Whenever I think about Independence Day, I reflect on how fortunate I am to have been born in the United States. Compared with much of human history and certainly the rest of the world today, we live in a land of increasing opportunity and relative freedom.

We 've all heard stories of people who came to this country with nothing, and made better lives for themselves and their children. They are the living testament proving that if you're motivated and self-disciplined, you can be successful, in spite of the government.

Those who complain about what we have today need to undertake an honest study of history and the assorted regimes from around the world.

People who howl about how a lack of freedom is the reason why they don't succeed in life are, in reality, seeking to rationalize their lack of ingenuity.

A similar mindset permeates minority communities concerning alleged institutional racism, and women who subscribe to theories of glass ceilings.

Yes, there are those in government who may, through their misguided policies, slow down the ascent of Man, but they will never stop it. As libertarians, we need to articulate a different vision.

No longer should we emphasize the evils of government; the pessimism and sour disposition will not inspire people. Instead, focus on the benefits of Liberty; optimism is what will win over America and increase the net amount of freedom.

Because of individual liberty and free enterprise, we have longer life expectancies, higher incomes, better health care, lower infant mortality, and higher rates of literacy. Diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, typhoid, and whooping cough, commonplace a hundred years ago, are today either non-existent or very rare.

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The tycoons and royalty of yesteryear never had access to cheap power, instant communications, efficient transportation, personal computers, vaccines, microwave ovens, air conditioning, indoor plumbing, and hot and cold running water. Or permanent press pants. The list goes on and on. All these achievements occurred in spite of the burden of government.

I've stopped telling people that libertarians want a free country; instead I say we want a freer country. More freedom will hasten the accomplishments that a free market and individual liberty can bring.

A freer country will expand the number of people coming out of poverty, create a cleaner environment, make war less likely through free trade, lengthen life spans, improve health, increase leisure, and make the pursuit of happiness an ever-easier endeavor.

We already have a bright future. The "poor" of future generations will live better lives than today's billionaires, and have options that not even Bill Gates has today.

A world whose guiding principles are inspired by the love of liberty will quickly bring to people the benefits locked away in the distant future.

At its heart, libertarianism is more than freedom; it is optimism about what human ingenuity can achieve. We need to let America know this.

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SUGGESTION: For an inspiring speech about why libertarians should be optimistic about the future of liberty, see Harry Browne's audio CD, "The Future Is NOT Hopeless!" Or, for a fascinating, insightful look at the benefits of liberty, see Sharon Harris's speech on audio CD, "The Invisible Hand Is a Gentle Hand." It explores a too-often neglected aspect of liberty -- its compassionate and benevolent side.