It’s the 4th of July. Independence Day 2018. How are you feeling about America today? Are you able to set aside concerns, and enjoy the celebrations? Are you experiencing complicated feelings today? Maybe you’re embarrassed of America? Maybe you’re feeling like you want to rally for America? Take back your country?
Last year, I remember the 4th of July felt very different to me. I don’t yet know how I feel about it this year, but I wanted to share a few quotes and stories and poems that stood out to me this morning and gave me food for thought:
Independence Day 2018 Quotes:
“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
— from James Baldwin, “Notes of a Native Son” (1955)
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For the first time since Gallup polled this question, fewer than half of adults in America say they’re extremely proud to be Americans. A positive take? The same groups feeling less patriotic — Democrats, non-whites, women, and young people — show the most motivation to vote this fall.
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Columnist Megan McCardle argues we need more patriotism and flag-waving. Two quotes from her thread:
“We aren’t an ethnostate. We’re a creedal nation composed of many groups. We can’t rely on culture and language and long centuries of shared history to do the heavy lifting of creating a shared sense of identity. We have to create it through ritual and reassertion of the creed.”
“So sing the anthem today. And read the Declaration of Independence. And celebrate your country, and every one of the 325 million people who calls the same place “Home”.”
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“Our country’s greatest strength has always been our ability to make it a more just and equal place.”
— from U.S. Senator Kamala Harris
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Myke Cole, a veteran, wrote about how we talk about those who have served (or are serving) in the military:
“Fetishizing veterans makes me feel isolated and alien. I did a job, and I was paid to do it. I don’t need special treatment or care. If America would simply provide medical care to all, it would cover veterans’ needs. What I want, more than anything, is to be like everyone else.”
I found the responses to this tweet very enlightening. If you’re active duty, or a veteran, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you want to be talked about?
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“A poignant reminder—one people should heed—of how little we discuss our obligations to the people in countries we went to war with — the victims there weren’t just adult soldiers. Millions of kids grew up under bombs. If it’s hard for adult volunteer soldiers, imagine children.”
“We act like the Iraq War never happened; Afghanistan doesn’t exist. Yet the way that war was conducted paved the way for a big chunk of the problems roiling the world. Practically no accountability. And then puzzled “how did we get here” questions. History doesn’t start in 2016.”
— from Zeynep Tufekci
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From political writer Jared Yates Sexton:
“I hate how toxic nationalists and Trumpists have made patriotism, how they’ve perverted it into a weapon.”
“I love the aspirations of this country, even though we’ve never fully lived up to them. I love how so many people have fought for those aspirations despite the odds being stacked against them and having the hatred of so many bogging them down.”
“I love how people continue to fight despite every setback and backbreaking hope. I love the goodness of Americans when it actually shines.”
“Patriotism isn’t blind love of a country, it’s the willingness to strive and bleed to make it better. The willingness to fight through all the ugliness for something kinder and stronger even when all evidence and history says it’s a failing battle.”
“Patriotism is refusing to give up your country to those who would ruin every last good thing about it and sully its name forever more.”
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Roosevelt’s admonition:
“This country will not be a permanently good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.”
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Austin Kleon’s newspaper blackout poem, In America Again.
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“Children represent themselves in immigration court. Their feet dangle from the chairs. The adults in the room smugly sit in their business suits, write in their leather notepads, and use big words.”
And shared a video of toddlers having to represent themselves in court. I think we can all agree this will go down as one of the most shameful things that has ever happened in our country.
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Someone yelled at Touré: “You can leave the country any time you like!”
He responded: “Actually, I can’t leave America because I love it in a way that’s more profound than your small mind can comprehend. I’m not proud of America now but I won’t abandon it because it’s sick. I’ll stay and fight to return it to a place I can be proud of. That’s what true patriots do.”
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“242 years ago, we set out to build a more perfect union. We’re not finished yet. Happy Fourth of July.”
— from Hillary Clinton
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I, too, sing America…
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
— by Langston Hughes
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How about you? Any poems, quotes, or patriotic hymns on your mind for Independence Day 2018? Do you read the Declaration of Independence to mark the day? Maybe host a BBQ? Or make Flag Cake?
My three youngest are helping out at local parade this morning, so I’d better wrap this up and go get them ready, but if you have a chance to check in today (or tomorrow, or whenever), I’d love to hear how you’re feeling about Independence Day 2018, and about America.
Nora Ballantyne
July 4, 2018 at 11:37 amI love these words:
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free….
I’m grateful for the right to peaceably assemble.
Thanks for the space you create here. Happy fourth!
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 12:57 pmYes! The right to peaceably assemble! It doesn’t get as much attention as other rights, but it’s so important.
mom in mendon
July 4, 2018 at 12:03 pmHappy 4th! Thanks for the interesting links. God bless America!
I’m sharing this video that was posted by a Jamaican friend.
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 12:59 pmHappy 4th, Mom!
Meg P
July 4, 2018 at 12:52 pmI love the idea to share quotes that resonant, thanks! I saved several to share with my family. One thing I’m thinking about is how to better marry my progressive politics with and open hearted kind of patriotism. I was sad when someone commented that my Hilary bumper sticker and my flag bumper sticker clash. Not at all! To me, Hilary has been serving our country and I respect that. I want to see more of us embracing service as an Americans ideal.
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm“how to better marry my progressive politics with and open hearted kind of patriotism”
I really like how you phrased that. And yes! A Hillary bumper sticker and a flag bumper sticker go hand in hand!
Camille
July 4, 2018 at 1:10 pmI have not been able to distinguish what or how to feel this Independence Day. I have so many mixed feelings. There are many things about this country I’m grateful for and yet many things I can’t help but feel sad/disappointed about also. The song This Land is Your Land has been looping through my thoughts today. I shared all the words in my instagram post today as many people don’t know more than the first two verses. The last three are resonating with me the most right now.
“This Land Is Your Land
Words and Music by Woody Guthrie
This land is your land This land is my land
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and Me.
As I was walking that ribbon of highway,
I saw above me that endless skyway:
I saw below me that golden valley:
This land was made for you and me.
I’ve roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding:
This land was made for you and me.
When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,
As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting:
This land was made for you and me.
As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said “No Trespassing.”
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.
In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people,
By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.”
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:02 pmWoah. Those verses are STRONG. And so spot on right now. I’m really glad you shared.
Mindy
July 4, 2018 at 2:06 pmThank you; I needed this today!
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:02 pmThanks for reading, Mindy.
Karen
July 4, 2018 at 6:50 pm“America, America God shed His grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood. From sea to shining sea.” There is so much more that brings us together than divides us. Let’s focus on those things more often and less on the divisive, contentious things. Feeling blessed to live in this great nation, today and always. I love America!
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:03 pmI always love the last line of the second verse:
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
Heather Cosby
July 4, 2018 at 8:03 pmAt the annual 4th of July concert in our community, the was an arrangement of the Gettysburg Address read over music. I know there were many contributing factors to the Civil War, but as I thought about white men dying for black men’s freedom, I was moved to tears, and this quote struck me as true and necessary today as it was 150 years ago: “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…”
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:04 pmIt’s been a long time since I’ve read the Gettysburg address. Thanks for the reminder.
Norah
July 5, 2018 at 12:40 amGabby, thank you for each of these. Thank you for rising to the demands of the time and using your platform to be vulnerable and provocative, always loving and full of wisdom. Your voice over the past year has impressed and touched me so much. Thank you. Happy 4th to you and your family!
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:05 pmWhat a kind comment, Norah. I appreciate it.
I don’t know that I’ve felt full of love when writing some of these posts, but I appreciate the encouragement. : )
Susana Melo
July 5, 2018 at 7:09 amregarding the immigrants situation…
I’m tired of waiting for the UN, UNICEF, European Union, etc… to act.
They’re supposed to make the Good prevail over the Evil.
So, I’m going to do what’s in my range: economic blocking to american products or services.
I appeal to all people with a Heart to do so.
The american brands are already known by everyone.
USA Barcodes start at 002 to 019 or 030 to 039 (reserved for drugs – there are certainly alternatives) and from 060 to 139.
I konw this is not 100% accurate but it’s the best I can do.
I still have figure out to do TV series and Disney.
Gabrielle, I’ll make an exception for your blog, because it’s like a news agency: I know things first form you blog then for the european newspapers or TV.
«Trump is not a trump»
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:06 pmI totally get this. I think you’ve got to take a stand in whatever way you can. Boycotting American things is a strong way to make a statement.
Amy3
July 5, 2018 at 7:54 amI’m usually a big one for fireworks on the Fourth, but this year a combination of the heat and the current political climate left me not feeling it. Instead my husband, our 16-yo daughter, and I went to see the Mister Rogers documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? That was a real antidote to feeling down. I cried happy tears off and on the whole time.
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:07 pmI still haven’t seen it! But I really want to. That sounds like a really good way to spend time on July 4th. I imagine it makes viewers feel neighborly.
Beverly
July 5, 2018 at 8:19 amI have been reading your thoughtful posts for awhile now. I am a Canadian that lives part of the year in your country and have many good friends there. That said it’s difficult to know how to feel lately. I have no right to criticize but this President has me feeling vulnerable. We worry about how we will be treated by Government policies in the future. We are getting some flak now from other Canadians who don’t think we should be in the U.S. anymore. A very difficult time.
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:08 pmIt is a very difficult time. I agree. And I hope you always feel welcome here.
Because actions by the American government affect people worldwide, sometimes in good ways, sometimes in horrible ways, I think every person in the world has the right to criticize the American President.
Amanda
July 5, 2018 at 11:28 amThank you so much for this post. We are on a road trip to West Texas right now. A few days ago, I stood on the banks of the Rio Grande near Lajitas, Texas, and looked across at Mexico. It was peaceful and beautiful with just the sound of the river. Being in this area reminded me that this point in history is just a small blip. The land existed long before talk of border walls. I find it helpful to get outside and out from behind my phone screen to remember what is important and what will endure. (And then spend my other free time getting people registered to vote!)
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:09 pmI’ve never seen the Rio Grande. That sounds like it was a powerful moment. I can picture a family standing on the banks, singing This Land Is Your Land, This Land is My Land.
Ashley
July 5, 2018 at 12:19 pmThe forced hero-worship is very uncomfortable for this military family. I know that this comment will offend some, but my purely anecdotal experience (14 years married to a green beret) has shown me that those in the military who demand this recognition and are offended when they aren’t thanked for their service didn’t have jobs where they were in great danger compared to the few who are. A job was done, my husband was paid and that is that. VA services absolutely need to be improved, not because everyone is a hero but because that was promised to each soldier when they signed their contract. We had a great 4th of July and were reinvigorated to stand up for the down trodden, just like our founding fathers and not a single person thanked my husband for his service which was such a relief.
Design Mom
July 5, 2018 at 1:11 pmI really appreciate your comment, Ashley. Especially the reminder that VA services are not a political thing. They are part of a signed contract made between an employer and an employee. They need to be provided, period. In the same way that a paycheck needs to be provided for work completed.
Jess.
July 5, 2018 at 2:49 pmLike many, I felt conflicted yesterday. Thank you (as always) for these thoughtful quotes.
Design Mom
July 6, 2018 at 1:54 pmI appreciate the comment, Jess. Thank you.
Liv
July 5, 2018 at 3:52 pmPatriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your government when it deserves it.
– Mark Twain
Such a bittersweet holiday in our house too.
Design Mom
July 6, 2018 at 1:55 pmI appreciate the quote, Liv. Thank you.
'Becca'lise
July 6, 2018 at 1:45 pmI kinda had to turn my brain off this year and focus on making the day special for my 2 year old daughter. Family time, barbecue, swimming, badminton…just tried to make it a nice summer day.
Design Mom
July 6, 2018 at 1:55 pmSounds like it was perfect for your two year old! Good job, Mom.