On this July 4th I want to remind folks that what makes the US great isn’t some stupid hats or a specific figurehead that echoes our own shitty thoughts in this exact moment.
It’s the fact that our Founders had the realization at some point between 1781* and 1788** that the best way to create a More Perfect Union was to acknowledge they couldn’t predict the future.
As such, they gave us a government that changes with the times. As our civilization evolves — as technology transforms the world around us — our system of government is meant to adapt.
Evolve.
This is the thing I celebrate on July 4th, even when everything seems dark. As long as we the people can still have our voices heard, we have a chance to pull out of any tailspin.
I can go darker on this, of course, but right today I’ll choose to be hopeful we can be the change we need and continue to evolve as the times demand, just as the Founders hoped.
So, happy 4th of July. Take a break from everything and have a day basking in the things that make you happy.
The work begins again tomorrow.
* — Articles of Confederation ratified, which puts in place the sort of State-First government certain groups are plugging for nowadays. Within seven years, it was clear that wouldn’t work.
** — The Constitution establishing our current government is ratified by the states on September 17, 1788.
