Have not celebrated the Fourth with fireworks in a long time (in my town, the city folk shoot them from a field where blackbirds nest, to me a place that should just reside in PEACE). I spent many years asking the city for a change—to celebrate and rededicate ourselves to We the People. The fire in the sky continues, in peak fire season. Now my spouse and I observe the Fourth away from home, walking trails near the ocean, turning our appreciation to the longer-term residents of Turtle Island. Wishing you and your readers the most peaceful Fourth in this mad time, Ranjit.
You know, Ranjit, something strange happened to me as I read your piece—sitting here in Europe, where I've lived all my life.
I found myself wanting to come and meet you, shake your hand, and quietly watch a sunrise together.
And do you know why?
Because through your words, I feel I've come to understand something deep about the American soul. And because of that, a deep respect was born in me—not only for you, but for all the good-hearted citizens of the United States.
There are so many of you. People who can be loved. People who can be respected.
While you were cursing—and with good reason—something profoundly friendly awakened in me. It helped me see beyond the barroom noise of our age—the shouting, the anger, the insults, and the endless fighting.
And beyond all that, I found human beings.
So if I ever make it back to US, I'd love to shake your hand and quietly watch a sunrise with you. A new day beginning. A reminder that, despite everything, hope still returns.
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Tamas. Fortunately -- and not surprisingly -- most of my friends are distraught over the way things have evolved in the US. It's unbelievable. You're welcome to stop by!
I have only started reading and already wanted to say thank you for writing this, just the title and subtitle appearing in my inbox made me feel some relief, because I woke up thinking, "Ugggghhhhhhhhhh another 4th of July is coming that I don't want to celebrate, ugggghhhhhhhhhh."
I was thinking especially about an upsetting news story that popped up on my feed this week (despite my efforts to tailor my social media to avoid these surprises), a new level of human rights abuse and disregard for the courts and the rule of law.
The disregard for the law and the courts adds an extra level of distress for me, because of all the things I could pursue to try to make a better world, a law career and a focus on civil rights is what I went with. It feels like these tools, the calling I chose, are losing power to protect people, and so am I. (Obligatory disclaimer that my opinions about the law are mine alone in my personal capacity and not those of any organization with which I'm affiliated.)
The news story has haunted me for a few days now, especially when I think about the 4th of July and how I cannot celebrate knowing this is happening, and how sad it is that this is where the country is after 250 years. What. Happened!? Why does this keep happening? Why are people okay with this?
It's comforting to be reminded I'm not alone in such thoughts. I'll read the entire essay soon.
Sister, in this as in all things, we are all in it together. It's truly horrible to watch events unfold. Imagine having to teach an intro to political science course the morning after Trump's election! Thank you for reading and commenting. Stay healthy and connected to nature. We'll get through this damaging period. I have kids and refuse to give up.
I too, am waiting for the fall. And you’re right, pride should be conditional. I left the US over ten years ago and I’m forever devastated because, for all the reasons you stated, I don’t feel like I have a home to return to.
Have not celebrated the Fourth with fireworks in a long time (in my town, the city folk shoot them from a field where blackbirds nest, to me a place that should just reside in PEACE). I spent many years asking the city for a change—to celebrate and rededicate ourselves to We the People. The fire in the sky continues, in peak fire season. Now my spouse and I observe the Fourth away from home, walking trails near the ocean, turning our appreciation to the longer-term residents of Turtle Island. Wishing you and your readers the most peaceful Fourth in this mad time, Ranjit.
Sounds much more meaningful. Our neighbors blow the place up (many are retired military). I can only think of the nesting birds. Sigh.
You know, Ranjit, something strange happened to me as I read your piece—sitting here in Europe, where I've lived all my life.
I found myself wanting to come and meet you, shake your hand, and quietly watch a sunrise together.
And do you know why?
Because through your words, I feel I've come to understand something deep about the American soul. And because of that, a deep respect was born in me—not only for you, but for all the good-hearted citizens of the United States.
There are so many of you. People who can be loved. People who can be respected.
While you were cursing—and with good reason—something profoundly friendly awakened in me. It helped me see beyond the barroom noise of our age—the shouting, the anger, the insults, and the endless fighting.
And beyond all that, I found human beings.
So if I ever make it back to US, I'd love to shake your hand and quietly watch a sunrise with you. A new day beginning. A reminder that, despite everything, hope still returns.
Thank you, Ranjit.
Tamás
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Tamas. Fortunately -- and not surprisingly -- most of my friends are distraught over the way things have evolved in the US. It's unbelievable. You're welcome to stop by!
Amen. Here's hoping the jack boots don't show up at your doorstep.
Thanks for reading!
I have only started reading and already wanted to say thank you for writing this, just the title and subtitle appearing in my inbox made me feel some relief, because I woke up thinking, "Ugggghhhhhhhhhh another 4th of July is coming that I don't want to celebrate, ugggghhhhhhhhhh."
I was thinking especially about an upsetting news story that popped up on my feed this week (despite my efforts to tailor my social media to avoid these surprises), a new level of human rights abuse and disregard for the courts and the rule of law.
The disregard for the law and the courts adds an extra level of distress for me, because of all the things I could pursue to try to make a better world, a law career and a focus on civil rights is what I went with. It feels like these tools, the calling I chose, are losing power to protect people, and so am I. (Obligatory disclaimer that my opinions about the law are mine alone in my personal capacity and not those of any organization with which I'm affiliated.)
The news story has haunted me for a few days now, especially when I think about the 4th of July and how I cannot celebrate knowing this is happening, and how sad it is that this is where the country is after 250 years. What. Happened!? Why does this keep happening? Why are people okay with this?
It's comforting to be reminded I'm not alone in such thoughts. I'll read the entire essay soon.
Sister, in this as in all things, we are all in it together. It's truly horrible to watch events unfold. Imagine having to teach an intro to political science course the morning after Trump's election! Thank you for reading and commenting. Stay healthy and connected to nature. We'll get through this damaging period. I have kids and refuse to give up.
Onwards.
Best, Ranjit
I too, am waiting for the fall. And you’re right, pride should be conditional. I left the US over ten years ago and I’m forever devastated because, for all the reasons you stated, I don’t feel like I have a home to return to.