Dependence: We Rise or Fall Together

Milling about and waiting for the Pottstown Fourth of July Parade to begin this morning, I talked to two people — one a new friend and another an old acquaintance – about the tension and conflict I felt on this holiday, given recent events in America. 

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions on presidential immunity, homelessness, and other crucial issues, I felt that this particular annual celebration of our independence from England was deserving of something more urgent. Democracy feels like it is hanging in the balance, while at the same time we are all expected to go about our normal daily routines. Surrounding me on High Street were the familiar sights:  toddlers in strollers waving small American flags, civic groups like the Rotary and Elks with large contingents of parade marchers lined up, bands playing, and floats with candidates for office shaking hands. 

One of the things I love about events like the Pottstown Fourth of July Parade is how it brings us all face-to-face with each other in the streets to celebrate something that should unite us: our democracy. Besides taking a handful of photos, I forgot about Facebook and email for a few hours. That, all by itself, is therapy. 

A few blocks down High Street, my former newspaper editor at the Mercury, Nancy March, came up to say hello. I worked under her supervision 17 years ago (2007-2009). After a stint with the Salvation Army of Pottstown, she returned to journalism and is the managing editor for The Reporter in Lansdale (where I was once a paperboy). We joked about how I have gone from writing stories for “Page 1” to now garnering media attention for our rallies on affordable housing issues. 

While the downfall of print journalism has been well documented, a free press remains one of our nation's strongest anecdotes to protect our nation against tyranny. (Since 2005, more than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered.) Sticking with our 1st Amendment protections, our ability to assemble, organize, and call for change remain potent, despite the threat of POTUS # 45 returning to the Oval Office. 

So, I guess, that’s what I am left holding on to on this Independence Day. We, the People, with our freedom to protest, run for office, advocate for change, and fight for a better tomorrow remain liberties we can trust. And that is worth protecting.