250 and Moving toward Democracy, Freedom and Justice

Here’s wishing everyone a happy Fourth of July.

There is much for us to think about after 250 years of independence from the crown. Racism persists despite a civil war that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, both by conflict and disease that was rife on the battlefields. We have moved haltingly toward justice. But we have yet to attain it; we continue the struggle. It is a struggle that goes on in every age but it gives our lives meaning.

With little expectation of achieving a full and final justice, at least through political means, we can at least insist on fundamental fairness and support of the civic virtues of public education designed to provide people with the tools they need to play the important role of citizen and create an environment that is rooted in the rule of law.

A renaissance of public education and a revival of mature, private religion will set us back on the path from which we have strayed. One election will not fix it. One candidate will not fix it. One party will not fix it.

The preamble to the Constitution of the United States provides the formula in the clearest and most concise terms. If we want a constitutional republic, we the people must provide its grounding

Pay your taxes. Support your public schools. Practice the religion of your family’s tradition or do some reading and studying and follow a faith of your own choosing. But do not be influenced by an algorithm dumped into social media by some plutocrat whose interest is to make more money and pay less taxes.

So, go out and march on No Kings Day. But that isn’t enough. Vote. And live every day as a citizen who loves boldly, serves joyfully and leads courageously. It’s a formula that can make this country the kind of place that has attracted people from other continents for all of our 250 years. And that has made us a beautiful country built on the strength of many colors and cultures.

We’re not done yet. Let’s get to work.