Even as a Canadian, I grew up understanding that America meant freedom. I understood this to the point that I actually thought America was the literal translation for the word freedom. Today however, when I think of America, what comes to mind is illiteracy, gluttony, ignorance, and of course fast food, obesity, prescription medication and lawsuits. That said, keep in mind; I actually like America and its people, but imagine what comes to mind for someone who hates America!

In 2007, it was estimated that about eighteen million children worldwide would die from lack of basic necessities like food, water and medication. The cost of eradicating these staggering statistics would be approximately 2.5 billion dollars. Conversely, in preparation for July fourth Independence Day celebrations in 2007, Americans spent more than 2.8 billion dollars on fireworks, which amounts to three hundred million dollars more than was required to eradicate the senseless, unnecessary deaths that would take place throughout the world in 2007. I shutter to think what was spent on burgers, beer and bullets during that same weekend.

I’m not implying that the July fourth weekend shouldn’t be celebrated; on the contrary, in fact. I think it’s not taken seriously enough; much like Christmas, where we’re ready to party but we forget what we’re celebrating. It makes me wonder how many people spent the same amount in one year on donations gifts and tithing as what they spent on fireworks for one night. I also wonder if they knew they could participate in saving eighteen million children this year by foregoing fireworks, video games, MP3 players or something – anything; would they do it?

I most certainly don’t think its America’s responsibility to save the world, but as the most powerful nation on the planet, it’s at the very least America’s responsibility to set the example, if for no other reason than to save itself.

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