, and your views on the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin.  Perhaps the third category would raise the most controversy in some circles, but we often presume our freedoms as if they always existed and as if they are never threatened.

Each year, our nation celebrates Presidents Day in recognition of our Founding Fathers, who envisioned a republic - not a democracy.  And, they did believe that a founding ideal was liberty.

We enjoy liberty largely because our early forefathers built liberty into our original documents, and because we are now protectors of basic freedoms like liberty.  Perhaps you may find yourself thinking "Yeah - so what?"  Well, I suggest that your children need you to explain to them the value of this nation's view of liberty--take the time to read the Declaration of Independence and/or the Bill of Rights this month at the dinner table in celebration of Presidents Day.

Talk to your children about liberty and the value of living in a nation that allows your family to worship freely.  Your children will gain their view of patriotism from you as you help them recall the basics of America's humble beginning.

 If you want another idea, consider a film that is showing at the Bob Bullock Museum on February 22.  In celebration of George Washington's birthday, the Acton Foundation is showing a short film called "Birth of Freedom", and then helping families engage in Socratic dialogues regarding liberty.  I have been told that space is limited.  Perhaps your entire family may enjoy the free outing.  Go to actonmba.org/freedom for more information.