What to the Oppressed is the Fourth of July 2024?
What to the Oppressed is the Fourth of July 2024?
Fellow Citizens,
As we gather to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, it is impossible to ignore the stark contradictions that face us. While fireworks light up the sky and speeches are made extolling the virtues of freedom, there is a shadow over this celebration – the rising threat to the very democracy and liberty we hold dear.
The promise of July 4th is a promise of freedom, equality, and justice. Yet, today, these values are under siege. We face a new tyranny, one that seeks to divide us, undermine our democratic institutions, and erode the rights and freedoms that countless Americans have fought and died for.
The movement spearheaded by those who embrace authoritarianism, who wear the mantle of “Making America Great Again” while trampling on its most sacred principles, is a clear and present danger. They distort truth, promote division, and use fear as a tool to consolidate power. This is not the vision of freedom that our founders fought for; it is the antithesis of it.
What, then, does the Fourth of July mean to the oppressed, to the marginalized, to those whose rights are being systematically stripped away? It is a painful reminder of the hypocrisy that still exists in our society. It is a call to recognize that the fight for freedom is far from over. It is a day that underscores the need for vigilance, for action, and for unity in the face of tyranny.
Freedom is not a gift that is given; it is a right that must be protected and defended. It requires our constant effort and our unwavering commitment. Our democracy is only as strong as the will of its people to safeguard it. We must be vigilant against those who would undermine it from within.
We must remember that the fight for freedom is a fight for everyone. It is a fight for the right to vote, for the right to live free from discrimination, for the right to speak truth to power, and for the right to live in a society that values justice and equality. These are not partisan issues; they are American values.
In this critical moment, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must stand up against those who would erode our freedoms and undermine our democracy. We must use our voices, our votes, and our collective power to ensure that the promise of America is fulfilled for all its citizens.
Let us honor this Fourth of July by committing ourselves to the ongoing struggle for freedom. Let us fight for a nation where democracy is not just a word, but a living reality. Let us protect the rights and freedoms of every individual, and let us work together to build a future where liberty and justice truly reign for all.
The task before us is great, but so is our capacity for courage and resilience. Let us rise to the challenge, protect our democracy, and fight for the freedom that is the true spirit of Independence Day.
~ Justin F. Miles and Ciara L. Lewis