Political Quotes

“This weekend America will celebrate its 244th birthday. Unfortunately, we do so in a time of pandemic, a struggling economy, and violent protests. But it is still our birthday, and we should both commemorate and celebrate it. We usually do a good job in our celebration, although this year will be different since social distancing means we will be in smaller groups, and public fireworks displays have been canceled. I suspect most of us will find a way to gather with family and close friends to cook out and show the red, white, and blue. But a commemoration is more than that. Merriam-Webster defines ``commemorate'' as ``to call to remembrance'' or ``to serve as a memorial of.'' How many of us will stop and remember what it meant for the Second Continental Congress to not only declare our independence from Britain, but also to state our reasons for doing so in majestic language positing the highest ideals? Let me make a suggestion: This Fourth, get a copy of the Declaration and read it. My extended family and friends usually get together and have several of us read the various portions of the Declaration out loud and then we talk about its meaning. It doesn't take much time, and we always experience a renewed appreciation for the gift that is our country. This year we will do it virtually, in smaller groups. The Declaration was meant to be read out loud.…”