Over the next few days BBQ’s will be running on overtime and fireworks will be lighting up our sky as we celebrate our Independence. Hopefully during these celebrations we will all take a moment to be thankful for the freedom our Constitution and Declaration of Independence grants us.
Although the true meaning of the 4th of July revolves around our independence from Britain, it is the democracy that was born out of it we should all celebrate.
Alongside Democracy comes the American Dream, and that is continually being played out before us each and every day. Indeed, we are not the same America we were just a few short years ago. For better or worse, depending on who one talks to, new immigrants are arriving daily.
As we mark our Independence, we must be thankful to live in such a diverse nation made up of so many vibrant people. It is not difficult to understand why so many people leave their suppressed countries to settle in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
As we celebrate our Independence, I often think how in other countries the media is controlled by the government, and expressions of diverse opinions are denied. Modern technology such as cell phones, facebook and twitter are breaking through that barrier.
We can never allow free speech and discussion of the issues to be silenced. Indeed, the Internet and social media is changing how we do business in Sullivan County.
I hope you enjoy communicating, reading about, and discussing the news and offering your opinions on issues concerning all of us in Sullivan County in the Facebook group Sullivan County Post.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SullivanCountyPost/ And, on the Internet at www.SullivanCountyPost.com
I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity to discuss the issues facing us. Hopefully, “The Mouth That Roars” assists in creating honest dialogue throughout Sullivan County.
Although there are those who attempt to defame and slander me for discussing the issues and telling the truth, I will not be silenced.
I guess defame, slander, smear is what one does when one is desperate, and cannot hide behind the truth. These people have to look at themselves in the mirror and not me.
Nonetheless, when someone pens such a column as this one, you need to have thick skin and let it run off your shoulder.
We must all be thankful for all our first amendment rights grant us, and should use it in a positive productive way.
In Sullivan County there will be many celebrations marking Independence Day. The great Liberty Parade and Street Fair will be held beginning at noon on Thursday.
More than sixty food, craft and retail vendors will be selling their goods along Main Street along with entertainment.
White Lake will host its Fourth of July Fireworks Display at dusk overlooking White Lake at the Kauneonga Lake Community Park starting at 7 PM. There will also be a firework display at the Villa Roma, and at Monticello Raceway.
In Fort Delaware the celebrations will be extensive. At noon, General George Washington (as portrayed by Paul Brennan) will offer a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and Sullivan County Historian John Conway will speak on “The Declaration of Independence and the Upper Delaware River Valley.” There will also be living history demonstrations and a parade.
I hope Sullivan County residents come out in droves to celebrate these great events. It is crucial we take the time to appreciate our independence and freedom, as well as support our local towns and merchants.
No matter ones viewpoints, race, creed, color, gender, age, education, wealth, sexual orientation, or religious ideology, we all strive for the same goals and quality of life. Even though some of our customs, political beliefs, and the way we approach life may vary, we are all the same.
Although some of us might not understand differences or disagreements, we must learn to tolerate and respect others. That is what our great country is all about.
Happy 4th of July and enjoy your hot dog!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post