Despite the planned protests, most Americans will join today in celebrating our common article of faith in the Declaration of Independence. This country remains the greatest hope for freedom in the world, and these protests reaffirm those rights. We celebrate the ideals of the people we strive to be — and the millions who came before us. We will be watching the fireworks tonight at home with family and setting off our own after grilling up burgers, brats, corn, and other items for our Independence Day celebration.
This is a great day for family, food, and fun. It is also a day to remember and to celebrate what we have accomplished in the protection of liberty.
I truly love this holiday because it ideally celebrates what we have in common, rather than what divides us. For all of our faults and failures, we have triumphed over great evils from without and within. The Framers gave us a system that has withstood the test of time and turmoil. It will withstand these days and we will find a course forward as a nation.
Once again, as a Madisonian scholar, you will have to forgive my quoting James Madison from Essays for the National Gazette, 1792:
“In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example … of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling presage of its happiness.”
Happy Fourth, everyone.