"Freedom" is a curious word. It can mean a lot of things, and gets claimed by both sides in an argument that has lasted since well before the American Revolution we celebrate on the 4th of July. To some, it is the opposite of oppression, to others, the seed of anarchy. The truth, of course, lies somewhere in the middle.

At MainStream, with our roots in the separation of church and state, we espouse the freedom of individuals to think as they will, so long as they do not infringe on the liberties of other citizens. Personal freedom without responsibility does hurt the social fabric. Government without fair representation does curtail freedom.

But this is the glorious fact of the union we honor today. We are a coalition (if you'll allow it) of disparate people, of different ideals, unharmonious and discordant, struggling and shouting, but still moving forward, still working it out, still improving. We celebrate the freedom that lets us argue, that lets us vote, that lets us keep going despite our differences.

It has been two-hundred and forty years since we began this particular experiment, one we can all support.

So, today, raise a glass to freedom.

Be safe.