This past July fourth we celebrated our 222 year of America's independence.

"Why did I say America's Independence?" you ask.

Well, to me, America isn't just a place on a global map, instead it's an ideal, a belief. It's what united people to rise up against insufferable odds for a common cause; freedom from tyranny, in other words "Truth, Justice and the American Way."

Now, I'm not saying that as Americans we don't have our share of troubles, in fact, we have many. But if we reflect on these ideals like the preamble of "The Constitution of the United States" (you know, We the people...) this country, dubbed "The Melting Pot" could be a utopia and an inspiration to the rest of the world.

Too much do I see people that are lost, struggling, and angrily complaining. If they could just step back and take a breath, like I did on Independence Day, perhaps they too might wake up one fine summer morning and feel the soft summer breeze blowing in the window and thank God, realizing just how lucky they really are to have shelter, food, and to be born in a land where they can make a difference. Where they can fight for their beliefs and be a positive image towards others. We, as Americans, don't always realize how lucky we are. What do you have to be thankful for? Step back and think about it!

The most important thing any one of us can do is to be that positive example for others. A negative attitude can do considerable damage to the human psyche of another. It can rob hope from oneself and without hope, all is lost!

Most comics today (and mostly DC's I'm happy to add) are full of hope and inspiration. That's why I read them. At times they even inspire me. For these times, I thank the creators for showing a good positive outcome. Many times, day-in and day-out we come up against the overwhelming odds and many of these times we falter. We need to be stronger! Think of others with problems greater than your own and look to them for inspiration. Take Christopher Reeve, proving to be a Superman as he still carries his heavy cross of paralysis.

Remember, no matter how bad you think you have it, someone has it worse!

Not too long ago, at a place of business I visited someone wrote a message on their big marker-etched work-board for all to see. It read...

Although funny, it's also a sad sign-of-the-times for the day and age we live. To me this represented the 90's way of thinking; darker, moodier, and fully pessimistic.

We need more optimism!

It was Thomas Jefferson who, in the "Declaration of Independence" (arguably one of the best pieces of inspirational literature ever written) toasted to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Although the human race has never known true happiness this side of Heaven, none-the-less these are sound words to live by.

I strongly feel (and I can't stress this enough) that the best thing one can do is be a positive image towards others. So stand straight, strong, proud and remember the red, white and blue of the American flag never fades!

If you're not familiar with either the U.S. Constitution or The Declaration of Independence, you can check them out at various places on the web, like...

http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapitolHill/4307/constitution.htm and http://geocities.datacellar.net/CapitolHill/4307/declaration.htm respectively.