I know it's late in the day, but "Happy Birthday, USA!"

250 years & hoping for that many more.

Many thanks to those who signed the Declaration of Independence and voluntarily pledged & lost all worldly possessions for the cause.

We should be so brave and committed to stand up for what is right / what we truly believe in.

Many thanks to all military who have fought & died from the beginning to today - to keep us secure.

Psalm 33:12

It's interesting to think about.

It really hasn't been all that long ago. Maybe 5 generations?

It also hasn't been all that long ago for telephones, electricity, indoor plumbing, a/c, appliances, computers, internet, ect...Seems like eternity but it hasn't been long at all.

However, on the flip side, we stole land from the Indians and killed them. We made lots of promises to their people, who were truly free, and broke them. We stole their freedom to create our own.

In life we do things "for the benefit", but for the benefit of whom? For the sacrifice of whom or what? For a loving god or a murderous one? In the bible, of which I have read front to back, beginning to end, with an opened mind and blank slate, there is lots of mention about going into a land and killing every man, woman, child, and animal. Over time lots of things have changed and yet some things remain the same. What conclusion should this lead us to? What questions should we be asking?

On one hand we could look back in time and see destruction, destruction of nature, land and life. On the other hand, we can look on these things as progress, forward movement to freedom, but freedom of one for the sacrifice of many. Is life about living or dying? Is life about serving some god or serving man? These are hard questions, but are the answers harder to swallow? The truth is hard to admit. The mirror can be your friend and your enemy.

Who is celebrating Americas 250th and why?

Who is not celebrating it and why?

It is easy to be American and celebrate our independence from a time when people would band together and stand. But, where do we stand today? Are we still standing? Are we just pretending? Are we kidding ourselves? Have we sat down? Are we willing to ask the hard questions? Are we willing to hear the even harder answers?

What was the difference between them and us?

Lots to think about for those 250 short years, but does anyone think about them? In my observation yesterday where I was, all anyone was thinking about was fireworks. The pretty ones that we shoot up into the sky for show. The fireworks going off in the air and fields 250 years ago were stained with blood. Our thoughts and desires for a freedom for our peoples came at a cost of others.

We are grateful for those who stood and stand. We are remorseful for those that were here before us who also stood for theirs but stand no mere.

This was from the land trust specialist that I work with for Independence Day:

Together, let’s celebrate the extraordinary liberties we enjoy in the United States.

As housing providers and real estate investors, we should hold one liberty incredibly close to our hearts: Our unique property rights. High on the list of American freedoms is a real estate system in which individuals can completely own both the land and the buildings on it—forever. This "fee simple" ownership system is a rare gem in world history and remains unique across the globe.

Think about it: You possess a powerful wealth-building right about which billions of people around the world can only dream. But with great freedom comes the absolute necessity for defense. Because these rights are so valuable, they must be fiercely protected, shielded, and preserved for the next generation.

As we mark America’s historic 250th Birthday, I want to thank you for being a vital part of the fabric that keeps this country strong—a professional, dedicated real estate investor. I wish you and your loved ones safe, happy, and meaningful festivities.

Happy Fourth of July!

Keep learning, keep growing, and keep your deals protected.

Ken, conquered may be a good word here. I don't mean to offend anyone just telling the hard truth as might be observed when looking at things with an opened mind. You are right, the ones before us likely conquered it themselves, but that is the point. Humans continuing to do this. The bible is living proof of how humans think and treat each other. Humans can't get enough power and control. Wars will always be fought, and lives will always be lost because of this. As humans, we are all proud of our "accomplishments" and our country in which we live. Partly because we are human and partly because we are taught to by teaching and observation. It is not that I don't feel a sense of pride for our country but rather looking at the truth behind the scenes. Like marketing a product or service, they do the country as well. I am merely sharing another way of looking at things. Everything. I don't have a great analogy to give but will ask another hard question. When our county (or any country) looks in the mirror, what is the reflection looking back at us? We paint the surface, what is behind the paint?