Written by Herb Rubi

The First Amendment to the Bill of Rights, which includes the right of free speech, is the essence of Christian enlightenment as it pertains to secular government. The free speech guarantee anticipates two certainties: People have a God given desire to think and speak freely; and there are ungodly people with power who’d prefer they do neither. The 1st Amendment also maximizes tolerance in a pluralistic society.

That public discourse is leavened and elevated by Christian tolerance is undeniable.

As we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our country , what does it mean that America is an idea?  Lately, for many, it seems, it is a bad idea, a nation steeped in injustice, racism, any number of destructive notions and practices. But is it? Particularly, is it a bad idea compared to all the other ideas?

Written by Iris Flores

Dear America,

I wasn't born within your borders, but I worked hard to to become a citizen. I'm not a natural born citizen, but many years later, I was sworn in and pledged allegiance to your flag. I have loved this country, and everything it stands for, ever since I was young.

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.