Celebrating America

The feelings are bittersweet, with justice for all still so far away, yet we must allow ourselves to celebrate what we have in the USA.

Long before dark this Independence Day, we could hear the booming high in the East Bay Hills from the flatlands below. Fifteen of us were gathered for a backyard bar-b-cue when it began. Later, as night arrived, the crescendo grew and the sky was lit by the exploding colors of red, white and blue.

The sight was more spectacular than any official fireworks show and this one was decidedly unofficial.

When it comes to the urge to blow things up, this in my experience is mainly a male thing. In this, yours truly is no exception. When my sons and I would go backpacking in the past, we would carry matches, toy soldiers and firecrackers with us.

Once we reached our campsite, we'd build "boats" from branches and other detritus, man the craft with soldiers, and plant a firecracker smack in the boat's middle. Then we would light the boat afire and push it out onto the water upwind from our site.

It was supremely satisfying when the flames reached the firecracker and the whole ensemble exploded before our eyes. The joy of it all!

***

As I watched the massive celebration here last night, a few of the great things about our country came to mind.

Among the most wonderful aspects of this country is its remarkable diversity. Most countries are largely defined by demographic uniformity; not this one.

Things could be much better for minorities here in the U.S., but we do have many leaders who are people of color and whose families hail from all over the world.

This diversity creates strength. It also guarantees multiple opinions, perspectives and expectations for how our public life should be conducted. It implies respect for one another, regardless of our ethnicity, race, religioun, political or sexual orientation, gender, age, or socioeconomic status.

Our economic opportunities are unparalleled. Even relatively poor Americans are at least potentially richer than many of those elsewhere in the world. Collectively, we account for far greater consumption of resources than do other populations. But in this regard, we have much work to do, because too many live in poverty, and over-compensation is endangering the future of the planet.

Nevertheless, this wealth allows most of us to live in comfort; it also has fostered a philanthropic tradition that mitigates the inherent cruelty of the competitive capital system that -- unchecked -- guarantees more losers than victors.

We inhabit a beautiful continent, plus several islands, that produce enough food and natural resources for everyone here and many overseas as well.

We have sustained a governance based on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We have a First Amendment that guarantees freedom of speech, assembly, religion and press. Not to mention the right to petition for redress of our grievances.

Among the most beautiful things about this country are the protests, the demonstrations by citizens hoping to improve this imperfect union; by all of those marching for justice.

Culturally, our diversity produces music, humor, art of all types that inspire us to reach for greater heights and pursue our creative dreams.

Generation after generation, we produce individuals dedicated to the betterment of our fellow citizens. The scourges of poverty, disease, racism, inequality, oppression and unfairness persist, but a peaceful army of citizens strives to combat those ills and overcome the institutionalized class structure.

We all have access, albeit not equal access, to educations, and excellent teachers work at all levels of our schools and colleges.

Though our health system is flawed, we can each achieve the best health within our grasp if we are willing to prioritize being healthy early enough in life and minimize bad habits.

Our climate is largely temperate, and for at least the immediate future, it should be able to sustain human life. We need to preserve it and most of our fellow citizens recognize that.

These are just a few of the qualities and values I celebrate with you today. I will not minimize our faults or our failings. We have much work to do. And that is why our celebration has to be muted, cognizant that not all enjoy the freedoms this holiday embodies.

But, with that critical caveat, and in the spirit of celebrating what we do have as opposed to what we still need to achieve:

Happy Birthday America!

-30-