Two hundred and fifty years ago, other than the native Americans who lived here for centuries, we were all immigrants.  We sought refuge from tyrannical rulers who tried to determine the destiny of all their subjects.  There were no supermarkets, no cell phones, no more comforts than candlelight in the dark and fire to keep us warm.  By 1776 our brave forefathers declared our independence.  And by 1787 we embarked on the great experiment of democracy with the establishment of