I spent the 248th anniversary of our country’s declaration of independence in 1776 in Washington, DC. Because we were married in the bicentennial year of 1976, I add 200 years to our anniversary as a reminder of the creation of democracy in the United States. In the scope of time and human existence, our form of government is very young.
We were invited to watch the July 4th fireworks from an 11th floor rooftop on Pennsylvania Avenue. Heavy rains in the afternoon and evening ended before dark. The nighttime air was warm and humid as we climbed the stairs and took our viewing positions.
Rapid bursts of cascading fireworks left thick clouds of lingering smoke which partially obscured our view, but overall it was a fine holiday display. Being in Washington, DC in July makes me feel patriotic and thoughtful about our democratic history.
American liberties were hard fought and hard won more than 200 years ago. Our Federalist form of government was founded on commonly held ideas; the rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, respect for human rights, free and fair elections, and peaceful transitions of power. These principles are unique to our democracy. They are meant to hold us together as a nation.
Democratic values are born and reborn in stormy arguments and turbulent debate. They are fragile to sustain. Every day we see and read about conflict and political discord fueled by a continuous barrage of media that is difficult to tune out. Facts are often shrouded in misinformation.
Democracy works but it is “We, the People” who work it. In return for living in freedom we give back our thoughtful intelligence, critical thinking, and vital participation in the form of voting.
The flash, noise, and smoke on Independence Day were a visual reminder that we are living in a period of political heat and turmoil. There is daily drama amid verbal fireworks. Clouds of doubt form when truth is disregarded or cast aside. In a few months, after a presidential election, it will be seen whether smoke obscures our democracy or begins to dissipate.
Right now, it feels like being in the midst of dark skies and cascading fire power which briefly lit the Washington Memorial and the National Mall with explosive booms, riotous colors, and lingering smoke on July 4, 2024.
