As the nation looks forward to the celebration of Independence Day tomorrow, people of this land should take time to reflect on one central issue.

That is, first and foremost, that the people of this country are Americans. First and foremost is not whether someone is a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or whatever. It isn't whether a person embraces conservative or liberal views.

Unfortunately, that central fact — again, that we all are Americans — seems to be more and more neglected as each year passes. The national unity that sprung forth in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks increasingly has taken a back seat as partisan politics, rather than a united commitment to solve the nation's problems, has again become the priority.

America deserves better, and the people should demand it from those whom they have elected to represent them.

Americans believe government should not intrude in people's bedrooms. In that line of thinking, people should not allow themselves to be distracted from truly important matters by issues that should not be dominating center stage.

For example, "family values" is an issue that should be dealt with by families in the privacy of their own homes. "Family values" is not really the federal government's or the state governments' business — nor should it be a foundation on which candidacies are based — at least not while war, poverty, crumbling infrastructure, homelessness, the burgeoning national debt and budget deficits, millions' lack of health insurance, the ongoing threat of terrorism, the difficult immigration problem, and many other serious issues are on the nation's "plate."

Be wary of being distracted.

This nation never would have come into existence if the Founding Fathers had embraced the methods and distractions of today. It is reasonable to ponder whether drawing up of the nation's Constitution would be possible at this time.

Independence Day should be more than about picnics and fireworks. Americans should take time amid the fun to reflect on the nation's direction — what is right and what is wrong.

About the wrongs: They should have the courage to admit them, even if doing so goes against their basic political philosophies and those whom they have helped elect or hope to elect.

This nation's future must be based on a foundation of truth and the principle of unity.

But more and more, those two important elements seem relegated to the background as playing politics obscures the need to get things done, especially if getting something done involves difficult or unpopular choices.

First and foremost, the people of this country are Americans. While differences of opinion are healthy, the erosion of America's image in the eyes of other nations' peoples can only work to this country's detriment.

There is much to think about, in addition to what has been written here, as the nation remembers what happened on July 4, 1776. Hopefully, all Americans will devote part of their day to reflect on the United States today and how it can be made better for all.