Before you get caught up in the blind patriotism of red, white and booze, take a second and reflect on two sentences from the Declaration of Independence [Read the full text here]:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

Over the last 6 months, our government has denied equal rights to gays, instituted measures to spy on its own citizens, decided to hold suspects at Guantanamo indefinitely, and withheld photos that reveal evidence of torture.

Our country was founded on the idea that ALL men are created equal, not just white heterosexual men.  It also says the government gets its powers from the CONSENT of the governed: you and me, not big corporations or lobbyists.

We can’t become complacent. We can’t sit idly by as our freedoms slowly disappear. We can’t allow inequality for any member of society.  We also can’t expect someone to save us.

No matter how much you may love a politician, don’t just listen to words, watch their actions. Stay independent this Independence Day.

I never understood racism.  My schools were mixed. Mom had several close black friends and so did I.  I was never taught to hate, but I knew that’s what we were marching against.

On Election night last year, those marches came flooding back to me.  When it was announced that Obama had won, I called my mom.  I couldn’t speak; I was crying so hard.

When I’d finally pulled myself together, I said: “This is what we marched for, Mom.  This is why we did it.  Even after all those marches, I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime.  We did it.  We conquered hate.”

“Yes, we did!” she said. [UPDATED: Was asked to post a pic of Mom. Here we are with one of her friends during her last visit to SF. Click to enlarge.]

It’s been just over 40 years since MLK gave his famous speech.  We read it every year in school, but it’s even more powerful if you can hear it.  That’s why I was excited to find this complete video footage of the “I Have a Dream” speech.

Watch it and remember the dream of America: a place where everyone has an equal chance to success.  A place where everyone can live free from hate.  A place where everyone can aspire to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

What’s your story?