On this particular Independence Day, it can be hard to celebrate. It can be hard to sing hymns to the land of the free as it constructs lawless concentration camps in a Florida swamp. It can be hard to salute the home of the brave while so many who have been blessed with every advantage knuckle under to a petty tyrant and his masked thugs. It can be hard to remember what is worthwhile about the American Republic as we watch so many trusted with the people’s power proffer it in abject supplication or gleeful abandon it.
These are indeed times to try men’s souls, but we must remember that many have shouldered so much greater burdens, paid a much higher price, sacrificed so much more, than we have been asked to as yet. Darkness laps at the feet of Lady Liberty but her torch remains held high. Nothing is hopeless until we surrender hope. And remember: whatever is worthwhile that we fight for, was first secured not by heroes or demigods, not by some better class blessed by noble lineage, not by inimitable avatars, but through the sweat and tears and toil and blood of ordinary people who finally found their courage, stood their ground, and said, No more.
No more rule through fear.
No more reign through force.
No more living or dying through the whims of one man.
No more kings.
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