As I think about our upcoming celebration of the Declaration of Independence, my mind takes me in so many different directions. The date itself is significant from an historical standpoint due to the fact that it commemorates the signing of the document that declared America’s independence as a sovereign nation. This took place on July 4, 1776. The date did not become an official federal holiday until 1941, but had long been recognized as a most momentous date.

I could go in several different directions in this blog, but I would like to focus my attention on what I see on the contemporary scene in today’s America. I see a nation torn apart in so many ways. Racial tensions continue to escalate. Political divisiveness seems to be at an all-time high as we see the chasm between liberals and conservatives widen by the day. Religious tensions run high as major denominations strive to find their identity in the context of today’s tumultuous cultural crises.

We can think back to the historical setting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and we are forced to acknowledge a solidarity among those who put their names on that document. Their vision was focused. Their desires were focused. Their willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of that document is evident to all.

So my question is: What has happened to the focus, the solidarity, the sacrifice? How have we, as a nation, become so divided and divisive in light of that initial solidarity? How has the focus and vision of our beloved nation become so blurred? Why is it that now we are witnessing throngs of individuals who have no understanding of what those initial signers of this document envisioned for this land?

The answer to that question would be impossible to state in a brief blog, and it is not my intent to strive to give such a detailed response. It is my intent, however, to share my thoughts on perhaps what may be the foundational answer to this dilemma. Today’s Americans, from my very limited perspective, have no idea what it means to be an American. It disturbs me to no end to see those who burn our flag, or who throw it on the ground, urinate on it, then stomp it under their feet. It grieves me to witness those who refuse to stand for the playing of our national anthem, as they fail to recognize that the very liberty to do such deeds was secured for them by those who died for their loyalty to that flag and that for which it stands.

It further grieves me to witness such disregard for those who have been elected to serve. I have never seen such vile actions from those who did not vote for our current president. I did not vote for Barack Obama, or Bill Clinton, but you did not hear me bash them, or worse, threaten to do them harm or even wish harm on them. Donald Trump, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with his political views and decisions, has been elected by the people of the United States, and he deserves the respect of being in that office.

But we are so divided, so divisive, so bent on bringing harm to those with whom we disagree, that we have lost sight of what the Declaration of Independence meant, and means. Our nation is a torn nation, a divided nation. A nation that is under assault by those who disagree with the initial intent of the founding fathers of this land. There seems to be such a massive divide that there is no remedy, and that we are moving hopelessly toward self destruction. Sadly, there are those who desire that very thing. Celebrities are now proclaiming that they would rather see this nation completely fall than to see Donald Trump succeed in making America great again.

I will conclude this blog with an overly simplistic answer to the problem. Let’s get back to the original intent of our founding fathers. Let’s get back to the solidarity they envisioned. Let’s get back to being a constitutional republic. Let’s elect leaders who will strive to correctly interpret and implement the constitution of the United States.

I am not naïve enough to believe that life will ever be as simplistic (not simple, mind you) as it was in those early, formative years of our nation’s existence. But let’s insist that those who desire to come here are truly desirous of being Americans. Let’s insist that they know what our constitution stands for. Let’s insist that they do not expect America to accommodate their cultural practices, and make them the norm, but that they assimilate into American culture. Let’s insist that they learn our language, and not expect our schools to accommodate theirs. Let’s put an end to the vitriolic divisiveness by bringing people together, not pushing them further apart.

Would you join me in making this July 4th celebrations a true celebration of who we are: The UNITED States of America.