This July 4th Is Different

Every National Holiday Seems Different With the Looming Threat of Fascism

Here it is, the day before my birthday. As a kid it was always fun to have a July Fourth birthday. Not only did you get birthday presents, cake, and ice cream, but there were family picnics, gatherings and of course, fireworks. Lots of fireworks.

And even though I eventually grew to understand those fireworks were not because of me, I never lost the sense of excitement that celebration of our nation’s birth made my birthday seem special too.

This July Fourth, as I’m finishing yet another trip around the sun and about to begin my second trip in my seventh decade, it feels different. I don’t feel that familiar feeling of stability and reliance that the reasons we celebrate our independence from despotism will continue to exist.

Maybe it’s just me, but this July Fourth it appears that not as many Americans love democracy as fervently as they once did. Or, if they still do love it, they feel it’s not working well for them, and are open to other approaches to governance. Please do not misunderstand. I believe there are many shortcomings to American democracy and many reforms to it that we need right now. Some of my ancestors walked the Trail of Tears from Tennessee to Oklahoma under military escort. Further, I realize there are people groups and economic classes that have not been dealt with equitably by our democracy. For that reason alone, we cannot stop trying to make ours a more perfect union

However, my greatest concern revolves around those of us that believe one person can fix it all, make everything better for everyone. If that means giving that person more or unrestricted power, fine, just give it to him (or her).

Like Esau in the Old Testament, a sizeable number of us, seem willing to give up our birthright. For us that American birthright is one of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and the consent of the governed. Some seem willing to give up that birthright to someone they believe will protect them, take care of them, and drive away all our enemies and those that seek to do our nation harm. In exchange, they simply have to give that person the powers of a king.

To me, that is the antithesis of why we celebrate July Fourth. We celebrate this day because we recognize and extol the magnificence of this grand form of government called democracy, even with all its imperfections. We celebrate our right to self-govern. We celebrate having the rights and duties attendant to the consent of the governed. We celebrate the right to national and individual self determination. We celebrate our shared sense of common good and the freedom of religion we have protected for us by the separation of church and state. We celebrate what had been, until this week, the very principle underpinning our democracy- that no one, not even our president, is above the law.

That’s why this July Fourth feels different. I want to keep celebrating those things for me, my children, grandchildren, and all future generations of Americans. And I’m not willing to let those things go that too many gave too much of their blood and toil for us to have, just to turn around and give it away to someone singing a “siren’s song” that promises to quell our fears if we but submit to their kingship.

That’s what our founders said on July 4, 1776- we will not submit to a king! This July Fourth, I join with our founders and say I will not submit to a king! I choose freedom! I choose democracy! There will be no king in this country! Join with me in saying that, most importantly, join with me in believing that, and acting upon that belief!

That’s why this July 4th feels different to me. My hope is that you feel it as well. God bless America and God bless our democracy. This July Fourth let freedom ring!