Happy July 4th to all the people and pachyderms of the United States of America! We don’t often feel united these days, and protests seem to happen more than parades. Indeed, to find a song that really moves my patriotism, I look to a musical number from the 1940s. Elephants never admit, but that image of America as savior, guiding light, and liberator has faded into shadow and illusion. Honestly, that image never captured the truth for all people.
Nonetheless, I believe in an American dream, even if we must whisper about it. I believe “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” can and should include all people. We need to focus on each other, rather than the narrow truth of our individual lives. If we do that, then we can achieve a country worth dreaming about. So, today, celebrate as you wish. Celebrate what you wish. But I recommend you celebrate people, whether family, friends, or neighbors.
And for goodness sake, shoot off some fireworks!