As we begin the day heading out to visit friends and family this Independence Day,  it is important to remember the sacrifices that were made in the founding of this great union.  It’s establishment was more than unlikely in so many ways.  First, the colonists weren’t fighters.  Many came here for all of the reasons that we were told growing up, religious freedom, financial opportunity, the chance at a new life.  They were outmanned and outgunned.  The defeat of the Minutemen is still probably the greatest upset in military history.  Second, there were many who did not and could not imagine breaking away from the Monarch.  The King was their leader and despite the fact they were being treated unfairly, did not want to fight against him.  Third, Although there were thirteen colonies they weren’t unified.  They all had different interests even though they had ties.  These differences would be borne out less than one hundred years later with the outbreak of the civil war.  But the one thing that the colonies did have in their favor were the most brilliant minds ever assembled in one country since the beginning of civilized life on this planet.  I say that without hesitation.  George Washington, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Hancock, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin and other lesser known albeit equally important, John Dickinson, Edmund Randolph and Roger Sherman.  The All Time all-star team of political thought and reasoning.  The United States of American, as short as our history is, 236 years, is the oldest, continuous Democracy on the face of the earth.  And despite our differences and the ever changing world, those brilliant men set the stage for us to be able to continue to use their thoughts and words as we race on towards whatever challenges await us in the future.   Enjoy the Holiday.