Wake up, America

Walking down several streets today, Independence Day, I was making mental notes as to the number of American flags fluttering in the breeze. Correct that, the number of missing flags on all the streets.

And I'm reminded of the incredible liberties we have as Americans living in the most remarkable country in the world. Thomas Jefferson's incomparable document, the Constitution of the United States, is like none other of all the countries of the world.

In it we are enjoying the benefits no other people on earth can even conceive. These are liberties enjoyed by one and all, from presidents, generals, hippies, to every color, race and religious persuasion.

And yet, it appears that as long as we are comfortable, have a boat in the side yard, a motor home in the driveway or a vacation home at the lake, this is all taken for granted. How sad.

As the government gradually and with increased passion continues to usurp the will of the people, our Constitution is in real danger of being destroyed by special rights fringes of our society and power-hungry politicians.

Our form of government did not come easy. Those who conceived and formed it were in direct opposition to the king. That's treason. But it was necessary for a people to govern themselves. With God's word and wisdom from on high, these founding fathers fashioned a document that has no equal and has given us freedoms and liberties that are only dreamed of by almost every other society in the world.

And yet there are fringe groups among us who always want more and are never satisfied until special privileges are extended to their group. This is a plan for disaster and a very real danger to the freedoms and liberties presently extended to everyone.

Whether you display the flag or somehow indicate your appreciation for your ability to burn it, you still enjoy the benefits it bestows. You can work where you want to work at a job that you, not the government, like China, sets for you; attend a church or not of your persuasion; send your children to public school or home school; or a million other perks.

But beware, our liberties and freedoms are disappearing fast. Wake up, America. Whether you fly the flag or not, appreciate it while you can. Frank Leupp Camarillo