John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife that this day "will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America." He stated that it should be celebrated by pomp, parade, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one side of the continent to the other. (He actually wrote these things about the second of July, 1776, but nearly 250 years later, that is just semantics).
John Adams' predictions of course were right. Every year, since 1776, there have been celebrations of the momentous decision by the second continental congress to separate from the powers of Great Britain and somewhat pioneer the effort of self-government. These celebrations have ranged from a 13-musket solute on the morning of the forth in 1777 to firework shows that last hours and cost millions of dollars.
For many people, this is a day to wear flag-colored clothing, flip burgers, and enjoy how incredible the US is. I would be lying if I said that I don't enjoy these types of celebrations. I feel humbled by the opportunity to honor those who have fought for my freedoms, and those who gave their sanity in an effort to bring peace.
But I would also be lying if I said that I am not extremely conflicted with my own feelings and the attitudes that the majority of Americans have towards the 4th.
This shouldn't come as a surprise. For those that have read most of my posts, you understand that I am not one to conform to the norms of this country. I am not afraid to call out atrocities perpetuated by politicians or corporations. This is where my conflicts about the 4th come from. Many celebrations headline their shows as "a celebration of freedom," but it is hard for me to say that the US is the epitome of freedom when we have the highest incarceration rates in the world. 1 in 35 adults participate in some sort of correctional supervision (parole, probation, jail, or prison). I'm not saying incarceration or correctional supervision is bad, but I think we take it too far.
Another aspect of American life that I don't think lives up to the freedom and liberty we aspire to is the aspect of racial and gender inequalities. I am happy at the strides we have made as a country. I still see a long way to go. There is still far too much inequity and bias ingrained in our society. If we neglect the rights of one group, where does it stop? To quote Martin Niemoller, a German Lutheran pastor and a vocal foe of Adolf Hitler, who spent 7 years in concentration camps, "First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me." Minority rights, LGBTQ+ rights, Women's rights, and any other group's rights all matter. In this country we should not be black or white, gay or straight, Muslim or Christian, we should be human and human.
With recent events, it is hard for me not to discuss this next topic. Like I said earlier, we take the time to celebrate freedom and liberty during our fourth of July extravaganzas. Many of us will hear, if not participate in singing, our national anthem. I'm sure many of us could sing it in our sleep. I'll refrain from repeating it, but the final line, and one that it often used to embody the ideologies of the US, says "O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." This line evokes an emotional response in me when I hear it, but not for the reasons that are immediately apparent. Over the last few years, pretty much since the presidential race in 2016, attitudes surrounding immigration have been extremely polarized. As a Christian, I sincerely believe that all humans are created in the image of God. I also strongly believe that God does not care whether I am an American, Mexican, Russian, or Indonesian. He loves all of us the same. That being said, some people have worn the Christian badge on their chest and then had no regard for any human life besides their own. True Christians remember the teachings of Jesus,
"When saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Right now, there are humans, hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, in prison, and strangers to our country in need of our help. How can I celebrate the glorious "land of the free" when my brothers and sisters are treated as none should ever be.
The greatest irony of our current immigration policies is realized when we read one of the quotes found on the Statue of Liberty. This statue was gifted to the US by France in October of 1886. The statue uses the form of the Roman goddess, Libertas. She holds a torch above her head, as if lighting the way to liberty, and laying at her feet is a broken shackle and chain, which commemorated the recent decision to abolish slavery in the US. Libertas stands in the bay leading to New York harbor, which is the harbor where many immigrants to the US would finally land in the early 20th century. Inscribed on the pedestal Libertas stands on are lines from a Sonnet written by Emma Lazarus. She was a wealthy New Yorker who's poetry had become very famous. The Sonnet, The New Colossus, was inspired by Lazarus' volunteer work with poor and depraved refugees. The inscription reads, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
By all means, feel free to celebrate the many freedoms you enjoy this Independence day. It is a great celebration of the decisions that formed one of the longest standing democracies in world history. But please, take a moment to think about how individually blessed you are to celebrate these freedoms so jubilantly. Many others are not as fortunate. If you feel so inclined, write your representative or senator to express your views on how we can better live up to our title, "Land of the Free."
Thank you for reading, and as always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” -Nelson Mandela.