I’ve pulled my back out (ugh) a little bit so I’m sitting on the couch, taking it easy, and thinking about the holiday we just had. Most Americans call it ‘the 4th of July’…. Because, duh, it hits on the 4th of July! There was lots of celebrating with beach time, picnics, and fireworks. But it is officially called “Independence Day” and I think we need to stress that name more often than we do.
I had my 7 year old twin sons here over the holiday and we got into a discussion about why we celebrate our nation’s independence, and how it happened that our county was founded back in 1776. I have to say I was really proud of the boys for knowing about it, and proud of their teachers for making it part of the 1st grade curriculum, The boys go to school ‘year round’ and track in and track out… so they had just been in class before July 4th. I think that helped.
As you probably do, from time to time I watch some videos that pop up on Facebook and Instagram with ‘reporters out on the street’ asking civics questions to ordinary Americans, and the lack of knowledge is astounding. I know the worst answers are the ones shown on social media, but still, how can anyone grow up, go through 12 years of school here, be an adult, and not know how government works and how our country was started?!?
Without knowing our background we can easily lost track of what is happening. We can too easily accept when leaders don’t act properly, and when they don’t follow the Constitution and laws. This year’s “Independence Day” was a day of protesting for many people across the country because we are losing some of our rights and freedoms. We have a president, a Supreme Court, and half of Congress who seem to bend the rules, play with citizens’ lives, and who ignore the standards of democracy and decency. Women and children are the most vulnerable to it. So, I admired those who took time out of their holiday weekend to take to the streets, and to keep the momentum going to push back.
The next large protest day across the country is scheduled for Saturday, July 17th. In honor, and in memory, of civil rights activist and US Representative John Lewis, the day is called a “Good Trouble” day. Rep. Lewis encouraged peaceful protests and believed that the people of our country can bring positive change together. I look forward to doing my part that day. Rep. Lewis is a hero of mine. He lived his life constantly encouraging others to find justice and equality. He believed in working on consensus, and finding solutions. To end racism, we need education and community. We need equal starts in life, equal chances and choices.
“Independence Day” is our day to celebrate leaving behind a government in England, that was ruled by a king, where the people could not have a say in how the country was run. It is about coming to a new land, creating a new government FOR THE PEOPLE, OF THE PEOPLE, and BY THE PEOPLE. And, for that to happen we must be ‘dependent’ on each other together, to support words and actions that can bring the right leadership.
We are so divided now that our country is not working up to its potential. In fact, some would say we are going backwards. And – that is NOT making America great again. In fact, we might be headed towards an authoritative king trying to rule here. We seem to be pretty close to it.
So, remembering that the 4th of July is really “Independence Day” is important.
Let’s go out and do some good trouble. July 17th. Find a place near you to rally or march by googling “50501.”
We must depend on each other to keep our independence.
Marla’s Musings 