The nation is less than a month from a special July 4 celebration, officially called the semiquincentennial. It’s a mouthful to describe the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. That was the day the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted. Despite the current divided nature of our politics and culture, all Americans should unite to cheer an unparalleled experiment in freedom, self-government and the rule of law.
Unfortunately, the current occupant of the White House hasn’t gotten the memo. He seems intent on making the day about him and his MAGA political movement rather than about all Americans and their “unalienable rights,” including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Note his reaction after most of the scheduled musicians pulled out from the White House’s 250th bash on the National Mall. Some cited politicization of the program.
Trump then posted on social media that he would be the headline attraction: “The fact is that I am, according to many, the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World.” His speech would “rally the Country forward like I have done ever since being President.” This is unseemly and — against the backdrop of Trump plastering his face on currency and passports, and putting his name and banner on buildings across Washington, D.C. — the opposite of what the Founding Fathers envisioned.
It’s ironic given the Declaration of Independence is devoted to slamming King George III for his usurpations against American liberties, including the implementation of some policies that sound familiar under the current administration. These include sending “hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.” And “cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world.” And inciting “domestic insurrections amongst us,” as well as “obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners.”
Most significantly, the founders created one of the freest and most prosperous nations that the world has known. That’s what we’re celebrating next month. Fortunately, the Constitution that was ratified years later further assured that the American republic protects the People from any leaders who think it’s all about them.