I’ve always struggled with the day and what it means for the majority of people who live in the United States. So many have never truly been free. I haven’t celebrated it in more than 20 years.
Black people, people of color, indigenous people, and the LGBTQ+ community have not been celebrating the fourth for decades. Today, women no longer have a reason to celebrate. Despite our best efforts, all five groups have always been considered second class citizens, slaves, chattel, or worse. I suppose if you are a heterosexual, white, christian, land-owning male you can go about doing what you always do.
AJ
Our Supreme Court is taking away freedoms previously granted. As a veteran I am saddened. The sacrifices made by soldiers past/present were for the benefit of the people. Our system they defended is being turned into a Nationalist Theocracy by a screeching minority, pretending to portray themselves and movement as patriotic. They are twisting everything The Founding Fathers said to fit their religious, sexist, racist, homophobic agenda. They don’t give a hoot about anyone but themselves.
No. I am not celebrating.
Annie
I didn’t read this till today, but it’s how I felt yesterday. Especially after I went to get some gas, and a random local tried to tell me that the “Democrats, with a capital D” (he literally said it that way) are trying to take over every aspect of our lives. Ironic much? Yeah. I just walked away, but not before saying “if you think gas prices are the government’s fault, go look at the profits the oil companies have made in 2022.” Because I just can’t go down without a fight.