Fourth of July

Independence Day, 2020

The role for leadership in a situation like this is to persuade most of the public about the nature of the paradox: that we protect individuals better when we act together, rather than asserting an artificial freedom that ultimately harms more of us as individuals. This is, in short, a central reason for having reliable presidential leadership.”

Robert Samuelson (“Americans are historically unhappy. But there’s a lesson to learn here;” Washington Post, Opinions, July 3, 2020)

          I want to say Happy Fourth of July, but it’s getting stuck on the back of my throat. This is anything but a happy 4^th. We, here in America, are floundering with a coronavirus pandemic, economically threatened, and so divided we can’t figure out a sane solution. This is not a happy day.

          Because I can’t think of anything positive to say today, I will leave you with some words from the past spoken by several great Americans who love(d) this country as much as anyone has ever loved it.

“I love America more than any other country in this world, and exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” James Baldwin

“Here in America, we don’t let our differences tear us apart. Not here. Because we know that our greatness comes from when we appreciate each other’s strengths, when we lean on each other, because in this country, it’s never been each person for themselves. No, we’re all in this together. We always have been.” Michelle Obama

“The Negro has been in America since 1619, a total of 344 years. He is not going anywhere else; this is his home. He wants to do his part to make his city, state, and nation a better place for everyone, regardless of color.” Medgar Evers

“I want history to remember me…as a black woman who lived in the 20^th century and who dared to be herself. I want to be remembered as a catalyst for change in America.” Shirley Chisholm

“What the people want is very simple—they want an America as good as its promise.” Barbara Jordan

          That’s what I want, too. God bless that America.

                                                  In the Spirit,

                                                  Jane