Our 247th Fourth of July
July 4, 2023
Americans are feeling bruised on the 247th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—with good reason. We are caught in one of those rare moments of retrograde motion of democracy in which temporary setbacks make it appear that we are losing ground. But just as the apparent retrograde motion of the planets is a trick of the eye based on our limited perspective, so too with this moment of fleeting reactionary victories. If we could observe the procession of the planets from outside our solar system, we would see that they never reverse course—they merely speed up or slow down as they move closer to and away from the sun. That variable progress creates the appearance of backward movement, which is merely an illusion for earthbound humans.
True, the reactionary victories are real, and the losses affect the lives of people in devastating ways. But viewed from the perspective of any reasonable length of time in the history of our nation—10, 25, 50, or 100 years—it is undeniable that our nation is locked onto an unchanging path toward greater freedom, liberty, and tolerance. Like the planets, our progress toward greater freedom and democracy is variable, speeding and slowing in response to the pull of momentous events that shape our destiny. This retrograde moment will pass. And, freighted with our losses, we will resume our march to secure the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
How? We simply need to summon a portion of the boldness the Founders demonstrated when they risked their lives, families, and fortunes by signing the Declaration of Independence. No more half-measures or “Yes, buts” or “He’s too old” or “She’s too young” or “Won’t the Republicans turn around and do the same thing?” We cannot set our goals by fearing what Republicans might do in the future. The challenge we face is answering this simple but daunting question, “What are we willing to do now?”
As painful as the reactionary victories have been over the last few weeks, those victories contain the seeds of MAGA extremism’s defeat. The 2024 election will be hard-fought, and we can take nothing for granted. But on nearly every issue of consequence, Democrats occupy the high-ground and have aligned themselves with the desires of the electorate to be free, safe, and healthy. Republicans are fighting losing battles on reproductive liberty, gun safety, LGBTQ equality, voting rights, educational opportunity, the climate crisis, the economy, investment in infrastructure, and protection of Medicare and Medicaid. Republicans are running on false claims that “Drag Queens” and the Walt Disney Company are grooming children, a non-existent border crisis, and tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. If you were a political strategist and could choose a party to work for based on likelihood of success, which side would you choose?
On this Fourth of July, let’s reflect on the boldness of the Founders who—despite their deep flaws and personal failings—managed to step outside of themselves to dare great things. That is all it will take for us to overcome this retrograde moment—set our limitations aside and dare great things. We can do that. We have done that. We need only do it again.
Concluding Thoughts.
I wrote the above introduction in the early afternoon and then left to attend a concert at Tanglewood featuring James Taylor, thinking I would finish the newsletter when we returned home. That was a mistake in planning on my part. So, after an editorial meeting with my Managing Editor, I promised that I will rest here, rather than writing the rest of the newsletter at midnight. Nonetheless, I recommend a few articles that I had planned to discuss:
The Hartmann Report, “Is Student Debt a Crime Against America's Future?” A thought-provoking article that may change your view of student debt.
HuffPost, Amid SCOTUS Defeats Democrats Are Lining Up A New Wave Of Judges.
Talking Points Memo, John Roberts Keeps Wondering Why We Aren’t Done With This Whole Racism Thing Already.
Have a blessed, peaceful, and inspiring Fourth of July as we reflect on the sacrifices that have carried us to this moment in our young nation’s history.
Talk to you tomorrow!
47 years ago, I was an exchange in France. I spent July 4 1976 in Paris with another exchange student from my hometown. Though we missed out on so many of the celebrations happening in the US, being an American in Paris on this day was extraordinary. My friend and I were treated to beers (how fun for 18 year olds who couldn’t otherwise drink legally!), wishes of Bonne Anniversaire, and genuine affection by the Parisiennes. We attended the worship service, quite by chance, at the American Cathedral and heard Olivia DeHaviland read the preamble to the Declaration of Independence. I was honored to be a representative of my county that day in a country that did so much to aid in our independence.
I hold that day in Paris as one of my best, most meaningful, and most memorable days. Vive les Etats Unis! Happy 4th of July, everyone!
These words made my day: As painful as the reactionary victories have been over the last few weeks, those victories contain the seeds of MAGA extremism’s defeat.
Thank you!