Independence Day Commentary

Westcoe Realtors, Riverside California…In stepping away from our usual content in this blog, since we are so close to our Nation’s July 4 birthday, today I will offer some words that have absolutely nothing…and absolutely everything…to do with real estate.  Next week, we’ll go back to normal…but today, the soapbox.

For most of us, this weekend will be filled with all the traditions that mark the July 4 holiday.  Ballgames, picnics, golf, family, beach, fireworks (for gosh sakes, don’t forget the fireworks), etc.  These are wonderful reminders of our way of life, and are important celebrations that continue to form the fabric of being an American.  Your celebrations or traditions may be different than those above, but whatever they are, you are free to celebrate in whatever fashion you choose…and that is the beauty of July 4…and the meaning of July 4 as well.

For the key word in that last sentence is the word “free”.  We are free in our country to do so many things that are not free, or available, in other countries of the world.  Far better writers than I have expounded on our freedoms and how they were earned, but July 4 is one of those days in which, hopefully, we pause if only for a moment to say thanks and pay tribute for all the sacrifices that have been made so we can celebrate our freedom. 

Most of us do not get out of bed every morning and give thanks for all that we have.  It is human nature to  charge though the day with the irritations of our lives taking on far more importance than they should.  Perhaps that is why we have holidays…so that even while we picnic with family, there is a moment for contemplative thought on how lucky we all are to live in America.  Hopefully, you will have such a moment this weekend.

For those of us in the real estate business, we too are human in that far more often that we should, we forget about how fortunate we are to live in a country where home ownership is not determined at birth.  In our country, no one says you cannot own property or a home.  No one says that due to your life status, the pride in owning your home is a feeling you will never know.  No one forbids you to set your own roots in your own community, pass your home on to your children and their children, or takes your home from you because of a change in government regime.

Yes, we all have complaints about our governmental leaders at times (Republican or Democrat), but while leaders may come and go, the fundamental right to own property is as central to our American existence as breathing. 

We all know that the past few years have been difficult on so many people…especially in our real estate world.  And there is no doubt, the loss of homes by many Americans has been tragic…but what keeps us putting one foot in front of the other is the belief that better times are ahead, and that one day, the promise of owning another home is on the horizon.  Our future, no matter how hazy it may appear, always contains hope….because the freedoms we enjoy in our country always allow us to hope.

Hope for a day with no soldiers under fire…hope for a better economy and jobs for those who are willing to work.  Hope for a country that leaves things better than how we found them, and yes…hope that the real estate world begins to make sense soon.

So…please accept from us at Westcoe our best wishes for you and your family on America’s birthday, and enjoy the freedoms we will all exercise this weekend.