If we compare ourselves to trees, setting aside the details of germination, we began as saplings. As a young nation, we collectively rejected outside control and proclaimed our freedom to grow into the trees we are today. We not only declared that freedom—we fought for it and established a nation founded on equality, protected by a Constitution that, at its beginning, was considered radically liberal for its time.

We became an agrarian society, feeding ourselves and eventually much of the world. Freedom of land ownership allowed people to experiment with farming methods, invent new tools, and increase production. When we no longer needed 97% of our population to farm, others were free to create, mine, craft, build, market, and invent. That freedom allowed our nation to flourish.

Our fertile environment of liberty has also allowed ordinary people to grow into giants. Several second-generation immigrants have become President, including our current President, whose mother immigrated from Scotland and whose father was a second generation immigrant, also from Scotland. Others used that same freedom to grow from saplings into sequoias, becoming some of the wealthiest people in the world.

Unlike those who simply inherit wealth and then hoard or squander it, many of these innovators created their fortunes by improving life for millions of people. They developed new ideas, new technologies, and new industries. Many also gave generously, reinvesting their resources to improve living conditions and in many cases saving millions of lives through philanthropic deeds.

This great experiment of freedom and equality has allowed people, regardless of their beginnings, the opportunity to become the very best in whatever field they choose. Those opportunities are one of the reasons our country has long been admired throughout the world.

Is our country flawless? Of course not. Only one Being is flawless, and that is God. But when we fail, it is because we have departed from the principles of freedom upon which our Constitution was founded.

May we recognize our mistakes, repent where needed, correct our course, and continue moving toward that more perfect union.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist, director of The School of Natural Healing, and son of our beloved Dr. John R. Christopher. He is continually helping others improve their health and that of their family members. The School loves having him as the director.