I’ve always felt lucky to be an American, and still very much do. It’s harder this July 4th though, to be proud when our rights and notion of equality are intentionally violated. So called “police,” acting at the direction of our government without warrants, just arresting people on vibes, including U.S. Citizens like Adrian Martinez, Andrea Velez, Jose Hermosillo, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, Jensy Machado. Doesn’t matter if you show ID, either due to their incompetence or arrogance, you can be put in jail with no lawyer.
Last week a group of men in masks, street clothes, tactical vest and guns beat the head of, dislocated the shoulder of and pepper sprayed Narciso Barranco. Yes, he is undocumented, but I would’ve run too from those masked men with no warrant. Narciso is the dad of three Marines. This administration praised the ICE agents.
Trump treats us differently based on speech and politics. He has sued news outlets for fair reporting, denying them access if they don’t repeat his tropes. He has used the power of government to destroy law firms who challenged him in court before he was President—no remorse for the thousands of employees or their families. For political differences, he repeals security details of government officials under known physical threats. After the evidence against Eric Adams showed widespread corruption, Trump had the case thrown out to control the NYC Mayor’s policy agenda.
He uses his title to line his pockets with crypto scams and gifted multi-million-dollar jets. It is King-level selfishness, and permitted because we are down to two branches of government; if we can still count the Judiciary as one when it continues to treat the President as above the law. Congress has fully abdicated its power; it serves no check as Republicans run for office to serve Trump and own the libs.
Freedom, equality, and opportunity have always been what makes America, America. The greater their expanse, the more American the country become, and vice versa. Yes, we have a history of isolationist, racist, oppressive, and imperialist acts. Every country has some, and some of ours have been severe, but I attribute those to flaws in humans and nothing unique to America. We have not always been free and equal, and never the most free or equal, but part of our shared conscience has been that all people are created equal and have the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s been a guiding light. But as I reflect this Independence Day, America is less American than it was a year ago. So rather than be proud of America, I’m going to be thankful for the people being American. Thankful to the reporters that bring us the truth, to immigration lawyers that uphold the rule of law, to elected officials that stand up to threats, to friends that post awareness, to families that protest authoritarianism, and for anyone who displays the spirit and bravery that would have said no to a monarchy 249 years ago.
Recent Comments