July Fourth 2023 is a Strange Anniversary

 

On this July 4th I look out my window where flags wave up and down the street. It’s quiet. But fireworks tonight will lighten the whole place. But outside our peaceful bubble chaos seems to reign. Whatever our persuasion most of us know the dreams of all those who fought, prayed, loved and worked through the years are not so clear this Anniversary day. 

You’ve probably heard this quote. When he emerged from Constitution Hall, Benjamin Franklin was recognized by a woman who asked of him “What kind of government are you giving us?” “A republic, Madam, if you can keep it.” And it looks right now that many of us are worried about keeping this wonderful land and all its promise. 

What are we going to do? Just watch the terrible news that will not stop. Or just be depressed. Tune out and just think of personal stuff or anything, anything like videos, sports, reading and shopping. Anything to escape from all this chaos. Maybe we can just stay angry and be furious with all these on the other side of the divide.

I have been reading John Meacham’s wonderful book about Lincoln. And There Was Light. He tells the Lincoln story in a powerful way. How could a man called Abe with almost no resources became the marvelous leader of our country in the terrible days of the civii war. 

I think maybe Mr. Meacham was thinking about us and our time as well as Lincoln. The country was so divided. The issue was slavery and the lines were so drawn. And war they lived through reminds me of where we are. I know people are talking about shredding the Constitution, longing for someone that can fix all of this.

As Lincoln began to talk about the wrongness of slavery he had an uphill struggle to get to the Presidency. And there were assassination whisperings everywhere. And there was a large group that decided even though Mr. Lincoln was elected, many would make sure the Electoral College went their way. They put every roadblock in his path that even though he was chosen by the people—this group was determined that Lincoln would never serve a day as President. And even when he did the hatred he endured would finally take his life.

Sound familiar? We have been here before. Again and again. And these folk that want to hide behind that silly word, woke would erase our history and ignore our dark side.  But this is where we are with our fears and rage and hope and dreams.

I have a lot of dark days as I think of this July 4th. But Meacham’s book reminds me we have been here many times. Terrible things did happen. But somehow we endured. Not pollyanna style but with the stubborn hope that that light that goes all the way back to 1776 would not be extinguished.

So here all are. In the same boat. Like it or not. And I do believe like the blacks and immigrants and so many others we might just overcome again some day.

Dear God, help us to keep our Republic.

--Roger Lovette / rogerlovette.blogspot.com