Totally Dependent

Some hours before the commemoration of America’s independence, North Korea successfully launched an ICBM to the beliwerdment of everything and everyone peaceful. In retaliation, I stood at the rooftop bar of the Hyatt Place, five blocks away from the white house and watched in awe as the military might of the United States of America showcased colourful fireworks that will intimidate both known and perceived enemies of the State.

Every July 4th, since Fourth of July 1776,is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire. The Congress actually voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2nd. The discrepancy in dates have little or no impact on the sanctity of the occasion.

The main issue that birth the nation was taxation and a lack of control over their affairs (conditions that sound familiar), and this declaration marked the beginning of war against the colonial master in a way that eventually spelt out core American ideals– *that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.*

In achieving above, the founding fathers opened up the country to visitors who share similar philosophies and looking for a conducive environment to call home. Today's America is the tireless and timeless efforts of both settlers and immigrants who jointly sacrificed all to have a country where dreams come true, irrespective of the nightmares you had before leaving home.

However, just like the Nigerian armed robber who after stealing your car went ahead to install an anti-theft device in the car to prevent it from being stolen from him, American documented immigrants in positions of authority are beginning to embark on policies that are capable of undermining the very foundation on which the new order was born.

Lagos State share similar fate with the USA in terms of her heritage and cosmopolitan nature. It is however beyond my comprehension why the folks that relocated there from other part of the country continue to refer to Lagos as no a man's land and by implication, disdain the sanctuary offered them by Lagosians.

For the sake of America,  a country built on the idea of being a refuge for those in need, *the tired masses, yearning to breathe free.* Both host and guests must remember the ideals of the founding fathers.

I miss dependence day at home.