Happy Independence Day, America!

"Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political; peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none...Freedom of religion, freedom of the press and freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus* and trial by juries impartially selected. These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and the blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civil instructions, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust and should we wander from them in moments of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety." - Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801

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PHOTO: Handmade American flag found in a Paris antiques shop. Courtesy of Paris Parfait