July 4th
July 27th
NOT CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY?
It is always sobering each July 4th that people refuse to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. This year is no different. Indigenous peoples refuse to celebrate what to them is a celebration of colonialism and loss of ancestral land and destruction of Native societies. Many black Americans opt not to celebrate, as freedom and equality were not extended to enslaved people of that time, and many still believe that is true. Some religions refuse to celebrate believing that God would be displeased.
This year the reasons become more political. Many people believe that celebrating the independence of their country would appear to be a support of Pres. Trump or the Republican Party. These include Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, the Commodores, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli. What would people think of them if they were to be seen with rich, white, Christian Conservatives,
because the project, Freedom 250, is seen not as a national project but a commercial, white, Christian nationalist project.
Judith Levine is a Brooklyn-based journalist and frequent contributor to the Guardian, blasted the celebration saying, “This year’s events will be a mélange of Trumpian egotism, MAGA populism and Christian nationalism. Its partners’ list is packed with Christian and conservative organizations, including National Religious Broadcasters, Pray, WallBuilders, and the school library book-banning group, Moms for Liberty. Absent from the scores of sponsors and partners of Freedom 250 is any organization whose name implies a racial, ethnic or gender identity.”
Levine’s far-left rhetoric rings as truth to those who don’t think much deeper than what their Democratic platform prescribes or their Democratic friends support or what the Democratic Socialist Party thinks of anything that has to do with religion, “Religion is the opium of the masses.”
Yes, I can stand and agree that the Indian nations have suffered greatly: the loss of their land that was stolen through deceit and broken treaties, the slaughter of women and children, starvation caused by wasteful, near extermination of the great buffalo herds and an overwhelming disregard of their human rights as they were and still are struggling on lands that are not productive or hopeful.
I also understand why Frederick Douglass refused to celebrate the Declaration of Independence in 1852 while black people were still in slavery. Instead, he gave a speech on July 5th stating his approval of the Declaration of Independence while bemoaning the fact that it didn’t apply to his people he said, “Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and to hold it in perpetual remembrance. I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the RINGBOLT to the chain of your nation's destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.”
Then we have all the “rebel rousers” that want to blame Pres. Trump for everything and blame our country for everything and blame the rich for everything and take no responsibility for their own actions. They demand acceptance and equality in a country whose morals and values do not match theirs. Perhaps they need a refresher course in the Declaration to understand its purpose. Read the Declaration in modern English.
Yes, the Declaration suggests that if your government is denying you the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; you have an obligation to change or abolish that government. Every radical group has seen that as an excuse to act violently and destructively. They unfortunately, did not bother to read on. The PEOPLE should “institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.” The PEOPLE of the country, not your group, gang, race or sex. You must accept the fact that this country includes many people, religions, races, and economic backgrounds. We are supposed to accept that we are all humankind. Not equal in wealth, intellect, gifts or talents, but being respected and honored as a human being.
While walking through the Indian cemetery where Sacajawea was buried, I noticed many headstones of military members who had died in U.S. wars. I remembered the Navajo Indians whose language was used in the Pacific to confuse the Japanese in WWII. I considered the great loss they had experienced in this country because of deceitful politicians and yet…they were willing to die for a country where their family lived.
I considered the sons of slaves who protected the sons of slaveowners in WWII. These black pilots had been denied the right to fly prior to 1941, but once given the chance protected U.S. bombers over Europe flying 1,500 missions and 15,000 sorties. Bomber crews frequently asked specifically for the “Red Tails” because
I considered the sons of slaves who protected the sons of slaveowners in WWII. These black pilots had been denied the right to fly prior to 1941, but once given the chance protected U.S. ​​​​
bombers over Europe flying 1,500 missions and 15,000 sorties. Bomber crews frequently asked specifically for the “Red Tails” because they had the lowest loss records. They were fighting for their families and the Civil Rights Movement that would not come for 20 more years.​
they had the lowest loss records. They were fighting for their families and the Civil Rights Movement that would not come for 20 more years.​​When I celebrate the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, I will be thinking of these Americans who had suffered injustice, inhumanity and grievous pain and misery and still rose up for this country where their family still pursued LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. I will remember them and those like them. There is no excuse big enough for you not to celebrate your country.
BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM
Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
KLN
If Frederick Douglass’s speech is too lengthy to read, you can hear this speech read by James Earl Jones here.
​
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1 Peter 2:16
English Standard Version