When, in the course of human events...

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 these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Today, I stand in gratitude to live in the country and in the time that I do. Really, I could not be more lucky to live a more free life. The amount of independence that an individual receives in this country is directly correlated to the tolerance and understanding that people have for one and other. African Americans were allowed to be slaves in this "Free" Country until the views and beliefs of the majority changed.

Many gay sons and daughters of God have been tortured, denied rights, even been killed because of the joint feelings of a majority. So I guess what I am most grateful for is that the majority is changing quickly. Being gay doesn't have the same negative connotation it did when I was a kid 20 years ago. Rights that are being disputed now would never have been put on the table then. Things have changed so much that Google, a company that effects almost everyone, is now giving all their gay and lesbian employees a raise to compensate for the lack of tax breaks they are entitled to.

I wish everyone a happy Independence Day and hope you continue a great pursuit of happiness.