Our Uniquely American Plague (7/10/22)
July 4th or Independence Day has traditionally been an opportunity to celebrate freedom. Yet last weekend, in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs, stripping reproductive freedom from half the population of this country, many felt ambivalent about celebrating freedom. Then the horrific mass shooting unfolded at the July 4th parade in Highland Park and left many of us unmoored. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker furiously described the moment saying “It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague,” It is time to “Be angry”. Republican leaders in Congress and in state houses continue an all-out attack on our freedoms. They refuse sensible gun laws, ban books, suppress the vote, restrict speech, do not protect the planet, and criminalize women and doctors. The wings of freedom have been clipped.
It is time, however, to remind ourselves of all the progress we have made and the struggles we have endured as a country. Once again America has found itself at an inflection point in history. It is a moment some did not see coming or a clock we did not expect to be turned back. We must believe, however, that those who seek to undo that progress and steal that democracy for which we struggled will be defeated. The struggle for freedom is never over; it could take years or even decades to right the ship. Yet what is worth celebrating is that Americans throughout history have shown great strength in the face of grave threats. We have fought for the values we believe in. As Americans, we carry that baton into today. We must meet this moment with a resolve to hold the offenders accountable and to fight with every tool in our toolbox. Not only have they coopted our systems, but they have shown us they are willing to lie, cheat, and use violence to achieve their end. Make no mistake, we are in the fight of our lives.
Our best weapon in this difficult fight is that those who believe in democracy, who reject the views of the radical right, are in the majority. Yet, one in three Americans don’t vote and even a higher percentage don’t vote in local and non-presidential elections. Our marching orders remain clear: we must speak out against the attack on our freedoms and at the same time turn out the vote in November. The MFD community is committed to doing this work 365 days a year. We are fortunate to have each other and an open tent for anyone who wants to join us in this work. This moment is going to take all of us.
The way to honor our country is to make it live up to its promises and ideals. To achieve this goal, grab a friend and invite them to do one more action today than they did yesterday toward this end. Offer to do it with them. Write a postcard to get out the vote, join a text or phone bank, canvass for a candidate who is fighting for the values you believe in, and give to the MFD giving circle to support down-ballot candidates in the crucial swing states of AZ and PA. It is time to stay active and grab others from the sidelines to join the fight. Our freedoms depend on it.