Independence Day No More

 Today is July 4, 2024. Today we commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from England. Normally, I would enjoy waking up to listen to NPR and their annual reading of that document. It always makes me proud that we live in a country where the people, through elected representatives, make the laws and run the country, rather than have a sole monarch that makes all of the decisions.

In light of the most recent ruling of the Supreme Court, I am not going to listen to that reading this morning. I fear it would seem hollow to me and might bring me to tears. This country is not the same one in which we lived a mere 4 days ago.

One of the greatest ideas, on which this nation was founded, was that no one was above the law. It was comforting to believe that even the highest official, the President, was subject to all of the same laws that we were. That all changed on Monday.

Now we know that's no longer true. Now the President can do almost anything with impunity. This changes the relationship between the top executive and the American people. I'm sad and fearful that future commemorations of Independence Day will be more of a nostalgic event, rather than the bright, aspirational event it has been up until now.

I don't want to lose democracy. If we do, we will suffer and the whole world will suffer with us. At this moment, hope is much needed. At the moment, I feel it to be quite scarce.

I Support President Biden

 I support President Joe Biden for re-election for President of the United States of America.

Below, I lay out some of my reasons for doing so. Please note, that I'm not bashing any other candidates . If you decide to comment, I simply ask you to be respectful and thoughtful, even if you disagree with me. Let's all be civil with one another.

RULE OF LAW

Joe Biden absolutely respects the concept of the rule of law.  From what we can see, he has almost no contact with the head of Law Enforcement, Attorney General Merrick Garland. Furthermore, after his son, Hunter, was recently convicted of lying on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. The elder Biden has stated, that while he will still love and support his son, he accepts the decision of the jury and will not consider pardoning his son.

COMPASSION

He shows respect for all people. When he disagrees with people or points out bad behavior, he doesn't resort to personal attacks or calling them names. President Biden understands personal loss. In 1972, he lost his wife and daughter in a car accident. His two young sons were also in the car. They survived. In a flash, he became a single father.

After a young boy wrote President Biden asking him how he overcame his stutter, the President visited with him and shared with him the pain he, himself felt and gave the boy encouragement.

RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY

Joe Biden believes in the constitution and the concept of democracy for all Americans. At no time has he called for it to be suspended or subverted in any way. He believes that the Constitution lays the groundwork for our society and should be used as the ultimate guide for our system of government.

PROTECTOR OF RIGHTS

Joe is on the side of people who have been discriminated against because of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and any other criteria that separates us. He also respects the right of people to make healthcare decisions for themselves. He supports a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body and make her own choices about her own family.

EXPERIENCE

Joe has been a senator, vice president and now president. He has worked with others, in the government and private sector for the benefit of all Americans. As vice-president and president, he has also worked with foreign leaders for the benefit of all Americans. He is well-respected by the majority of leaders in the world.

NO DRAMA

President Biden is a calm and steady leader. He does not engage in theatrical or histrionics in his dealings with others He has been a calm and steady leader throughout his whole political career.

SURROUNDS HIMSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE

Jo Biden surrounds himself with good, competent people who, like him, have the interests of the people of America. He makes every effort to surround himself with qualified, thoughtful people who have a similar commitment to the welfare of Americans. He makes sure that those people are capable of making good decisions. We can rest assured that no matter what may occur, we are in good hands.

CHARACTER AND DECENCY

Joe Biden is a good and decent man. His Catholic faith guides him morality. He is respected by people who know him well. One of his long-time former Republican colleagues, in the Senate, is quoted as saying that he is "as good a man as God ever created".

BELIEVES IN OBJECTIVE SCIENCE

President Biden respects the role of science in the daily lives of people. He understands that scientists don't just proclaim something for no reason. He understands how the scientific process works. They theorize about why things happened the way they do in the world. Then, they conduct careful tests to validate or disprove their hypotheses. Only those theories that survive to scrutiny of testing and review by scientific peers is accepted as the most likely explanation.

Joe Biden respects the findings of science and considers that information in any decision he may need to make as President. Those people he has in his administration, likewise respect science.

SUMMARY

All-in-all, I believe is the best choice to continue to lead our country.  He's thoughtful, intelligent, experienced, compassionate, serious and steady. I think he respects all people, even those with whom he disagrees. I believe he best represents the ideals of Americans who love this country and believe in the foundation laid out to us by the founders of this great country.