Fifty years ago, I remember feeling excitement about America’s bicentennial. Although we had recently watched a president resign over corruption – minor compared to today’s standards, as even Vice President Vance admits – Americans were generally proud and supportive of each other and our nation. That feeling is missing today, as we have competing festivals: one a bipartisan approach and one that glorifies Trump.
Let’s hope that our next president, whoever it may be, works to bring our country back together and reaches out to every American. Let’s hope our Congress takes up its traditional role and holds the executive accountable. Let’s hope our Supreme Court once again looks at the precedents set over time and strengthens the balance of power in our country. Let’s hope that when the tricentennial happens, America is once again a thriving democracy and that Americans are proud of our country.
Kate Friesen
Carbondale