July 4th: What is Independence? by Edward Hudgins July 4th is Independence Day. But at our picnics, parties and cookouts we might well ask, “Independence from what?” In 1776 we Americans declared our political independence with Britain. Tired of high taxes and a long train of abuses, and with no democratic controls on those who governed us, we decided it was time for us to run our own affairs. Besides, bowing on our knees before kings and lords was for slaves and serfs, not free men like us. But it was not just our break with Britain but also other...