Independence Day - 2020

It is July 4th! 

Where are the bands, the parades, the fireworks with which Americans celebrate the founding of this nation?

They are muted and canceled. 

Unlike most other July 4th's excluding the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War--America's homeland and its citizens are under direct attack on multiple fronts. The mood of the nation is gloomy.

Despite attempts to call it fake and a democratic hoax, coronavirus is attacking Americans everywhere. Despite the bravado displayed by our leaders attempting to reassure us that the virus is under control the rising numbers of cases, hospital admissions, and dangerously low supply of ICU beds tell a different tale. They tell of failed policies that were too late, too little, and too disorganized to be effective. 

Let's face it--when American interests are under attack we usually swiftly, forcefully, and effectively respond. Coronavirus, however, is thwarting the meager, disjointed, and predatory responses of the government. States and counties are being left to fend for themselves because of the vacuum that is the response of the federal government. The statement attributed to Benjamin Franklin upon the signing the Declaration of Independence: "We must all hang together, or we shall surely hang separately," is clearly true in dealing with the coronavirus.

"Make America Great Again," has made America the laughing stock of the world. European countries will not allow U.S. travelers to visit, for instance Italy denied five Americans admittance.  Despite this, the bravado and deception continue as evidenced at Mount Rushmore last evening where thousands gathered without proper spacing or face masks to hear, as one agency reported, Trump Uses Mount Rushmore Speech to Deliver Divisive Culture War Message.

On this July 4th, America is under attack on multiple fronts: disease, divisiveness, and deceit. Citizens recognize this and our Independence Day celebrations will smaller. 

But there is patriotism deep inside my heart that brings optimism believing that tomorrow will be a better day. As long as the sun rises I can make tomorrow better than today. 

Thomas Jefferson
Third President of the U.S.
Primary Author of the Declaration of Independence

For some words of encouragement, I went back to one of the founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, who like myself was a big fan of Independence Day. 

"The fourth of July, the epoch of American independence, is a day when the heart of every American must glow with pride and gratitude. No village, however sequestered, no citizen, however obscure, forgets the celebration of the anniversary of his country's liberty! Through all the land, from the shores of the Atlantic to our mountain-tops, the sounds of gratulation are heard; the roar of cannon, and the peal of bells, announce the auspicious morn, and people of every rank hasten with their festive offerings round the altar of liberty."
  -- July 4, 1809

Do not not despair, accept the ability to effect change and critically evaluate what is happening in our country. The power is in your vote and your emails to elected representatives. Through it all, we must also celebrate that we have power--the power to make our voices heard and to effect change.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD