America.

My mind has been turned to the nation I call home much more so than I can ever remember the past few weeks.  Well, more so than any other time without a dramatic reminder of my freedoms and affection (such as 911).  I really am very grateful to be a part of the great experiment in democracy.

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness affect me on a daily basis.  These basic ideas that our nation is founded upon seem to ring true with humanity.  We all want our lives to have value and be recognized as such under the law.  We all want the chance to worship how we please, make our own decisions and be our own bosses in essence.  The Malcolm in the Middle theme song comes to mind right about now, ha.  From an LDS view point, these ideas fall in line with what we can derive from the scriptures.  Our chance to choose is given too us.  For right or ruin, that choice is sacred and how forever happy am I to have a similarly governed.  Everyone deserves that right.  No matter what they do or don't believe, no matter who or how they love.  If I want my choices, then I don't see why someone else shouldn't have there's. 

I don't fully understand my freedoms.  Very few of us do.  I hope to keep growing that understanding but in the mean time I think empathy is our partner in this journey.  Another's shoes is a powerful place to be.  I also know that I am not always right, but that too is an area I am trying to work on.  It is very liberating to accept the fact that I am flawed, along with the rest of the world, and my mistakes are part of the same pool that everyone contributes to.  That's why there is a Christ.  Our perfect teacher with immeasurable patients. 

I had a comparative American lit class a few years ago and my teacher brought up an earlier draft of the Declaration of Independence.  I have always found the differences about the slave issue interesting.  The following links are to the rough draft and final version:

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
http://www.ashbrook.org/library/18/jefferson/declaration.html

This blog is my own and thus flawed like me.  I apologize if my writings ever offend but I too am learning.  Grappling with the issues is how we are bettered, not grappling with each other.  Thank you for being a part of my lessons. 

Love- Jake