Interdependence Day

Happy 4th of July!  America—you beautiful, free Country—you deserve the best. There are gifts I'd give you if it were in my power simply to "order them up."   Here's my list:

 

* Cleaner air and a pledge from us to take greater care in how we use your land and water.  Starting today.

 

* Greater harmony among those of us who live here, remembering we have significant things in common as well as our strong differences.  Surely that would make for a happier birthday for you, America.

 

* A majority in Congress that puts you first, allowing the will of your people to motivate them— rather than re-election anxiety and their own narrow visions of what you, our country, should look like.

 

*  I would wave my magic wand to raise the consciousness and sharpen the memories of your citizens, reminding us all that our precious freedoms include the freedom to think independently, to respond rather than react to issues and to one another, to extend compassion and respect to our fellow humans.  We need each other.

 

*  Because we need each other to become our best selves and, collectively, to be and do our best as a Nation, I would declare July 4 INTERDEPENDENCE DAY.  I believe you'd like for us to recognize it's nearly impossible (and certainly not as much fun) to be fully independent without also being interdependent.  It's possible to survive independently—but it takes collaboration and interactive support to truly thrive.  

 

* I would give you the gift  of seeing us celebrating our differences with good humor and working in the spirit of cooperation to do whatever it takes to help you heal, America.

 

Happy Birthday, USA.   Happy Interdependence Day!