Independence Day?
Independence Day?
2022
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, 2022…the 4th of July, it’s good to stop and reflect on what the celebration is all about. What is it that we celebrate in America on the 4th of July?
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States where we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence which was ratified by the 2nd Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
What does the Declaration of Independence actually say? Have you read it and reflected? How are we doing as a nation 246 years later?
You can read the Declaration of Independence here: Declaration of Independence: A Transcription | National Archives
In part, the Declaration of Independence reads: 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.
How are we doing, America?
From my vantage point, America is in the most perilous position that it has ever been. Certainly, in my lifetime. Perhaps, we are teetering on the brink of losing it all. Democracy...what so many have fought and died for over the decades.
In the past year I’ve observed the following.
Our US Supreme Court upheld and expanded various laws and overturned others which continue to increase the likelihood of our nation’s children losing their lives to gun violence. Prior to this writing, over 17,000 people had died by gun violence in the first five months of 2022, including 650 children. Parents across our nation worry that the experience of sending their child to school may very well result in their loss of child’s life.
Racism in America is raging, perhaps to a greater extent than ever before, in many cases fueled by our state and national leaders. Examples of racial bias, discrimination, prejudice, hate and anger based on nothing more than the different colors of our skin continues to permeate day to day life. People of color, across America, fear doing almost anything “while Black” because we continue to allow race to excuse bad behavior, decisions, access, etc.
Our US Supreme Court changed course on over 50 years of precedent, stripping every woman in America of a basic right...the right to make choices about their health, welfare, and reproductive decisions. There is NO example when men are treated this way. We have, once again, reiterated the truth that the rules are different for men and women. Men have the right to make all decisions about their body…women do NOT. My morning study brought me the story of a 10-year-old little girl recently raped in Ohio…denied of the right to make the decision with her parents that would save her the pain of bearing her rapists child…at age 10.
In policy, action, and practice our LGBQT+ brothers and sisters continue to be second class citizens in America. They continue to have to fight for their right to live, prosper, and love. Members of our national community continue to advocate for the stripping of rights, access and opportunities for these neighbors of ours, when all I’ve ever heard anyone advocate for is equality, not more…just the same rights as you and me.
Kneeling in America...is it OK…is it NOT? We learned this year that it actually depends. Colin Kaepernick, a mixed-race professional athlete, decides to kneel to bring attention to police brutality against people of color. (Jayland Walker was shot more than 60 times this week in Akron, Ohio, running away from police) Colin has been bastardized and blocked by one of the most powerful entities in America (NFL) and lost his ability to continue the work he loves because of a “stand” he made. Joseph Kennedy’s behavior (kneeling in prayer) is endorsed by the US Supreme Court as an act of free speech. He’s given license to orchestrate a post-game prayer, immediately following a high school football game, where the law dictates the separation of church/state. The difference? One man is white, the other is not. The prayer that Joseph Kennedy facilitated was a “match” with the religious position of the perceived elite in America. (Can you even imagine the damnation that will come when an Islamic Imam offers to lead the prayer) Kaepernick’s action forces each of us to look at the systemic classism and racism that has existed and continues to rot society in America.
We, as Americans, will get to celebrate the “4th of July/Independence Day” this week. I like fireworks, good food and spending time with my family.
What I don’t like is a system that proclaims one thing and in reality, is nearly the opposite. The level of “Independence” in America isn’t equal. It is NOT just. Independence in America depends on your race, gender, sexual orientation, color of skin, religious preference and wealth.
My commitment, this 4th of July, is to do everything in my power to ensure that “all men (and women) are treated as they are created equal.” My commitment is to do everything in my power to ensure every brother and sister has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I invite YOU to join me in this journey.
I dream of an Independence Day when, truly, all people in America are free.
