7/1/2026

 

        In three days, it will be the 4th of July. It will have been the 250th 4th of July since American declared independence from a despot ruling our land by decree. In 1776, a nation was founded in direct defiance of the despots of the day- of kings and emperors who claimed wrongly that their inalienable right was to rule, when the inalienable right to decide the destiny of countries belong not to them, but to all. It declared equality of men and their right to determine their fate. It declared what would be termed by FDR the four freedoms- freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. It was the most revolutionary document of its kind and remains today a testament to liberty.

        What would otherwise be a day of celebration of American liberty and of the endurance of America is tempered by the circumstances of the day. America currently has a despot ruling our land by decree. He and his like have set about working for a lie- the lie of an America meant for "normal" Americans, for their narrow definition of normal. They are not new. They have existed since the founding of this country and have been terrified of its true character and what it meant for them, terrified of a country not meant for rule by a privileged few. They have fought since the founding of our country to force their rule onto our country, but since the founding of our country there have been those fighting for its true values. That is why they are so desperate to create a false history of America- they want not only to affirm their own alleged superiority, but to deny the strength of America's character. They so loudly insist their stake in America's history not only to satisfy their ideologues but to deny we, the people, the inspiration of the Americans who have come before us! Every injustice their like has set in America's way before has been overcome- the abolitionists, the suffragettes, the civil rights marchers, and many more won! It has always been difficult, but we have worked to achieve the American dream for all Americans just the same and we have been winning! The people who we see now working to defend their communities and neighbors are doing so for love of their country and countrymen, just as those before them! What we see before us is the last desperate mutiny on the march to fulfil the American dream, years of desperate hatred grasping for power, but like before, it shall be defeated.

        This 4th of July, celebrate with your community- celebrate America's history and the equality among all that makes it great- and connect with your community. Find the like-minded among you, find out how you can help, and work to do so. Bring the efforts of national groups to your community- Gather For Good works to get aid to migrant families under siege in America, the States Project works to organize political actions in local governments, PFLAG works to provide support to queer people under threat in America. Organize your own community to act- there are countless guides on how to begin personal and collective action. Or simply find something that you can do to better your community, no matter what it is. And no matter what happens, remember that we, the People are fighting for our fellow Americans who deserve more than the fear, hatred, and deference the regime we live under has to offer, but the true liberty of a better America.

        God bless America.