246 years ago, 13 colonies boldly declared independence. They did so against the British Empire, which had the greatest military power on the planet at the time. The reason for this declaration is not false, and our founders did not downplay the consequences of their decision. Benjamin Franklin said when the Declaration of Independence was signed, "We all have to hang together, or most certainly we are all separate. Will hang in. " This was the bet of this monumental moment in history.
Our ancestors were willing to put everything at risk for their dreams. A dream of freedom and opportunityA dream of success if you work hard and live honestly and honestly, no matter where you come from or what your background is. This is the American dream.
Our hardships
Today, this dream may seem difficult to realize. For some real problems: soaring gas prices and runaway inflation. But to some extent, and because of a false story: America is a racist, America is declining, or government dependence is better than independence.
Yes, it's hard today. Empty food shelves have appeared in grocery stores for the first time in decades. Rising prices for families to put food on the table and gas in their cars are a serious challenge facing all Americans in every corner of our republic. To be sure, these problems have hit our working and middle-class families more than anyone else. This could be the most expensive July 4th cookout that an American family has ever experienced. To many, the American dream may now seem to have lost its brilliance.
In times of victory and trial, Americans always and will find ways to be together. Not divided by race, gender, class or region. But as a single inseparable person dedicated to the public interest of the country we love. We can do this today by remembering why America is so special and refocusing on adhering to the lasting principles it was established with. If we can do this, we will soon see that not only is the American dream revived, but it is more promising than ever.
When thinking about the American dream, I think of me Grandma's grace and Grandpa's Count. Earl didn't want to be late for work, so they got married at 6:30 in the morning. Grandma Grace couldn't afford to be late either. She served as PTA president four times, led multiple girl scout units, was a woman on the school district committee, and made most of the clothes worn by her ten children. We devoted ourselves to serving the communities in which each lived and feeding the families we built together. They upheld this commitment, even at the toughest times in the history of our country. It is these people who have built the country we inherited. People defined by diligence, self-sufficiency, and above all, love for loved ones.
This is an American dream. It is not given to us as a gift by the government. It can only be created and realized by us, and only in a country where our Creator protects the freedom given by God who has blessed us.
Our Victory
Let's not forget the trials we have overcome. From two world wars to catastrophic terrorist attacks and pandemics. Through all that, the Americans won. We have won those wars. I got up from the ashes of 9/11. During the dark days of COVID, the church remained open to give hope to the isolated, sick and poor. When schools separated children, families homeschooled them and many businesses recovered from the brink of bankruptcy. Americans are certainly exceptional, and this is most apparent when we are tested.
The United States needs a new message. It is not one of defeat and decline, but one of the important optimisms based on the timeless sacred principles of our country. For the pursuit of life, freedom, and happiness. These words, written by Thomas Jefferson before serving as America's first Secretary of State, live in the hearts of all Americans today, despite the challenges at hand. They stayed with me when I swore as the 70th Secretary of State and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the United States, and before I served in Congress and the Army.
On July 4, 1863, the Union Army won in Gettysburg, but at a great cost. In history, our country has never been so divided or uncertain about the future. President Abraham Lincoln came to the great battlefield and told his compatriots, "This country will create new freedom under God, and the government for people by people will perish from the earth."
This recommendation resonates across generations, and America answers it today, as we always do. May God bless you, your family, and the United States on Independence Day.
Mike Pompeo served as Secretary of State (2018-2021) and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (2017-2018).