Tomorrow will be the 4th of July, the date chosen by our nation’s forefathers as the date to celebrate the birth of our nation – the United States of America.
We are a nation born of conflict – war, actually – and the USA seems destined to always be in a state of turmoil. In a way, this was built into the system. Even if we ever got to a point where we didn’t feel the need to wage war, the internal turmoil would continue. Our system has built in the chance for every aspect to debated endlessly and sometimes – well, almost always – the debate becomes rancorous.
The most dangerous enemy to our way of life is any efforts to squelch these debates.
The most dangerous enemy to our way of life is any efforts to squelch these debates.
If you study history, you’ll discover that every generation since July 4th, 1776 believes the country to be in great danger, and this inflames people to speak out and vigorously attempt to bring others to their point of view. This works sometimes, but not most of the times. However, this consistent turbulence makes some sort of difference. The hindsight of history shows we have repeatedly escaped from serious danger through the system.
Politics has become too dirty, it seems, but history shows us it’s always been dirty. Even when it’s not dirty, it is messy. Strong opinions, coupled with the pursuit of power keep the pot roiling, all the time.
But how can not speak out for the things we believe in? How can we not try and bring attention to the wrongs we seem committed all around us? How can we not try and correct the situations that cause suffering? We can’t NOT do this. This is the Sisyphean task of being American.
Modern social media, by making each and every one of us a media outlet, and allowing us to filter our news down to only that which feeds our point of view, has surely contributed to the polarization of politics.
But people, tomorrow’s our nation’s birthday. Can we agree on this: We all want the best America we can attain? The rest of the noise and bluster is just disagreement on tactics and strategies to achieve that end.
So, I wish every one of you, regardless of your personal views, can take at least a moment tomorrow to express your best regards for the USA’s “birthday” tomorrow, without feeling the need to growl about those whom you deem are working at cross purposes with you. Let yourself feel proud and glad for your country. And then continue to do what your heart tells you to do to make the nation better.
