Independence Day

Liberty, autonomy, sovereignty, emancipation, choice, freedom…, these are all words associated with independence. For many, the 4^th of July is just an excuse to have a party or drink beer, but let’s not forget the blood that was shed to earn our independence. We paid for this holiday with human life, and many other nations still fight for their own freedom, let’s not hate them for it. During my travels I’ve defined freedom, and I’ve seen many people who will never have the opportunity to sail the world or live as they wish. If I were in their shoes I’d fight for it with every last drop of my blood! I haven’t met a Colombian, or Costa Rican cruiser.

A few months ago, at a dinner party, a friend called my “anti-American” because I was scrutinizing our government. I turned and looked at him a bit dumbfounded, “excuse me, it’s our duty to question authority”!

I believe that we have lost our sense of freedom. We have acquired such a dependence on our system that independence is nearly impossible. We need to work so hard that there is no room left for freedom and our quality of life is in the toilet. And I don’t believe “quality of life” has anything to do with the quality of our homes or cars. “Quality of life” has to do with having time for our dreams and the people we love.

To have “freedom” and not exercise it is a crime. It defeats the purpose that all of our forefathers fought and died for, “LIVE IT”! Many of us who want to go cruising think “my boat is too small, or I don’t have enough money”. But what we should be asking ourselves is”I have the choice, but do I have enough time or the will”?

In order to inspire freedom we need to lead by example. If you want to go cruising, “GO”, there is no time like the present. Someone just emailed me with a good deal on a WestSail 32 for sale in Florida. If anyone is interested drop me a line and I’ll introduce you.

I didn’t mean to ramble so much this morning, I just got to thinking.

Peace, Love, and Independence!

– Alex