Mixed feelings

I'll admit that I have very mixed feelings about celebrating Independence Day this year (and the years 2016-2020 if I'm honest.) It feels sad. It feels terrifying. I really truly fear that this could be the last actual free Independence Day we celebrate. How can things be right when you are afraid enough of the future that you check that your adult children have valid passports? To be clear, this is not because anyone would be leaving because we object to another party's politics. If only... This is because of actual fear for children's safety. It doesn't feel good.

Sometimes the best way we can celebrate our love for our country is to protest and critique actions and policies that are actually at odds for what our country stands for. Dissent is not unpatriotic. 

Nothing feels as though it is worth celebrating. 

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