Reflections on the 4th of July

 This week Americans will celebrate the birth of our country 250 years ago on the 4th of July, "Independence Day".  I'm always astonished to consider how very young our political experiment is compared to the arc of world history and to many other countries.

I think that we need to humbly celebrate our nations independence as a work in progress.  There are those who talk about American exceptionalism.  There are those who think America is the greatest country in the world.  There is no doubt in my mind that America rises to greatness whether we talk about ending World War II, putting people on the moon, freeing black slaves, a history of leading the world in humanitarian causes.  We are also a nation with many flaws and injustices that need to be corrected.  

So on this day, I take heart and give thanks for those who have fought for the freedom that I enjoy, for those who continue to fight for justice, support the poor and marginalized, and for those who want to make our country "E Pluribus Unum" which is a Latin phrase that means "out of many, one".  The United States is filled with many different types of people, all nationalities, colors and religions.  We are a nation of immigrants who together make this country strong and hopefully keep it free from any kind of tyranny but our task is a humble one.

The problem with patriotism is that it can lead to nationalism and nationalism as C.S. Lewis observed believes that my nation is markedly superior to all others:

Lewis once encountered a person who espoused such noxious nationalism. He asked him, "doesn't every nation think of itself as the best?" The man responded in all seriousness, "Yes, but in England it is true."

Lewis concludes, "To be sure, this conviction had not made my friend (God rest his soul) a villain; only an extremely lovable old ass. 

This 4th of July I humbly acknowledge that I live in a great country which is a work in progress as we seek justice and prosperity and liberty for all.  May we never stop working towards a more perfect union.  MEH