In the US it is July 4th.  Currently many here are celebrating with displays of fireworks, etc.

We ostensibly celebrate our independence from Great Britain, a country with whom we have had a "special relationship" since World War 2.  What were the principles we fought for?

Firstly, it was the idea that we are endowed with certain inalienable rights by our Creator.  Since the founding fathers were primarily Deists, this was a sound position for the day.  Next was the idea that our leaders were there only at the consent of the governed. 

We have a member here, Peter O'Lalor who goes into much more eloquent detail regarding the moral foundation of the US and the implications of the wisdom of the founders, and how something changed early on.  I encourage everyone to listen to the various broadcasts of World Wide Wisdom Radio as Peter discusses the ideas and ideals behind our Republic.

Please feel free to jump in and comment and let us know what you think.