The most significant part of the “Declaration of Independence” reads as follows: “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 them 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; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness.”
With a government based on the aforementioned principles, the United States of America provided an environment that could draw forth the latent potential of the individual. Our country soon became a world power due to the combined efforts of many individual contributors.
It is beyond dispute that we have adequate military force to destroy any nation. Economically, we have developed our resources better than any nation ever, and in recent years have given enormous amounts of aid to lesser developed nations.
Technologically, we are not to be denied, for no other nation can boast of sending a man to the moon and returning him safely to earth.
But as it is with individuals occasionally, so it is with nations as history bears out. Sometimes success brings about irresponsibility and irresponsibility in turn serves as a breeding ground for problems. And while we Americans can boast about the numerous successes, we must be truthful and recognize that America has existing problems, both foreign and domestic. For many years we have conducted foreign policy in hopes of containing the spread of communism. We have seen nation after nation fall into the clutches of this evil. The recent victories of communism in Southeast Asia dictate to our leaders a reassessment of our foreign policy.
We walk a tight rope in the mid-east nations as a peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli dispute is sought.
We have seen how oil producing nations can impact our economy at will by tampering with oil supplies and prices.
Scandals discourage our people and feed the fires of apathy. The recent Watergate scandal has shaken the faith of many citizens in our government.
Drug abuse becomes pressing each year as more and more people become involved in the use or trafficing of drugs.
Crime rates continue to rise and most all citizens are concerned about being victimized.
We are faced with an energy crisis which is a new experience for our country because we have had abundant supplies of oil and natural gas for many years.
A sluggish economy for the past several years has presented a new problem in that inflation and unemployment appeared together. Heretofore, one or the other would appear, but never at the same time.All levels of government have evolved into enormous bureaucracies over the years. Our federal government has grown to unbelievable dimensions and touches our lives daily.
Part 3 of July 4, 1975 will follow. Take heed 2 Chronicles 7:14.

By Aaron Russell Sr.