United We Stand?

Do you remember the feeling you get during a fireworks show, that surge of excitement when the crowd emits a collective gasp as the sky lights up and the booms reverberate? At that moment, do you feel a sense of pride in your community and for your country? I sure do. On the Fourth of July, we are all Americans celebrating our independence together, just as we have done for 244 years.  Fireworks, flags, parades, backyard barbeques, apple pie – all are symbols of the good life that we share and reminders of a simpler time. I am holding those happy memories in my heart knowing that we will have to wait to celebrate the holiday under the stars, perhaps another year.

It has been a long time since the Declaration of Independence was signed but, compared to most other countries, we are still very young. Our ancestors, the freedom fighters who broke from European control, had a vision of how life in America could be: freedom to live your life how you want, freedom to speak your mind, and freedom to celebrate your God; a land where everyone can enjoy domestic tranquility and pursue their own happiness. After the Revolution, our forefathers laid out a set of rules for everyone to follow then amended them as common thinking changed.  The Constitution, written in 1789, has been the guiding document for our country ever since. The leaders back then didn’t always get along and they had characters that were far from perfect, but it is the history that they created and their inherent strength that we must carry forward.

The United States of America is still in its early stage of development and continues to grow, one small step at a time, just as a child finds its way into adulthood. Each period in our history has brought both successes and turmoil and the country has had to shift to adjust to those highs and lows. We have evolved from some of the mistakes in our past and are condemned to repeat others because we haven’t yet learned those lessons. We have seen so much change but what remains is that the whole is resilient. Our people are good.

Right now, it seems we have lost our way as a country. The branches of government are at odds with each other and the citizens are upset. Throw in a serious pandemic and tell people to stay home and it pulls many out into the streets again. Some have said that it feels like everything is falling apart, like it’s the end of the world as we know it. It certainly feels that way with each passing day. But I would suggest that what we are experiencing is just normal growing pains.  Like a child who is maturing, we have now entered puberty and it’s going to get a little emotional for a while. There is bound to be more screaming, stomping and defiant behavior. Everybody will take sides just like every teenager believes s/he has the right ideas. In this process, some leaders will emerge and some will be defeated. Like every adolescent, though, we will have the opportunity to come out healthy and productive on the other side by being more understanding and compassionate with each other. The pain that we are going through now didn’t start in 2020. It developed over the last two centuries. The flames were already here. They just got fanned again for the umpteenth time and the smoke we are seeing is blocking our clarity. The virtual smoke detector is screaming.

Let’s remember we still have amazing beauty from sea to shining sea and it will be there when we come out of the darkness. Be true to yourself, respect your neighbor and love your country. We can make it better, together. 

Happy Independence Day!

Susan Bolan

susanbolan710@gmail.com

  Susan BOLAN