America since the Bicentennial

When the Bicentennial celebration of America happened in 1976, I was an 8 year old child. I lived in Silver Spring, MD, a short drive from Washington D.C. That year, my parents took me to the fireworks there. We went during the day so we could participate fully in the nation's 200th birthday. I remember thinking that I had never seen so many people in one place before. Crowds filled the sidewalks, the grass, even the reflecting pool.

I know this year marks the 250th birthday of America. I saw a photo of a huge cage being built by President Trump, apparently as part of fourth of July festivities. At first I thought he was building a bubble to protect himself at the White House. Then I saw it was for entertainment. Wrestling, I think. I wondered how much this was going to cost.

It seems this President does not concern himself with the finances of the American people. Instead he starts expensive wars and makes expensive improvements that are not needed. The ballroom, the Kennedy Center, (I refuse to add his name to it) the Rose Garden. It is all about his whims.

When I was a child, I understood great things about America. We were free! We had overcome slavery, and so much racism! The celebration back then felt meaningful. As an adult, I understand that people fought the status quo to achieve those victories. I also understand so much about America was never great, or even good.

America was built on white supremacy. I know now that the Thanksgiving story is a lie. Yes, some pilgrims and Native Americans were friendly to each other. But mostly, Natives were mistreated by colonists. Then came slavery. When America made it's constitution, including "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," it was not intended for people of color who were not considered equals.

Even Abraham Lincoln did not originally think enslavement was terribly wrong. He was more concerned about preserving the Union. The writers of the constitution owned slaves. Jefferson wrote about the cruelty of slavery, but did not advocate the end of it. The Civil War freed all slaves, but America is still not free from racism.

According to MAGA republicans, Trump is making America great again. To them, America was better when people of color, women, and all LGBTQ individuals were treated as less than white men.

They have used Christian Nationalism, a perversion of Christianity, much the way Adolph Hitler did with the Nazis. Some MAGA feel Trump is fulfilling end times prophecy. The rights that were gained in my lifetime, are being stripped away. Roe was overturned. Republicans are trying to redistrict voting to take away the black vote. Our leadership is a joke to the world.

As someone who saw the bicentennial fireworks, who grew up on Seasame Street, who went to interracial schools, America is not becoming great. It is slipping further into darkness. Our people struggle with the cost of food, gas, medical supplies. The rich get richer, and every one else suffers.

America works best when we have leadership that respects all people. Discrimination is part of our past, but we can fight to push it back again. What else can we do? I personally will vote against Trump's agenda, without fail. I do believe America can improve, but the clock is ticking. Maybe America was never really great for some Americans, and that needs to be changed.

America is 250 yeaars old this year. Still pretty young. I hope that in my lifetime I will see positive change again. The myth of American greatness could be a reality.