Civics classes in public schools should be the order of the day..our youth is clearly not getting American history at home..so what are we celebrating today? Our past? Our future? Certainly not our present..
Civic lessons need to be restored and everyone should get in depth coverage of all presidents in chronological order. This isn’t the first time we’ve been screwed.
There is nothing to celebrate. A country that began by decimating the Native Peoples and enslaving Africans, and then went on to empower admirers of Adolph Hitler and Adolph Eichmann, deserves neither respect nor celebration.
It has always been about celebrating the idea, the possibility, and the best of us striving to live out the idea. Your response, while accurate in many ways, is much like people who do not believe that people can change, that ex-cons should only be judged by the worst thing they ever did.
'Cynical realism—it's the intelligent man's best excuse for doing nothing in an intolerable situation'-Aldous Huxley
"Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
I have never been able to accept what our ancestors did to massacre the native people and then to enslave African people they brought to their now stolen land. If I sound anti-American so be it. I used to stand up and say The Pledge of Allegiance and tried to feel it. I watched flyovers at baseball games and felt somewhat proud. I sang the national anthem and truly wanted to feel proud. I have received the “then why don’t you leave” comment over and over. But do I not get my first amendment rights just because I feel different? I do not threaten anyone I just state my opinion.
If I sound bitter, I am working on it. My uncle was one of the 3rd Army soldiers who arrived at Buchenwald on April 11, 1945 and liberated that death camp from the SS. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Now we have the SS descendants, people like Trump, Vance, and Miller, running the country.
My grandfather who died 5 years ago at 105 yrs old was in WWII. He could not talk about what he saw. He fought for this country then in the last 7 years of his life was denied medical care. My sister had to change her entire life to take care of him. So I get the bitterness.
I repeat and repeat, we need to educate our children. Public schools must teach civics, and adults need to understand deeply that democracy is not, has never been, and never will be a spectator sport…
"There are moments when history tests a people. Not for their comfort or prosperity, but for their character.
This is such a moment."
My two grandchildren are too busy each working 2 jobs just to get by to care much about what this day means. But they feel it. Just like my paternal grandparents did when they came here from Russia in the early 20th century with nothing. My grandfather went to the packing houses to work for low wages.
These kids can't buy homes; it is out of their reach. My grandaughter is pregnant with no health insurance, and we can't afford to get it for her ourselves.
It IS a test. It always is. Doesn't mean we won't rise to the occasion. I hope we do.
It seems to me Nancy, that what’s happening in US is also happening here in Alberta - the right leaning govt is working really hard at “dumbing down” public education and supporting private schools with public money. I think it’s an effort to “keep ‘em stupid, then maybe they won’t realise they’re being royally hosed.” I could well be wrong 😑 though. 🇨🇦
My pleasure Marcia! Sometimes people get out over their skis and say stupid stuff. I thought Christine needed a lesson in that. I was pissed off at her condescending comment, and it wasn’t even directed at me. So thought I needed to speak up - or beak off.
This is why 77 million people voted for DJT. DJT is as ignorant and corrupt as they are and they don't have any problem being and doing what they do as they have been taught by those around them that this is how you survive and in some cases succeed or "fail up". Final evidence is our present President. A rapist, sexual predator, murderer, confidence man, 34 time convicted felon, narcissist, psychopath, compulsive liar, philanderer, international war criminal, and all around evil agent of mass destruction.
These are not good times. Re-education takes 2 generations of focused energy and resources...no one cares to make that investment. We may have to experience burning it all down and hope that for our children's sake and their children's sake....we decide to make a world where we don't have to rinse and repeat with racism, cruelty and inequality.
As a Canadian, I have the luxury of writing this from Vancouver Island. Although we have our own Trump sympathizers, I feel for you at this particular moment in your history. As you write, Henry, how does the nation deal with a significant number (77 million!) who voted for this creature - and would happily do so again? Who see themselves reflected in him. Who sympathize more with the Confederacy than with the promise of America represented by Obama and Biden.
I read this morning that, in a current poll, half of Americans could not identify the reason for this year’s celebrations; that half of Americans don’t know about the Declaration of Independence. Now, that is sad and seems to me to say something about the education system and the state of American media.
So, on this 250th Anniversary of that idea - that Declaration, I wish you well as you, collectively, continue to explore what Obama expressed, that while the nation's founding was imperfect and included the tragedy of slavery, generation after generation has had the agency to "perfect" it. To not do so is to give in to cynicism and defeat.
Unfortunately, you’re right. We are not going to reverse this. I think we should be looking at the histories of other countries that have gone through, then emerged from fascism. Germany, Japan, Italy?
The only differences I am concerned about are the advances on tech, the nuclear threat and that of climate change. The advances in tech (AI) are very real and very dangerous. AI conversing with AI is going to draw the very real conclusion that humans are a very real threat to the planet and to AI. Then...too many incompetent people have control of nuclear weapons and finally climate change is way past the tipping point. Humans have no control over these 3 devastating items.
Geez, what ever happened to the MAGANAZIs rants about socialism? They're harping on communism now?
Do tell!
Ok, I will. They have no idea what communism or socialism is. They toss out these terms to scare, inflame and rally the uninformed and angry masses.
I listened to a maga co-worker of mine go on and on about socialism. I let her finish her rant. I then asked her what socialism is. There was dead silence that followed and a blank look on her face. She then walked away from me not saying a word.
I said this long ago based on what I was taught in school in history, state history, civics, geography-all the things a kid wonders, "Why do I have to know this?" Answer was to be a good citizen and to vote wisely. Johnny Carson's "Man on the Street" segments reveiled how uneducated, even teachers, college grads were about American civic and history. Decades ago it was clearly evident. No polls needed! Education has shifted to making students able to get a job, not to be able to vote wisely, to be an informed, critical thinking citizen. There is no longer a common understanding of what America was allowed to become through our own decisions, that WE are the pilots of our futures and the future of our country.
Fighting back from Two Old Guys on the Edge of America. Our post today in response.
--------
Post 21 Long Odds . . . but a Beautiful Solution.
No one said it’s gonna be easy. But it’s time. Past time.
On November 8, 2016, against all odds (or so we thought), perhaps the most unqualified and unfit individual in America was elected President of the United States.
If anyone had asked at that time, what were the chances of that tragedy taking place, most of us would have said close to zero. Unimaginable!
Then, after the insurrection of January 6, 2021, no one could imagine the instigator could ever be returned to power. Inconceivable!
Yet, on November 3, 2024, the Unqualified and Unfit Instigator Toddler Tyrant was elected once again. Incomprehensible!
Where does that leave us? We’re left barely hanging on through one of the ugliest political periods in U.S. history and the intentional dismantling of democracy by the Executive, the MAGA Congress and the Supreme Court.
What lies ahead? No one knows. But one thing we do know is that we are not giving up, despite the odds. We are just old enough and stubborn enough to choose hopefulness and optimism.
Why? Maybe it’s the bright light that appeared on July 1, 2026. Out of the blue American satirist par excellence Andy Borowitz, using the same thoughtfulness, insight and creativity he normally applies to his biting humor, has given us a remarkable (and seriously unhumorous) New Declaration of Independence.
Looking for hope? Looking for optimism? Check out Andy’s A New Declaration of Independence from Tyranny below.
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary today, let us resolve to help achieve Andy’s brilliantly logical Declaration tomorrow.
Yes, the odds are long. But it just could be that Andy’s new Declaration becomes as heeded and revered as Tom’s original from July 4, 1776.
Odds be damned. We’re taking that bet!
(Signed) Two Old Guys from the End of the World.
A New Declaration of Independence from Tyranny
We hold these throughs to be self-evident.
Andy Borowitz, July 1, 2026
When in the course of human events a tyrant imperils a nation, it is the duty of those who cherish democracy to remove him from power.
We the People refuse to tolerate a despot who threatens our country and the world.
• He has engaged in corrupt schemes to profit from his office, plunder the Treasury, and steal from the taxpayers.
• He has desecrated the People’s House and the nation’s capital.
• He has perverted the Department of Justice to take revenge on his perceived enemies.
• He has vandalized the federal government, replacing experienced professionals with incompetent sycophants.
• He has deployed a domestic army of masked thugs to terrorize, torture, and kill.
• He has shredded aid for those most in need, at home and abroad, spreading hunger, sickness, and death.
• He has betrayed the nation’s allies and collaborated with its foes.
• And he has committed war crimes, ordering unprovoked attacks on foreign countries, targeting civilians, and massacring children.
We reject him and his enablers.
They must be held accountable and brought to justice.
And such tyranny must never contaminate this nation again.
Today we vow to set the United States on a new course.
So well articulated Steve! Happy 4th to you and all who value our freedoms. It’s shocking that so many Americans don’t appreciate what this country and founders accomplished 250 years ago. In the prophetic words of Benjamin Franklin “we have a republic if we can keep it”!
This regime has to go. The American public for the most part has been too dumbed down to know what’s happening to the country. They need one question to answer, “Are you better off than you were two years ago?” This needs to be asked over and over before the mid-terms.
Spot on, Alex. Republicans made it their mission since Reagan to degrade our public educational system down to the bare bones. This poll is definitely shocking but not a surprise. Americans are ignorant of our history by design. I give thanks for having been educated in the Sixties and Seventies, and I know what we are celebrating today.
I would submit that the Tao de Ching and the many writings of the Buddha far preceed the mention of unalienable rights in The Preamble. These documents today still hold forth the very hard work needed by humans to even recognize unalienable rights, which must include, but obviusly do not include, the RIGHTS of all biologic and physical energies of planet Earth to persist and evolve without being ripped to shreds by blind ambition and confusion on the part of humans. Remember, the real insurrection in 1775-6 was against the Roman corporate system inheritied and refined by Angle-Saxon monarchy, whose long reach infested most of Europe with paternalistic kingship, whose use of said corporate possesssion paved the way for the 'murkan document. It gave only landed white males these rights. No other humans, and certainly no plants or animals, had any rights at all, other than to be owned, manipulated, murdered and turned into lucre for the business of capital possession of all objects. Steve, I do not question your idealism and loyalty to the better natures referred to in the document. You are a true citizen and upholder of those kinder angels of human nature. But the day, today, we have made a holiday is for corporate, capital commercialism and propaganda, and that is why so few today in this poll do not ever know what happened on this day so long ago. Possession, as Rosseau lamented, is nine points of the laws written to enforce possession of the many by the few. Many unalienable Rights are still unknown and unpracticed by humans, and are certainly not shared with the living biota that remains on this planet. Today, the penultimate Shadow Self of Unalienable Rights will babble away before the doppelganger of violence, fireworks, will shower the skies with toxic chemicals and potential brush and forest fires, not unlike the missiles and bombs that almost daily threaten Iran, Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza and many other unalienable rights across this globe. The Big Lie will flourish more bigly than ever tonight, and yes, half the country will not even know, or care, because they are owned and managed and manipulated by the corporate company store of Roman capitalism. Cynical? No, if it is true, it is not cynical. We 'murkans are mostly really good people, but not because of our constitution or its promises, and not because of some religion that preaches obedient morality to gods, who, BTW, possess, allegedly, all that power of ownership over everything. The alleged Creator's charges are missing out on what the current Oligarchy enjoys. Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. Not for everybody it would seem.
I am surprised that you are just finding this out. There is little pride to be had in something that is a "nothing burger" or in this case less than a nothing burger as the history of the country or the world is no longer being required. If you didn't know the country of France existed, you wouldn't know that France existed or care. If you have a limited education that relates only to what your environment exposes you to... how would you know or have the option to know about anything else.
I hope the American people will not become so exhausted with Trump's insanity that they just hand over our dream of living in harmony with equality for all. The black cloud over our 250th birthday isn't stopping us from celebrating; it is just separating our festivities from the corrupt president and his carnival and self-aggrandizing speeches. We will have our own fireworks and banquets and share the pride we have in still surviving the many attacks against this experiment as we prepare once more to do battle to save our nation.
I for one am ready to defend our constitution in whatever way I can. I remember a neighbor in upstate NY .. He had big Trump banners on his property .. This was in the mountains. I used to walk my dog Ollie there. Anyway he was complaining about the Senate ..This was Trumps first term. Trump still had control of the Senate and the Congress. I remember saying to him, "Mick it's controlled by your party . He looked surprised . He didn't understand. So many converstations I had with Republicans up there were the same. I grew up there. They would say I'm a one issue guy second amendment. I am not concerned about anything else. I would say what about protecting social security nope they were not concerned. I think if we ever get power back we have to do something about the education system . And we need to impress unpon young people that this is there country and there vote is what will keep us in good stead.
A true horror: Stefanik's successor in NY's 41st Congressional district is likely to be the loud-mouth know-nothing Trump-ass-kisser, Anthony Constantino, CEO of Mule sticker. I had hoped that his GOP primary rival, Smullen, would remain on the Conservative line, but Smullen dropped out after talking to Trump. What was he promised? Was he threatened? The primary was hotly and bitterly contested between Smullen and Constantino; I clung to the hope Smullen would stay in the race and split the MAGA vote, opening the door for a win by the Democratic candidate, Gendebien. Alas, it was not to be.
This is all we need to know. Despite everything those people have seen, all Trump and his corrupt cronies have done, they feel like they’re doing fine, and want more. That’s what we’re facing all over. We are not going to reverse this on our lifetimes.
I hope this doesn't happen but......I think it has to all burn down before the MAGANZIs realize the damage our orange imbecile POTUS and their support has done to out nation.
How does the old song go?....." Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got till it's gone. They take paradise and put up a parking lot....."
I've been wearing progressive messages EVERY SINGLE DAY since around the time of the start of Trump 1. By now I have at least 200 shirts, sweatshirts, caps and the like with progressive messages and mild(ish) GOP rebukes, almost all from progressive organizations such as yourself. (I have some joyous, and frightening, tales as the result.)
Someday this Trump horror will all be over, and this collection will need a home (or quick burning, depending on the outcome.) Thoughts?
"Can wearing progressive messages EVERY DAY for approaching TEN YEARS (so far) make a difference? I hope so…
Seriously, I'm getting older, and I want this collection to continue as the sort of reminder that people can view to more clearly understand how such things can happen, even in America..
If we are to survive, progressivism must become the ideology of the nation and world. In our complex, interdependent, technological, global economy, political freedom without economic security is meaningless. We must not allow a privileged, wealthy, global elite absolute control over us. Keep the progressive memorabilia and pass it on as treasures to your heirs.
A great book that the covers the attacks on our traditional values that could come from AI and the concentration of wealth and suggestions on how to prevent that is Yuval Noah Harrari's "Twenty-one lessons for the Twenty-first century."
Over the past few years I've watched my entire family die off, so I have no heirs.
You see my position. And now, knowing that even an institution as venerable as the Smithsonian is actually more accurately labeled as "vulnerable", is only sad. (My only remaining travel goal was to visit the newest museum, The African-American experience, but I doubt I'll still be alive by the time it's restored to accuracy, if ever.)
In a worse-case scenario, I can always give them to the poor (with instructions to only wear them inside-out.) If the collection ends up in pieces, that will be because it needs to. (I live in the rural deep south.)
I'll remember your kindness, and I'll research that title.
Although an inevitable part of growing old, watching your family and friends go before you is very difficult. I have not lost all of my family nor all of my friends, but having lost many, I understand your pain. Take comfort in the fact that you are fighting the good fight, not only for those you know, but all mankind.
I receive rewards occasionally, through a smile or an eye-twinkle at Walmart. My life is so wonderful in so many ways that even w/o Trump, I hope I'd be compelled to try to give back.
I no longer recognize my country..
Civics classes in public schools should be the order of the day..our youth is clearly not getting American history at home..so what are we celebrating today? Our past? Our future? Certainly not our present..
Civic lessons need to be restored and everyone should get in depth coverage of all presidents in chronological order. This isn’t the first time we’ve been screwed.
"I saw that single white star on an American tank, and it looked like salvation."
-a French freedom fighter, World War II
Amen
Thank you, Roemer.
Those were the days.
There is nothing to celebrate. A country that began by decimating the Native Peoples and enslaving Africans, and then went on to empower admirers of Adolph Hitler and Adolph Eichmann, deserves neither respect nor celebration.
It has always been about celebrating the idea, the possibility, and the best of us striving to live out the idea. Your response, while accurate in many ways, is much like people who do not believe that people can change, that ex-cons should only be judged by the worst thing they ever did.
'Cynical realism—it's the intelligent man's best excuse for doing nothing in an intolerable situation'-Aldous Huxley
"Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
As Gandhi once said, if it weren’t for the Christians, I’d be one.
I have never been able to accept what our ancestors did to massacre the native people and then to enslave African people they brought to their now stolen land. If I sound anti-American so be it. I used to stand up and say The Pledge of Allegiance and tried to feel it. I watched flyovers at baseball games and felt somewhat proud. I sang the national anthem and truly wanted to feel proud. I have received the “then why don’t you leave” comment over and over. But do I not get my first amendment rights just because I feel different? I do not threaten anyone I just state my opinion.
If I sound bitter, I am working on it. My uncle was one of the 3rd Army soldiers who arrived at Buchenwald on April 11, 1945 and liberated that death camp from the SS. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Now we have the SS descendants, people like Trump, Vance, and Miller, running the country.
My grandfather who died 5 years ago at 105 yrs old was in WWII. He could not talk about what he saw. He fought for this country then in the last 7 years of his life was denied medical care. My sister had to change her entire life to take care of him. So I get the bitterness.
You have every right to be bitter. Many of us are. We can be bitter and still be working to stop what’s going on.
I repeat and repeat, we need to educate our children. Public schools must teach civics, and adults need to understand deeply that democracy is not, has never been, and never will be a spectator sport…
"There are moments when history tests a people. Not for their comfort or prosperity, but for their character.
This is such a moment."
My two grandchildren are too busy each working 2 jobs just to get by to care much about what this day means. But they feel it. Just like my paternal grandparents did when they came here from Russia in the early 20th century with nothing. My grandfather went to the packing houses to work for low wages.
These kids can't buy homes; it is out of their reach. My grandaughter is pregnant with no health insurance, and we can't afford to get it for her ourselves.
It IS a test. It always is. Doesn't mean we won't rise to the occasion. I hope we do.
It seems to me Nancy, that what’s happening in US is also happening here in Alberta - the right leaning govt is working really hard at “dumbing down” public education and supporting private schools with public money. I think it’s an effort to “keep ‘em stupid, then maybe they won’t realise they’re being royally hosed.” I could well be wrong 😑 though. 🇨🇦
Stop being bitter and do something to stop it!
It should make you so angry that you want to fix it!
Who says I am not doing anything about it? I’ve been voting and talking to others and donating money.
Nowhere did I say I’m not doing anything about it.
My pleasure Marcia! Sometimes people get out over their skis and say stupid stuff. I thought Christine needed a lesson in that. I was pissed off at her condescending comment, and it wasn’t even directed at me. So thought I needed to speak up - or beak off.
I’m sure I’ve said my share of stupid stuff but I try to save that fir Instagram! she was condescending for sure. Thank you~
With respect Christine, directives like that are really thoughtless and disrespectful! 🇨🇦
After 250 years it’s sad your young family has to live this test.
Trump, Vance, Miller, and their cadre of sycophants do not believe "All Men Are Created Equal."
That is the essence of their actions and message. Every day, in every way, they work to thwart the clarion call from the Declaration of Independence.
Never lose sight of their wretched plans, programs, and commands.
We are all called to be Patriots and stand up against this injustice. Will you resist these cowards with all your power, strength, and ability?
I WILL!!!
This is why 77 million people voted for DJT. DJT is as ignorant and corrupt as they are and they don't have any problem being and doing what they do as they have been taught by those around them that this is how you survive and in some cases succeed or "fail up". Final evidence is our present President. A rapist, sexual predator, murderer, confidence man, 34 time convicted felon, narcissist, psychopath, compulsive liar, philanderer, international war criminal, and all around evil agent of mass destruction.
These are not good times. Re-education takes 2 generations of focused energy and resources...no one cares to make that investment. We may have to experience burning it all down and hope that for our children's sake and their children's sake....we decide to make a world where we don't have to rinse and repeat with racism, cruelty and inequality.
As a Canadian, I have the luxury of writing this from Vancouver Island. Although we have our own Trump sympathizers, I feel for you at this particular moment in your history. As you write, Henry, how does the nation deal with a significant number (77 million!) who voted for this creature - and would happily do so again? Who see themselves reflected in him. Who sympathize more with the Confederacy than with the promise of America represented by Obama and Biden.
I read this morning that, in a current poll, half of Americans could not identify the reason for this year’s celebrations; that half of Americans don’t know about the Declaration of Independence. Now, that is sad and seems to me to say something about the education system and the state of American media.
So, on this 250th Anniversary of that idea - that Declaration, I wish you well as you, collectively, continue to explore what Obama expressed, that while the nation's founding was imperfect and included the tragedy of slavery, generation after generation has had the agency to "perfect" it. To not do so is to give in to cynicism and defeat.
Unfortunately, you’re right. We are not going to reverse this. I think we should be looking at the histories of other countries that have gone through, then emerged from fascism. Germany, Japan, Italy?
Rosie,
The only differences I am concerned about are the advances on tech, the nuclear threat and that of climate change. The advances in tech (AI) are very real and very dangerous. AI conversing with AI is going to draw the very real conclusion that humans are a very real threat to the planet and to AI. Then...too many incompetent people have control of nuclear weapons and finally climate change is way past the tipping point. Humans have no control over these 3 devastating items.
And now, according to his speech at Mt. Rushmore yesterday, anyone who is not a Trump lover is a communist and should be punished.
We have devolved into eating the cats and dogs once again.
I am so thankful that my generation was taught all of the amazing things about the birth of America.
Geez, what ever happened to the MAGANAZIs rants about socialism? They're harping on communism now?
Do tell!
Ok, I will. They have no idea what communism or socialism is. They toss out these terms to scare, inflame and rally the uninformed and angry masses.
I listened to a maga co-worker of mine go on and on about socialism. I let her finish her rant. I then asked her what socialism is. There was dead silence that followed and a blank look on her face. She then walked away from me not saying a word.
It must be hard work to be a human puppet
And, they naturally just “assume” everyone will buy it
It's an easy pitch with the MAGAKLAN
I said this long ago based on what I was taught in school in history, state history, civics, geography-all the things a kid wonders, "Why do I have to know this?" Answer was to be a good citizen and to vote wisely. Johnny Carson's "Man on the Street" segments reveiled how uneducated, even teachers, college grads were about American civic and history. Decades ago it was clearly evident. No polls needed! Education has shifted to making students able to get a job, not to be able to vote wisely, to be an informed, critical thinking citizen. There is no longer a common understanding of what America was allowed to become through our own decisions, that WE are the pilots of our futures and the future of our country.
Fighting back from Two Old Guys on the Edge of America. Our post today in response.
--------
Post 21 Long Odds . . . but a Beautiful Solution.
No one said it’s gonna be easy. But it’s time. Past time.
On November 8, 2016, against all odds (or so we thought), perhaps the most unqualified and unfit individual in America was elected President of the United States.
If anyone had asked at that time, what were the chances of that tragedy taking place, most of us would have said close to zero. Unimaginable!
Then, after the insurrection of January 6, 2021, no one could imagine the instigator could ever be returned to power. Inconceivable!
Yet, on November 3, 2024, the Unqualified and Unfit Instigator Toddler Tyrant was elected once again. Incomprehensible!
Where does that leave us? We’re left barely hanging on through one of the ugliest political periods in U.S. history and the intentional dismantling of democracy by the Executive, the MAGA Congress and the Supreme Court.
What lies ahead? No one knows. But one thing we do know is that we are not giving up, despite the odds. We are just old enough and stubborn enough to choose hopefulness and optimism.
Why? Maybe it’s the bright light that appeared on July 1, 2026. Out of the blue American satirist par excellence Andy Borowitz, using the same thoughtfulness, insight and creativity he normally applies to his biting humor, has given us a remarkable (and seriously unhumorous) New Declaration of Independence.
Looking for hope? Looking for optimism? Check out Andy’s A New Declaration of Independence from Tyranny below.
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary today, let us resolve to help achieve Andy’s brilliantly logical Declaration tomorrow.
Yes, the odds are long. But it just could be that Andy’s new Declaration becomes as heeded and revered as Tom’s original from July 4, 1776.
Odds be damned. We’re taking that bet!
(Signed) Two Old Guys from the End of the World.
A New Declaration of Independence from Tyranny
We hold these throughs to be self-evident.
Andy Borowitz, July 1, 2026
When in the course of human events a tyrant imperils a nation, it is the duty of those who cherish democracy to remove him from power.
We the People refuse to tolerate a despot who threatens our country and the world.
• He has engaged in corrupt schemes to profit from his office, plunder the Treasury, and steal from the taxpayers.
• He has desecrated the People’s House and the nation’s capital.
• He has perverted the Department of Justice to take revenge on his perceived enemies.
• He has vandalized the federal government, replacing experienced professionals with incompetent sycophants.
• He has deployed a domestic army of masked thugs to terrorize, torture, and kill.
• He has shredded aid for those most in need, at home and abroad, spreading hunger, sickness, and death.
• He has betrayed the nation’s allies and collaborated with its foes.
• And he has committed war crimes, ordering unprovoked attacks on foreign countries, targeting civilians, and massacring children.
We reject him and his enablers.
They must be held accountable and brought to justice.
And such tyranny must never contaminate this nation again.
Today we vow to set the United States on a new course.
To eliminate racism, sexism, and inequality.
To embrace honesty, empathy, and kindness.
To form a more perfect Union.
So well articulated Steve! Happy 4th to you and all who value our freedoms. It’s shocking that so many Americans don’t appreciate what this country and founders accomplished 250 years ago. In the prophetic words of Benjamin Franklin “we have a republic if we can keep it”!
This is our challenge and we must succeed!
Thank you, Steve. You knocked it out of the park!
This regime has to go. The American public for the most part has been too dumbed down to know what’s happening to the country. They need one question to answer, “Are you better off than you were two years ago?” This needs to be asked over and over before the mid-terms.
Spot on, Alex. Republicans made it their mission since Reagan to degrade our public educational system down to the bare bones. This poll is definitely shocking but not a surprise. Americans are ignorant of our history by design. I give thanks for having been educated in the Sixties and Seventies, and I know what we are celebrating today.
I would submit that the Tao de Ching and the many writings of the Buddha far preceed the mention of unalienable rights in The Preamble. These documents today still hold forth the very hard work needed by humans to even recognize unalienable rights, which must include, but obviusly do not include, the RIGHTS of all biologic and physical energies of planet Earth to persist and evolve without being ripped to shreds by blind ambition and confusion on the part of humans. Remember, the real insurrection in 1775-6 was against the Roman corporate system inheritied and refined by Angle-Saxon monarchy, whose long reach infested most of Europe with paternalistic kingship, whose use of said corporate possesssion paved the way for the 'murkan document. It gave only landed white males these rights. No other humans, and certainly no plants or animals, had any rights at all, other than to be owned, manipulated, murdered and turned into lucre for the business of capital possession of all objects. Steve, I do not question your idealism and loyalty to the better natures referred to in the document. You are a true citizen and upholder of those kinder angels of human nature. But the day, today, we have made a holiday is for corporate, capital commercialism and propaganda, and that is why so few today in this poll do not ever know what happened on this day so long ago. Possession, as Rosseau lamented, is nine points of the laws written to enforce possession of the many by the few. Many unalienable Rights are still unknown and unpracticed by humans, and are certainly not shared with the living biota that remains on this planet. Today, the penultimate Shadow Self of Unalienable Rights will babble away before the doppelganger of violence, fireworks, will shower the skies with toxic chemicals and potential brush and forest fires, not unlike the missiles and bombs that almost daily threaten Iran, Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza and many other unalienable rights across this globe. The Big Lie will flourish more bigly than ever tonight, and yes, half the country will not even know, or care, because they are owned and managed and manipulated by the corporate company store of Roman capitalism. Cynical? No, if it is true, it is not cynical. We 'murkans are mostly really good people, but not because of our constitution or its promises, and not because of some religion that preaches obedient morality to gods, who, BTW, possess, allegedly, all that power of ownership over everything. The alleged Creator's charges are missing out on what the current Oligarchy enjoys. Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. Not for everybody it would seem.
Well said, Mick!
I am surprised that you are just finding this out. There is little pride to be had in something that is a "nothing burger" or in this case less than a nothing burger as the history of the country or the world is no longer being required. If you didn't know the country of France existed, you wouldn't know that France existed or care. If you have a limited education that relates only to what your environment exposes you to... how would you know or have the option to know about anything else.
I hope the American people will not become so exhausted with Trump's insanity that they just hand over our dream of living in harmony with equality for all. The black cloud over our 250th birthday isn't stopping us from celebrating; it is just separating our festivities from the corrupt president and his carnival and self-aggrandizing speeches. We will have our own fireworks and banquets and share the pride we have in still surviving the many attacks against this experiment as we prepare once more to do battle to save our nation.
I for one am ready to defend our constitution in whatever way I can. I remember a neighbor in upstate NY .. He had big Trump banners on his property .. This was in the mountains. I used to walk my dog Ollie there. Anyway he was complaining about the Senate ..This was Trumps first term. Trump still had control of the Senate and the Congress. I remember saying to him, "Mick it's controlled by your party . He looked surprised . He didn't understand. So many converstations I had with Republicans up there were the same. I grew up there. They would say I'm a one issue guy second amendment. I am not concerned about anything else. I would say what about protecting social security nope they were not concerned. I think if we ever get power back we have to do something about the education system . And we need to impress unpon young people that this is there country and there vote is what will keep us in good stead.
A true horror: Stefanik's successor in NY's 41st Congressional district is likely to be the loud-mouth know-nothing Trump-ass-kisser, Anthony Constantino, CEO of Mule sticker. I had hoped that his GOP primary rival, Smullen, would remain on the Conservative line, but Smullen dropped out after talking to Trump. What was he promised? Was he threatened? The primary was hotly and bitterly contested between Smullen and Constantino; I clung to the hope Smullen would stay in the race and split the MAGA vote, opening the door for a win by the Democratic candidate, Gendebien. Alas, it was not to be.
This is all we need to know. Despite everything those people have seen, all Trump and his corrupt cronies have done, they feel like they’re doing fine, and want more. That’s what we’re facing all over. We are not going to reverse this on our lifetimes.
I hope this doesn't happen but......I think it has to all burn down before the MAGANZIs realize the damage our orange imbecile POTUS and their support has done to out nation.
How does the old song go?....." Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got till it's gone. They take paradise and put up a parking lot....."
FWIW, Steve....
I've been wearing progressive messages EVERY SINGLE DAY since around the time of the start of Trump 1. By now I have at least 200 shirts, sweatshirts, caps and the like with progressive messages and mild(ish) GOP rebukes, almost all from progressive organizations such as yourself. (I have some joyous, and frightening, tales as the result.)
Someday this Trump horror will all be over, and this collection will need a home (or quick burning, depending on the outcome.) Thoughts?
"Can wearing progressive messages EVERY DAY for approaching TEN YEARS (so far) make a difference? I hope so…
https://medium.com/@foofaraw/many-more-people-will-die-because-of-trump-i-hope-i-wont-be-one-of-them-41b2f1493036
Seriously, I'm getting older, and I want this collection to continue as the sort of reminder that people can view to more clearly understand how such things can happen, even in America..
If we are to survive, progressivism must become the ideology of the nation and world. In our complex, interdependent, technological, global economy, political freedom without economic security is meaningless. We must not allow a privileged, wealthy, global elite absolute control over us. Keep the progressive memorabilia and pass it on as treasures to your heirs.
A great book that the covers the attacks on our traditional values that could come from AI and the concentration of wealth and suggestions on how to prevent that is Yuval Noah Harrari's "Twenty-one lessons for the Twenty-first century."
Added to my wishlist at Powells to be part of my next order.
Thanks!
Thank you, Anthony.
Over the past few years I've watched my entire family die off, so I have no heirs.
You see my position. And now, knowing that even an institution as venerable as the Smithsonian is actually more accurately labeled as "vulnerable", is only sad. (My only remaining travel goal was to visit the newest museum, The African-American experience, but I doubt I'll still be alive by the time it's restored to accuracy, if ever.)
In a worse-case scenario, I can always give them to the poor (with instructions to only wear them inside-out.) If the collection ends up in pieces, that will be because it needs to. (I live in the rural deep south.)
I'll remember your kindness, and I'll research that title.
Although an inevitable part of growing old, watching your family and friends go before you is very difficult. I have not lost all of my family nor all of my friends, but having lost many, I understand your pain. Take comfort in the fact that you are fighting the good fight, not only for those you know, but all mankind.
Thank you, Anthony.
I receive rewards occasionally, through a smile or an eye-twinkle at Walmart. My life is so wonderful in so many ways that even w/o Trump, I hope I'd be compelled to try to give back.
Stay safe, healthy and accessible to joy!