Independence Day 2023

We celebrate Independence Day this year at a time when the country is fracturing deeply along political, ideological, moral and religious lines. The nation hasn’t been this divided since the turbulent 1960’s when we were rising in anger over the lies of Vietnam, the boiling over of the civil rights movement, the heated struggle for racial equality, the assassination of political and moral leaders and the women’s liberation movement. But we managed to get through all of this even though many elements of these struggles are ongoing. Important progress has been made and must be acknowledged.

Hate and anger today are omnipresent. Yesterday’s heroes -police officers, judges, the FBI, public health leaders, news anchors, college professors – are now demonized. How did we allow this to happen? Are we supporting these darker forces or pushing back? Is there a way out?

I believe there is but enough of us will have to decide that comity, civility and serving the greater good is worth more than the current zero-sum game national cage fight that is in progress.

The Founding Fathers have set a sterling example for us that remains timely. The Charters of Freedom – Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights – would never have been signed if those patriots didn’t compromise to accommodate the interests of others. Folks had to give in on some issues in order to accomplish something truly great. What might have happened had each one stood firm and refused to compromise and demanded only capitulation? Would Adams, Jefferson and Madison be proud of our current state of affairs?

I hope that my Independence Day message next year will more sanguine.

Wishing joy and hope to all.

”I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

John Adams

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