American History

This week we traveled to Philadelphia and Washington, DC to tour some of America's history with the kids. We saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Rosses House, the foundation of Washington's House, The Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights, National Cathedral, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. I was surprised by how moved I was at the National Archives viewing what are referred to as the "Charters of Freedom". It is truly amazing what these men did at the founding of our country and how enduring these charters have been. Most countries around the world would not have survived the uncertainty of the close count in the 2000 presidential election. When Washington passed on the power of the Presidency to Adams at the end of his terms in a peaceful and orderly fashion he set in motion the foundation of one of the many things that makes our country so great.

Sadly, so many people in America today take our freedom for granted. We don't truly appreciate the sacrifices that those before us have made in order to protect and preserve our freeedom. Especially the very freedom of speech that is used from time to time to tear them down or speak ill of our institutions of Congress, the Presidency and the Courts. We aren't perfect but we are free. Very few people of world enjoy the freedoms that we take for granted here in America.

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_zoom_1.html

On the wall of the Korean War Memorial it says, "Freedom is not Free". We should never forget this.

More hope

There was another article in the paper today about more promising progress on Parkinson's through gene therapy. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=74929

I know that they are going to find a cure very soon. I just know it.