Thirteen percent isn't a large chunk of anything. Thirteen cents out of a dollar won't buy much besides a few pieces of penny candy. Even the cost of penny candy has gone up!
If you cut a pie into eight slices and take the largest slice for yourself, you've got about 13 percent of the pie on your plate and about 87 percent remains in the pan.
Seven gets the distinction of bringing luck. Other than being a prime number, 13 doesn't get special treatment.
July 4 is recognized as the day that 13 colonies declared themselves broken away from British rule by signing the Declaration of Independence, even though at least one colony didn't join the party until a bit later. It was a pivotal moment in this land's history. The Declaration of Independence set into motion a form of government that would impact all world governments. The entire world watched.
Political talk was probably the only topic for many years. Colonists were likely wary of both the British and colonial leadership. Uncertainty left all worrying about consequences of victory or loss for either side. Many colonists didn't really choose a side, but rather, because of circumstances, family affiliations or position in life, a side of the argument chose them.
Even though 100 percent may have been in the discussion, about 13 percent were part of the actual fight, including soldiers and their supporters and the policymakers steering the boat.
There are significant parallels between the American Revolution and the present state of the United States. Like it or not, we are in some stage of a war, a revolution, or whatever you wish to call it. It is a revolution from the inside for the heart of America, its freedoms, values, and direction. It's appropriate to pick up our historical roots and core values, hold them in our hands, look them over, ponder their meaning, value, and purpose on anniversaries such as July 4. And here we are, five years away from a 250-year anniversary. What will the next five years bring and how will the fight for the country's soul evolve?
Will America still be a free country in five years, or will we be roiling in full-fledged socialism by then? Is another revolution or civil war in our future and what might that look like? Will it be a war of weapons, or will power be gained through assets, controlling monetary systems, or limiting and eliminating rights? I don't have answers, but like you, have plenty of questions.
I for one do not wish to end up in a country fed by socialism. I am breathing in our nation's history to give myself renewed vigor in preserving the legacy that belongs to all of us. Thirteen percent is a small part of the whole, but it was enough to chart a course that changed more than one nation. Enjoy the holiday and spend some time pondering what all this celebration represents.
Bev Berens is a mom to 4-H and FFA members in Michigan. Do you have a story to share? Email her at uphillfarm494@yahoo.com.