A parable for July 4th

The people were grumbling.

The cost of food was going up and many of them felt it was because of a faraway war.

“Why is it any of our business?” some asked.

The leaders of the country said, “We have freedom and they are fighting for theirs.”

The people were not convinced. “We have nothing in common with them. We have no treaty with them. Why should it be our problem?”

One of the opposition leaders sneered, “Most people can’t even find it on a map. Why should we care?”

The leaders said it was the right thing to do.

“You are sending them weapons we need to protect ourselves. Some of our people are going to fight on their side, against a very powerful enemy who might decide to start a war with us. It is too dangerous,” some of the people said.

“It is the right thing to do,” said the leaders, and many agreed.

Those who didn’t said, “That war could go on for years. How long can we be expected to support them in a battle they are sure to lose?”

The leaders said, “We will help them for as long as it takes.”

Which France did, supporting the fledgling United States, keeping it from being killed in its crib.