I love America. It has enabled me to freely explore my interests, provided a gorgeous backdrop for several road trips and introduced me to a diversity of people with varying ideas, backgrounds, life goals and experiences to meet and befriend. There is no place on earth I would rather wake up every morning. I also recognize that my experience may be different from yours.
Back in April, I had hoped this Fourth of July would be a celebration of our liberties and recognizing the reopening of the economy. While widespread reopening appears unlikely now, this is still a good time to pause and reflect on the principles of liberty, representative democracy and the people’s relationship with their government in our modern era.
With curfews and shelter-in-place orders, Americans are experiencing the most governmental involvement in their daily lives since World War II. This experience has resulted in economic strife, social isolation and frustration for many. Not to mention health issues for those who have contracted COVID-19 and been fighting to recover.
And at a time when Americans were already scared and frustrated, we saw horrific images of police brutality, resulting in a wave of anger. This “perfect storm” of events has put a spotlight on policy and catalyzed activism in our communities. And while that activism is focused on all levels of government, local governments are at the forefront. Counties and cities all over America are engaged in public policy discussions about policing. These discussions are a massive test of local government staff and elected leaders, and our actions now will shape people’s views of government for a long time to come.
My work exposes me to an array of political circles and perspectives on policy. I have seen anger, frustration and fear. But I’ve also seen hope and, most importantly, a desire to do what is right. America’s governance structure, freedom of speech and representative democracy provides a foundation for our society to work through challenges and emerge better for it. It may not happen quickly, but it will happen, just as it has in the past.
This Fourth of July, I will celebrate at home with my family, my dog and some good food. While there is still work to be done to truly achieve "liberty and justice for all," America and those ideals are worth celebrating.
Stay Safe and Be Free,
