Two hundred and thirty six years ago 13 British colonies declared independence and became a free country.

Considering this anniversary, my math-wiz granddaughter Grace said, “Two times three equals six. This must be a special year.”

I agree.

This is a special year — not because of a quirkiness of numbers, though.

Just as the time preceding the Declaration of Independence was characterized by intense conflict, so our present time is full of disunity and tumult.

Something of great importance brings opposing forces to the surface. Some feel that 1776 was characterized by a spirit of compromise among the founding fathers.

William Hogeland’s book “Declaration: The Nine Tumultous Weeks When America Became Independent, May 1 - July 4, 1776” presents a different picture.

Fast forward 236 years to the present.

I think everyone who lives in the U.S. understands that the election of 2008 ushered in a startlingly new approach to our republic. We have a president who believes that wealth needs to be “spread around.”

No longer is this a country where we think of ourselves as people endowed by our creator with certain rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Rather, we are a people whose government can determine who pays for life’s necessities and who receives them for free. Laws are no longer for the protection of all people, but instead a vehicle for government control of all people.

Obamacare is the perfect example of this new approach.

The election of 2012 will determine whether we continue down the new road or not.

The alternative represented by Republican candidates at all levels offers the opportunity to reaffirm the grand promise of 1776. I care deeply about the future for my children and grandchildren. Indeed, I care about the future for all Americans.

For me, the choice is clear.

Carol Cummings,

Polson