In this time of national challenge and shame, how do we celebrate the United States?
It is hard to celebrate this country after our current government just passed the cruelest legislation in my lifetime. It is painful to celebrate when we know that millions of people will get kicked off of their health care, and children will go hungry. Here, in a country that has enough food to feed the world.
It feels impossible to find joy in a national celebration when I’m watching policies unfold that contradict the values I believe this country should represent. How do you honor a place you love when you’re witnessing what feels like a betrayal of its most vulnerable people?
It is difficult to celebrate when people are being snatched off the streets by vans of masked men, just because they are brown-skinned. And now, these home-grown militias will get more money to take more people. Who will be next?
I could go on and on. I’m sickened by the highest levels of our judicial system are allowing this cruel government to ship people off to jails and prisons without due process.
HOWEVER –
Here’s what I will celebrate today
I celebrate that we still have the right to speak our minds.
I honor the millions of Americans who are showing up in protests. Our last demonstration, with people protesting this government, was 12 million people strong.
We should give thanks to the people who expose wrongdoings – the lawyers who file lawsuits, those who pull out their cellphones to record the kidnappings, and the organizers who volunteer their time.
I embrace the journalists who have resigned, rather than write to a party line.
I celebrate the everyday people who speak out and stand up – even when it is inconvenient orunpopular.
What will you celebrate today?
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A blessing for those who show up
A prayer for when prayers are not enough –
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