Friends,

I’m wishing you and your loved ones a Happy 4th of July. Before I let you get back to your fireworks, BBQs, family, and friends, I wanted to encourage you to consider this passage from the Declaration of Independence -- one of the greatest pronouncements of human values ever written:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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."

I’m proud to be an American each and every day. We are a compassionate nation, and we are at our best when we are striving to help others -- to end human suffering and secure peace for all in our time.

We haven’t always gotten it right -- but the greatness of the United States is not in our perfection, but in our constant effort to form a "more perfect union."

Each and every one of us has an important role to play in leaving behind a country that is more equitable and just for our children and grandchildren. I hope we never lose sight of the work that must be done.

From my family to yours, have a happy and safe Independence Day.

-- Tim