07/04/2022
This July 4th we should be thinking about the fact that America is the only place in history where freedom-loving people in whole world came together to make their own country. That’s really somethin, isn’t it?
This July 4th is only the second since our darkest moment since the Civil War. We took for granted how strong American democracy was for so long, then watched in horror one day as some Americans gave up on that which made us what we are.
This July 4th we need to be more thankful than ever for a country that moves forward - BECAUSE of our differences - allowing everyone to say whatever crazy, ambitious thing they want, and still somehow grow from it. Our system is about allowing people to figure it out on their own, not about being a certain way. Self-government isn’t about the best government, it’s about balancing opposing ideals, and sticking together no matter what.
This July 4th, we need to keep our eyes on the spirit of what made America great - not that our ancestors threw off an oppressive (foreign) government, but that they had the fortitude to lock arms with neighbors they disagreed with, even despised, to say “let’s do this; your way, my way, but together.” We aren’t meant to be perfect, only a perfect Union. One that can’t be torn apart by angry men, raging cable shows, or hissing radio hosts. It takes opposing ropes to hold a tent up, and we can’t survive without opposing ideas either.
At the end of the day, July 4th, let’s hope we’re more appreciative of the fact that our forefathers knew the chances of this working were slim, but they did it anyway, and they showed the world that a wheelbarrow of stray cats and dogs could figure out how to make freedom last without the help of a King or Ruler. We’ve made it this far, and we’ll make it another 246 years if we stay commited to America more than our ideology. 🇺🇸🙋🏻♂️
In his first inaugural address, George Washington stated: “Our principles are the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."
Upon taking the oath, it was none other than the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, that reminded his countrymen, "every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle."
"We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists."
"Let us, then, with courage and confidence pursue our own Federal and Republican principles, our attachment to union and representative government."
As we "bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression."
“Let us, then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social in*******se that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect that, having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions."
"What more is necessary to make us a happy and a prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow-citizens -- a wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned."
"These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety."
And finally, "If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it."
