It’s Independence Day, of course—a day when we remember to remember why this country is an idea worth keeping alive. 

It’s also the birthday of Heather Mueller, elephant journal’s editor. She’s 24 years old, today.

For her integrity under the unceasing, and sometimes-depressing financial pressure that weighs upon elephant; for her independence of thought, a quality too rare among men and women; for her openness to the ever-expanding understanding of ‘the mindful life’ to which we are dedicated, we owe her a debt of gratitude. I would likely have given up and certainly have lost the fight without her vajra-like precision and gentleness.

It’s also Senator Barack Obama’s daughter’s birthday. Reuters: “Obama, concluding a week-long campaign tour focused on values and patriotism, was cheered by crowds as he watched a holiday parade and threw a picnic for supporters in Butte—a Democratic bastion in a state that normally votes Republican in White House races. Obama was joined by his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, who was celebrating her 10th birthday. ”I finally told her the truth that all these fireworks and stuff are not just for her,” Obama said of Malia, who was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” by crowds at the parade and the picnic.”

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