Advertisement

Editorial: America rises to its ideals

 
Last week’s Supreme Court ruling upholding same-sex marriage, and the cascading downfall of the Confederate flag, showcase America’s capacity to overcome entrenched bigotry centuries in the making, to rededicate itself to individual freedoms and equality for all, to celebrate the diversity that makes the nation strong.
Last week’s Supreme Court ruling upholding same-sex marriage, and the cascading downfall of the Confederate flag, showcase America’s capacity to overcome entrenched bigotry centuries in the making, to rededicate itself to individual freedoms and equality for all, to celebrate the diversity that makes the nation strong.
Published July 3, 2015

This Fourth of July holiday reminds us how the Declaration of Independence and America's democratic ideals continue to evolve for the good of the nation and mankind. Last week's Supreme Court ruling upholding same-sex marriage, and the cascading downfall of the Confederate flag, showcase America's capacity to overcome entrenched bigotry centuries in the making, to rededicate itself to individual freedoms and equality for all, and to celebrate the diversity that makes the nation strong.

The Declaration of Independence approved by the Continental Congress in 1776 was not merely a repudiation of crown rule from Britain. It also formed the basis of American ideals, establishing "that all men are created equal" and endowed "with certain unalienable rights," among them "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Millions of Americans will take these tenets to heart today by celebrating the holiday with parades, cookouts and fireworks. At the same time, the nation is still recovering from the pain, anguish and loss of long wars overseas that never seem to end. This is a proud day for Americans, as this country stands as the model for the world. But as recent events demonstrate, the nation is still rising to meet those ideals it embraced nearly 240 years ago.

The concentration of wealth has become so lopsided that the middle class, that great incubator of opportunity and freedom, could soon become an endangered species — and major candidates for president from both political parties are making it a campaign issue even as they use different code words. Residential segregation — poor people living among poor people, rich living among the rich — has increased over three decades and in 27 of the nation's 30 largest metro areas, the Pew Center found. And African-Americans and other minorities still face endemic discrimination in jobs and housing.

So despite all its achievements, this country is still a work in progress. That doesn't diminish the nation, but speaks to its potential and capacity for change.

Americans saw that on display in meaningful human terms in the past few weeks — on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court and on the steps of courthouses and Capitol buildings across the South. That appreciation for the dignity of all people, for the laws of nature that compel equal treatment, and for the right to redress grievances is exactly what the Founding Fathers envisioned as the legacy of this great nation.

So throw another hot dog on the grill, thank the Chinese for making all the bunting and marvel at the fireworks. This is truly a day to honor America's ambitions and to celebrate how far this country has moved its own people and millions abroad toward the best of the human condition. Today should also be an inspiration for America to keep growing. As the past week alone has shown, there is not a single moment to waste.