"July 4, 1776 Laser Show" by nan palmero is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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On today’s 250th celebration of the United States of America, I’m feeling quite melancholy. The signing of the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important events in US history and should be a cause for great acclaim. Our nation should be relishing the further advancement of human rights, equity across demographics, and hope for a better tomorrow for all. Instead, we’re reeling in the malaise of a small group of wealthy investors who have foregrounded greed over egalitarianism, financial elitism over basic social stability, and rampant pollution over protecting the planet that nurtures us.
The 4th of July is an annual event full of festivities that generally look to the US founding in ways that respect both patriotism and protest. This year, however, is a time in US history fraught with fear. Fundamental pillars of our democracy are under assault, and the US system of representative self-government is more fragile than ever before. The current authoritarian executive office holders are dismantling the checks and balances that protect our freedoms and are replacing the rule of law with the rule of one.
