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As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate 250 years of this great nation, there are others who are in a perpetual state of the blues, bemoaning the country, politicians, traditions, and anything that has to do with America. As the old saying goes, “misery loves company,” and lefty lunacy is running amok in time for the country’s anniversary, determined to see everything as doom and gloom.
Leftists Paint a Blue America
Unfortunately, pride in the country is not high on the left’s agenda – and their displeasure in the world has bled into society as they try to paint a very blue picture for the country. New Yorker magazine’s May 11 issue featured a cover illustration titled “Red, White, and Kinda Blue.” The image was of George Washington, but not like the stoic Founding Father we’re used to seeing. Instead, he is portrayed as looking glum, his “jaw is propped disconsolately on his hand in a melancholy pose with his elbow resting on a bar; he nurses a sad martini; an ashtray full of cigarette butts molders in front of him; in his mouth is a party horn he’s given a desultory puff of ironic celebration; the look in his eye is one of sadness and ennui,” Washington Examiner detailed.
The idea, of course, is to insinuate that our Founding Fathers would not be happy with the way America has turned out thus far. The illustrator said that perhaps there is consolation that “climate catastrophes are still somewhat infrequent … you’re free to express your opinions, as long as you keep your voice down and remember who you’re talking to … [and] with any luck, the midterms will bring a ray of hope for the 251st Fourth of July, and beyond.”
The Trump administration has been working hard to clean up our national monuments in time for the celebration. Instead of applauding the move, protesters were actually cheering on algae to take over the Reflection Pool. To these people, it isn’t about celebrating how far the country has come and all that we’ve accomplished through blood, sweat, and tears; it’s about protesting a sitting president and hoping for his failure at the cost of the nation.
Donald Trump’s Freedom250 event is another example when people – celebrities and everyday folks alike – refused to participate. During the celebration, there were No Kings rallies held across the nation. Other groups protesting or trying to send a different message were out and about as well.
And then we move to the West Coast, where The Seattle Times published an opt ed linking Trump, the World Cup, and the 250th anniversary. This article focused on whether it was appropriate to cheer for the USA during the World Cup.
“I’m an American and very proud of the freedoms we have,” Carey Lefkowitz told the outlet. “But I can’t lose my humanity and that’s what I see as happening.”
The argument is disagreement with the Iran War, immigration, and pretty much everything the current administration is doing. Ken Langner told The Times that he will root for England because he’s a progressive who doesn’t believe his taxes should be spent on bombs and should instead go toward healthcare.
The Positive Approach
"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Despite the calls to skip the Fourth of July celebrations, wish for algae to destroy a national monument, and the effort to paint America’s 250 anniversary as something to bemoan and avoid, there are millions of people showing their pride and patriotism across the country.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 80% of respondents – which includes 76% of Democrats, 74% of independents, and 91% of Republicans – plan to celebrate Independence Day this year. Around 48% of the country plans to attend a cookout with family or friends, and 16% will even make red, white, and blue themed food, drinks, or desserts, the questionnaire found. Forty-one percent said they will display an American flag outside their homes, with 64% Republicans saying they will participate in that tradition.
Who doesn’t love a good fireworks show? Of those who took the poll, 34% said they plan to attend a fireworks show while 18% said they will set fireworks off themselves.
The loudest voices don’t always come from the largest group. While some Americans may spend Independence Day focused on what they dislike about the country, far more are gathering with family, flying the flag, watching fireworks, and celebrating the freedoms that have made America unlike any other nation in history. After 250 years, the United States has faced wars, economic hardships, political divisions, and countless challenges, yet it has continued to endure and grow stronger. That resilience is worth celebrating. No matter how much critics try to dampen the spirit of the holiday, the overwhelming majority of Americans are proving that pride, patriotism, and gratitude for this nation are still very much alive.
