New Freedoms for the Fourth

Time once again to celebrate the birth of our democracy, even as we experience progress here yet witness some awkward moments abroad.  Naturally there will be picnics, barbecues, and pyrotechnic displays, all designed to mark another year of our great experiment in democracy.

Recently, we realized that our culture is still evolving with the ruling that DOMA was unconstitutional. Many in the gay community are taking advantage of their newly found freedom of marital bliss. (BTW, congratulations to Ron and Bill in Delaware.)  It’s a wonderful time for gay rights supporters.

Others see it as the end times of our civilization. Extreme right wing nut Rick Santorum decried the Court’s decision of a group of people in robes overriding the desires of the voters. Seriously, Ricky, do you really want to go there?  Well, if you insist, let’s go back to the original outrage of the court deciding against the wishes of the American electorate, namely the 2000 Presidential election.

I imagine that there are others on the right wanting to seek solace in the development of recent events. I am still waiting to hear the voices of Sarah, Ann, and Michelle on my answering machine seeking me out to comfort them in their hour of spiritual need. Yet it hasn’t happened; no messages from the ladies of the right begging me to hold them and tell them that everything will be all right. 

Okay, so a dirty-minded, middle-aged male liberal blogger can dream, can’t I?

Abroad in Egypt, democracy is experiencing growing pains. President Morsi, elected to high office not too long ago, now finds himself the victim of a coup. Our leaders are concerned, while one of our ex-leaders, former President George W. Bush, remained philosophical about Morsi’s plight. Bush was optimistic that “democracy will ultimately take hold” and that “people who live in comfortable nations are helping some of these young Egyptians understand how to build political parties and understand how to claim their rightful place in the political process.”

Understanding? Building? Political process? Where the hell was this wisdom when he was in charge over us? Five years out of office and Bush 2 starts to make some sense! Go figure!

Our anniversary does have some dark moments this year. The continuing NSA surveillance scandal is creating new concerns with our allies; a recently announced delay in a key provision of Obamacare is giving its critics renewed vigor to throw the baby out with the bath water; and what the hell, many of us may not be able to vote this time next year if Congress doesn’t tinker with the Voting Rights Act. To hell with other countries! We need to start building and understanding our political process here at home.

Fortunately, we have the tools and many of us have the intelligence to use these tools properly for the good of everyone in the nation. So bite on your hot dog, swallow your favorite brew, and watch the lighting displays in the sky. We should take some comfort that the conflict started in Philadelphia 237 years ago continues its hopefully peaceful progress toward our self evident more perfect union.

The revolution lives! Long live the evolution of democracy!

(Thank you for reading. Happy Fourth to everyone! Sara, Ann, Michelle? I’m here for you! Call me!)