First installment: Philadelphia Freedom and walking on hallowed ground

"Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."

— Winston Churchill, late British prime minister

PHILADELPHIA/GETTYSBURG —After traveling 1,200 miles through six states, countless cities and towns, and visiting the country's finest moments in its young history, I remain convinced America is still a good idea.

We visited a world-class city — Philadelphia — and stepped quietly on hallowed ground at Gettysburg, giving this family a refreshing look at our country. 

Taking pictures at Independence Hall and listening to the park service's lecture gave me a whole new perspective about the founding fathers who penned the phrase: "All men are created equal." America has been a tough act to follow after that one powerful and emotional statement was written on that hot July day.

I also understand that our nation is sprinkled with dark episodes. The end of slavery and the pathetic treatment of blacks for another 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln remains an ugly mark in American history. The way we treated native Americans is another travesty for a nation that cherishes equality. And still, America continues to support other nations' oppressors and exploit workers overseas for our own gain and greed.

I guess we still have a lot to learn when it comes to understanding the Constitution and the basis for it — freedom and equality. 

But Americans have the opportunity to change our attitudes and still maintain our values by voting. That is the only way it works in a republic that separates the men from the boys in big-league governments.

I am not a flag-waver who drapes himself in the glory of one of the most powerful symbols on the planet. Those stars and stripes came at a huge cost and were earned through bloodshed, commitment, and a strong notion that "all men are created equal." More than a handful signers of the Declaration of Independence died in poverty after the American Revolution ended.

How many of us would give it all up for an idea that could make the world a better place?

Not many!

When we inserted that phrase in the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, our forefathers believed that the sanctity of all human life, freedom and the greater good were the priorities of a new nation that gave King George of England his walking papers.

America is a work in progress. Our wise framers of the Constitution designed the blueprint for our government that way. We have the privilege of criticizing and questioning our leaders without fear of reprisal. 

It took just four days restore my appreciation for a nation that is experiencing its highs and lows on a violent planet that also faces environmental peril.

There are moments when I think America is falling apart and coming to tragic end due to poor leadership and an endless economic recession triggered by greedy Wall Street and frivolous and cavalier banks. 

Still, a solemn walk through Gettysburg and a tour of Philly restored my faith in this nation.

In the coming days, I will discuss our whirlwind trip during a broiling week in July.

It really is a hot topic.