Independence Day in America

"Sam Has High Hopes (after Flagg)"

In this country we celebrate Independence Day every July 4, commemorating the 1776 vote by the Continental Congress to separate from Great Britain and become a free and independent nation. The vote actually took place a couple of days earlier, but that really doesn't matter. What matters is that the vote establishing this nation was founded on the principle that all people are created equal. That undergirding principle has been difficult to uphold, always, and slavery certainly made mockery of the statement for decades afterward. Our heterogeneous society abolished that abomination with enormous bloodshed, but has worked to remove the remaining stains with mixed success. Even so, the country continues to try, despite deep-rooted prejudices and smoldering resentments, despite beliefs  ingrained yet unrecognized, despite hate, and despite failing leadership. The country persists.

We believe in human equality. Perhaps we will find a way to honor that belief in reality and in our behaviors. Perhaps, one day. Uncle Sam can hope.