Auchtoon!

I’m hoping that most readers will recognize the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Or at least that it’s some sort of gathering of the Founding Fathers. (Clue: Look at all the White guys!)

Regardless, everybody should be able to recognize our modern-day selves and our aversion to politics being brought up, especially during a summer holiday gathering. But that’s exactly what Independence Day is about — 250 years ago on July 4th a group of leaders got very, very political by signing a document that put their lives and their family’s lives in grave danger. We can see now that it was totally worth it. Back then, it wasn’t so clear.

So for this holiday in particular, we should be actively looking for ways to honor the day by being political. Not with hot takes and fear-mongering, not with political party postering, not with negative campaign ads. But with the politics of how a government that is of the people, by the people, for the people is inexorably intertwined with our lives as citizens.

Let’s resolve to participate. The success of our version of government is predicated on an informed and engaged public. So in that spirit, let’s resolve not to tell our fellow Americans what to think, but encourage them to think.

Happy Birthday, United States of America! Best wishes to our fragile young republic — celebrate by being active participants of this grand experiment.