Yesterday we all came together to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birthday of our nation. Independence Day is a time when Americans – regardless of your political leanings, faith, gender, etc. – can rejoice together in the freedom that we have. A freedom that allows us to be different from each other, yet one nation together. While sometimes it seems challenging (especially in the 24×7 information dumps coming from every angle), it has proven to be worth the effort for the 242 years we’ve enjoyed it.
With this freedom comes the responsibility, shared by all of us, in preserving that freedom for our children and for future generations. One of our greatest founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin noted this responsibility when he was asked at the close of the Constitutional Convention whether we had a Republic or a Monarchy. He replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
While people have different ideas and paths on how we will accomplish preserving our Republic, I think all Americans can agree on our most important desire – Freedom. Like most of life, there are a number of choices we can make or paths we can take to get us to our goals.
Not everyone believes or supports everyone else’s choices, but as Americans, we get that option. American disagreement is as old as our country (older, actually). Looking at stories like that of the relationship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams – their ups, downs and contributions – offers great examples to us. They had very different approaches and beliefs – but agreement on the highest principals.
In my opinion, the only rule that has to be part of everyone’s path is that their steps on that path are based on true facts, not desire. Desire may drive the motivation, but it won’t necessarily get you to results.
I almost got a Math degree instead of the Business degree that I have for reasons similar to why HL Group deals in AIT data collection (barcodes & RFID) technologies versus other solution options. Both math and data collection deal with absolute facts and not conjecture.
In math I looked for the procedures that could direct me to the final version of truth. I enjoy the process of determining the path and the joy of having the correct answer. I also enjoyed the ability to test that answer and prove absolutely I’m correct.
In AIT data collection, we harvest what we see now, not what we want it to be. This ensures accurate information that you can base decisions on. When coupled with other technologies like mobile devices and networks, we can impact the timing of that information also. Similar to math, this is the actual answer to the question, not the why or how to use it.
Once we have data we can trust, then we’re in that unique position of using it confidently for the purpose it was collected. While it may not completely match our expected results (why it’s called a goal), it does allow us to make the best choices for the next steps.
My wish for all Americans is that we look at the facts that we’re being dealt – and the desire to not only preserve, but share the Freedom we have – until the next 4th of July. Let’s look at that as our goal – and respect the approach of those around us who may have made alternative paths to this same goal.
We are fortunate, blessed or just plain lucky people to live in the United States of America. Let’s enjoy and appreciate that together!
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Wes Haubein is the President of HL Group, Inc., a premier provider of mobile asset inventory management and warehouse solutions. He writes regularly about management, solution integration and technology.
