We’re celebrating having a convicted felon, sex offender and yet to be convicted pedophile as POTUS. We’re celebrating having someone who is stealing us blind, cancelling our rights, and laughing every step of the way…
I'm working in my gallery, watching the 4th of July parade wind through our small town. When I was a child, I loved it. As a teenager, during the Vietnam War, I grew more cynical and angry over that and environmental issues, especially overpopulation. Like you, as I aged, and learned more of our country's history, I was ashamed of what my ancestors had done, and now I'm extremely angry at my fellow countryfolk who are allowing the current state of affairs to continue. I take part in many protests. Most of my friends are protesting within the parade, but I want no part of it. I've set my protest signs outside my gallery for all to see, but I can't be a part of the parade.
Thanks, Andy for your thoughts. Cynicism is a trap, the easy way out. Make the world a better place each day, in whatever way you can, large and small. And vote.
Andy - Despite our tremendous political differences, today the American Flag waves from millions of U.S. homes, town squares, and city plazas. Seeing them in my own little town here in Massachusetts, I'm reminded of one of my favorites American quotes.
At the U.S. Constitutional Convention, Sept. 17, 1787 Elizabeth Willing Powell asked Benjamin Franklin: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
Franklin replied: "A republic - if you can keep it."
Clearly, Franklin recognized the fragility of the Ideals our forefathers and foremothers set forth in the Declaration of Independence and subsequently in the Constitution, and so we're called to honor their legacy - gifted to us in red, white and blue.
I grew up in Argentina, under Peron. A fascist dictator. I was 15 and at the time loved him for championing the working class. I came kicking and screaming to America sent by my parents for a college education. I missed my country terribly but I learned the power of free speech, local organizing, the power of the people but most of all I learned of the power ordinary people have in a country ruled by laws and not by dictators. I married an American and am convinced that as bad as things are today…. Law and human decency will prevail. God bless these United States.
Thank you Andy, I feel the same, always mixed in terms in terms of our history and what the US could be in living up to its ideals=promises=reality. You stated it so well.
Mike was one of my professors while I was attending KU! Wonderful to find him featured here! Also I have been thinking of similar things regarding our country and what it means to be here. Thanks Andy✌️
We’re celebrating having a convicted felon, sex offender and yet to be convicted pedophile as POTUS. We’re celebrating having someone who is stealing us blind, cancelling our rights, and laughing every step of the way…
Exactly why I’m not celebrating!
I'm working in my gallery, watching the 4th of July parade wind through our small town. When I was a child, I loved it. As a teenager, during the Vietnam War, I grew more cynical and angry over that and environmental issues, especially overpopulation. Like you, as I aged, and learned more of our country's history, I was ashamed of what my ancestors had done, and now I'm extremely angry at my fellow countryfolk who are allowing the current state of affairs to continue. I take part in many protests. Most of my friends are protesting within the parade, but I want no part of it. I've set my protest signs outside my gallery for all to see, but I can't be a part of the parade.
Thanks, Andy for your thoughts. Cynicism is a trap, the easy way out. Make the world a better place each day, in whatever way you can, large and small. And vote.
Amen
Just on that topic.
https://snyder.substack.com/p/on-tyranny-special-250th-edition
Thank you for putting this link , its good to be reminded of Synder’ s Lessons.
On any day 🙏
Indeed, I just watched that. Thanks, Anastas!
Appreciate this today
Thanks for reading and for the note today, Jamie. I would love more folks to see this post. Please share this link with friends:
https://www.flakphoto.news/p/250-years
Restacked happily
Andy - Despite our tremendous political differences, today the American Flag waves from millions of U.S. homes, town squares, and city plazas. Seeing them in my own little town here in Massachusetts, I'm reminded of one of my favorites American quotes.
At the U.S. Constitutional Convention, Sept. 17, 1787 Elizabeth Willing Powell asked Benjamin Franklin: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
Franklin replied: "A republic - if you can keep it."
Clearly, Franklin recognized the fragility of the Ideals our forefathers and foremothers set forth in the Declaration of Independence and subsequently in the Constitution, and so we're called to honor their legacy - gifted to us in red, white and blue.
Happy 250th.
And long may she wave...
I grew up in Argentina, under Peron. A fascist dictator. I was 15 and at the time loved him for championing the working class. I came kicking and screaming to America sent by my parents for a college education. I missed my country terribly but I learned the power of free speech, local organizing, the power of the people but most of all I learned of the power ordinary people have in a country ruled by laws and not by dictators. I married an American and am convinced that as bad as things are today…. Law and human decency will prevail. God bless these United States.
Holding onto hope. That's where I am at.
Indeed, Tommy — thanks.
Important and beautiful, thank you.
I get it. You may want to read this https://publiusamericanus2026.substack.com/p/a-republic-if-you-can-keep-it-634?r=2ias38&utm_medium=ios
And my post today as well. I do believe there is hope, and we can make things happen.
Thank you Andy, I feel the same, always mixed in terms in terms of our history and what the US could be in living up to its ideals=promises=reality. You stated it so well.
Snyder helps us make sense of this moment. So to do folks like Eddie Glaude, @anativeson. I try to do my part, Andy. https://substack.com/@bxpnyc/note/p-204975473?r=9nr39&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Yes, I an an Eddie Glaude fan. Thanks, Brian. Have you read his James Baldwin book?
Not yet. Only Democracy in Black, Andy. I’ll get it when I order America, USA!
Thank you. I needed this today.
Thanks for looking, Christine. Please feel free to share this link with your friends. Be well! 🇺🇸
https://www.flakphoto.news/p/250-years
Bravo, brother.
Our hearts are with you both and all our American friends who defend democracy and fight tyranny. Solidarity!
Mike was one of my professors while I was attending KU! Wonderful to find him featured here! Also I have been thinking of similar things regarding our country and what it means to be here. Thanks Andy✌️