Of course, the question got me thinking so:
I reread the Preamble in the Declaration of InIndependence this morning and sadly I won’t be celebrating Independence Day this year without additional thoughts!
A holiday is nice but the meaning of the holiday, the symbolism of the holiday, counts the most.
Year after year we see change but this year has seen a drastic turn from the “Preamble of the Declaration of Independence”:
We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
Remember all women and people of color – African Americans and Native Americans were not worthy of these words in 1776. We approved the 13th, 14th , 15th, 19th , and 26th Amendments to create a space for everyone to be “created equal” and vote. Today, we are seeing the rights in the Preamble and the Amendments being stripped away.
Supreme Court rulings, Voting Rights rulings, and the January 6 hearings are showing a total lack of regard for “deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”.
What we are seeing today is a show what “privilege” means when you think you can get away with rulings and crimes because you believe and know you can. The states, so far, that have limited women’s rights and voting rights- major people involved in the January 6 insurrection all have a 1776 common thread.
I appreciate all people of race and gender who are fighting for the true pursuit of “life, liberty, and happiness so we can own decisions that affect our individual lives.
Due to the courts we are now 50 states not the United States. The United States only when it suits the power brokers in charge.
Independence but not for all with no longer a majority rule in effect.
For a few minutes- let us reflect what this holiday means as you enjoy a day off, fireworks, and a good time with family and friends – because tomorrow life will go on.
#ElectionsMatter
ElderChicks 
Totally agree and fear for the future of these “United” States!
Janice
Beautiful statements. Thank you
Paula Ninerell
excellent essay
Janice, you say what we all need to remind us of every day until November and beyond. We’ll pause in November to vote.
Very well stated! Thank you. I was with a group of predominantly Democratic women today. Two commented they would ignore the Fourth due the recent rulings by SCOTUS. They continued on griping and I, tiring of complaints and no actions, told them to encourage all woman 18# to vote – and to get out the vote! Democratic Senators in my state are secure, with one up for election and he will win. However, to ensure Democratic Senators who are at risk in other states, to volunteer I shall be phoning and texting for Senator Mark Kelly of AZ. He flipped John McCain’s seat in a special election in 2020 and is up for election in November. The two complainers are ages 38 & 45. I am 76. I have witnessed too much to sit complacently and complain.
It seems that the present court is deciding they are better able to interpret what the framers meant than any justices who have served over the last 100 years. If our luck holds, they will decide to take the word men literally and decide woman have no rights.
Powerfully and sensitively written, Janice. Thank you.
Well said!! Thank you for standing up for what may be a rough but purposeful road ahead.