My friend Michael Roth posted his July 4th message which I’d like to share with you
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This July 4th weekend, I'm reflecting on what makes this country the greatest in the world.
It's the belief that hard work should lead to opportunity, no matter your background. Like it did for my family, who came here as immigrants with nothing and built a life. It's our commitment to democracy and the idea that every voice matters. It's the freedom to celebrate our Independence Day however you'd like - backyard barbecues, peaceful protests, or even watching Joey Chestnut down 70 hot dogs (I'll admit, I'm a sucker for the contest).
But here's the truth: the American Dream that makes all of this possible is slipping away, and it has been for decades.
Trump and Tom Kean Jr. are capitalizing on the disillusionment with politics rooted in nostalgia, isolationism, and nativism. And now, they've passed the One Big Beautiful Bill - a piece of political theater that, at best, mortgages our economic future, and at worst, cruelly targets our country's most vulnerable.
Democrats stood united against it. But that raises the real question: what are we for?
That's why I co-authored this op-ed: Let's revive the American Dream - starting in New Jersey (you can read it in full HERE).
The American Dream wasn't born out of nostalgia – it was built through bold, collective action. We invested in labor protections, civil rights, the G.I. bill, Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and more. That's how we made the Dream real: by coming together to lift each other up and build a more just society.
We can channel that same spirit today to ensure that every American has the opportunity to afford the life they want to live.
This July 4th weekend, as we celebrate our country's best achievements, principles, and progress, we should also be honest: Trump and Kean Jr. have no interest in reviving the American Dream. They want to dismantle it and sell off the pieces for money and power.
But despite all that, I still believe in America's promise. I believe the Dream is still worth fighting for. And I believe we can build a New American Dream - one grounded in opportunity, affordability, and shared success.
It's time to start building the future.
I hope you're ready to get this done together. I know I am.
Happy 4th of July weekend,
Michael
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