TAXES MATTER
CHERYL E. JOHNSON, PCC
Galveston Co. Tax Assessor Collector
[email protected]
The RED, WHITE and BLUE
Independence Day celebrations will be different
this year if we practice social distancing, wear
face masks and avoid large gatherings. Perhaps
being more introspective about this holiday
would be good for us this year.
As I enjoy the company of close friends and family,
I will reflect on the purpose of the Fourth of July – to
commemorate our liberation from the heavy hand of
the British government. I will contemplate how our
lives could radically change if we forget that history
will repeat itself unless we take it off the shelf and
study it occasionally. I will remember that 244 years
ago, together as a country – united - we declared
our independence and freedom from government
oppression – oppression that resulted from
government control and excessive taxation.
As family and friends, we will wave our flags
- one of the most widely recognized American
symbols. The foundation of our Nation’s freedom
is represented well by it and, the current version
is celebrating its 60 birthday in July. It has a long
history but throughout the evolution of Old Glory, its
colors have remained virtually unchanged as have
the “stars, white in a blue field” adopted officially
June 14, 1777. June 14th as we all know, is Flag Day.
Although pledged to, raised, lowered, carefully
and specifically folded and stored, honored,
dishonored, desecrated, and (when old) retired,
are you truly knowledgeably of the meaning of our
American flag’s colors?
The red represents valor and bravery, white
represents purity and innocence and the blue
vigilance, perseverance and justice. These words are
representative of who we are and how, I hope, we as
a nation advance into the future. We have been brave
and we must persevere and continue to be vigilant in
our fight for justice.
So, this July 4th – and any time you wish to express
your belief in the American spirit - display and wave
the Stars and Stripes proudly. While waving it, listen
to Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,
a song inspired by the terrorist attacks on 9/11 – a
time when all Americans stood together, unified and
determined to protect our country after the vicious
attack on our freedom.
Toby Keith’s song exemplifies patriotism. It uplifts
our spirits but, if not patriotic enough for you, sing the
206 year old “Star-Spangled Banner” and recite the
128 year old Pledge of Allegiance. Uplifted spirits
and patriotism are things we need right now as we
struggle with fears of coronavirus, uncertainty over the
economy, and ponder racial and ethnic inequality and
the need for equality.
We, as Americans, have suffered many dark times
throughout our 244 year history but, united we will rise
from the darkness. We each have a civic responsibility
to defend our country and its freedoms – together – as
the United States of America.
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