Independence Day: Pride vs. Humble Patriotism

I'm thankful for my freedoms. I'm humbled by the sacrifice of brave men and women who gave their lives for this nation. I'm grateful for so much blessing that so many in this world can't even conceive... But for many of us today, "America" is little more than an entitlement - an excuse - a free ticket to live more easily and comfortably than most of our global neighbors. I can't be proud for being lucky. There is still a little voice in the back of my head, whispering "manifest destiny" and reminding me that there are dozens of tribes in Oregon alone who see our "independence" as representative of something much darker.