I've had it with the uber-patriotism of the right-wing, their sneers, their derision, their accusations, their claim to exclusive ownership of our common birthright. I've absolutely had it. Today is the Fourth of July and it is as much my holiday as theirs, and I have every bit as much to celebrate. This year, to combat my grief, my anger, my outrage overload -- I want to focus on the examples I can find of the enduring commitment of the American People to the ideals contained in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I want to renew my commitment to the egalitarian ideals that identify me as American. I want to strengthen the ties that bind us together as a Nation. Please join me below the fold.
Growing up, I was steeped in patriotism: at home, in school, 4-H, the Young Citizen's League, and the VFW Auxiliary Drill Team. By age five, I knew the
Pledge of Allegiance (a witch's stand?) and
The Star Spangled Banner (a dawnzer lee light?). Obviously, understanding came somewhat later. I could
fold the flag in a perfect triangle with the proper number of stars showing and the ends tucked in just so, and I never once let it touch the ground. I was taught to value the concepts of democracy and representative government, to respect the office of the President, and the military that provided my security. I knew the basic legislative process, and I knew what it meant when Bill got stuck sittin' in committee on
Schoolhouse Rock. Every year on the 4th of July, it all came together. On that day, in addition to the parade, cookout, and fireworks, there was always some time set aside for reflection on what it meant to be American. What exactly it is that sets us apart, makes us unique, and binds us together as a Nation despite our many differences? The answer was always the same.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed. . . . And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. - Declaration of Independence
There it is in black and white. The Declaration of what it means to be American. All men are equal, all have certain rights, government exists to secure those rights, and government has only such power as we agree to give it. The extent of the power we consented to bestow on our government is recorded in the Constitution.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. - U.S. Constitution
These, then, are the ties that bind us as a Nation. Adherence to the egalitarian ideals that we are all equal before the Law, that ours is a government of the People, by the People and for the People, is all that defines us as American. And we are only American to the extent that we uphold our commitment to these ideals. This is our common birthright, nothing more, and nothing less.
Astute Kossacks will no doubt notice that, in the Declaration of what is American, there is no mention of religion, ethnicity, race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, profits, flag desecration, oil, baseball, apple pie or Chevrolet. Nor is there any Constitutional mandate that we become missionaries for the cause, or impose our ideals on others. It need not be said that we, as a Nation, have lost our way, lost sight of our purpose and renounced our birthright. The examples are legion and are detailed in the daily posts and comments on this site.
I've always thought of the 4th of July as more of an anniversary than a birthday - the recognition and celebration of the commitment to self-governance made by We the People, something far more deliberate and meaningful than a mere accident of birth on a particular day.
Nowhere do I see more commitment to the American ideal than on this site. I see it in the dedication that made YearlyKos a reality, in the rejection of censorship, in the devotion to civil discourse, in the thoughtful exploration of political solutions to intractable problems, and in the calls to action. I am proud to be a member of this community, and I commend you all on your true patriotism. The democratic process is by definition as slow, inefficient, and chaotic as the end result is beautiful. Make no mistake, you are changing the world, and the snowball effect is growing.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead
Share your thoughts on what it is to be American in the comments. On this 4th of July, let's publicly renew our ties, our commitment to equality and justice for all. Let's lead by example, and show the wingers what it truly means to be American, to be a patriot. And tomorrow, let's continue the fight to reclaim our birthright.
Happy Anniversary America, I still love you.