July 4th brings memories of many years past, parades and ballgames, fireworks and barbecues, family and friends. There have been some years when the day found me on the road reporting, even overseas. But no matter where I was or what I had to do, I couldn’t help but feel the swell of pride and appreciation for the country that I love. My relationship with America is one, I hope, of clarity and purpose. I understand the struggles and imperfections. I want to bear witness to what we must fix in addition to all that we celebrate. These feelings are rooted in my own personal journey and was the source of my book
I would like to add a couple of my own thoughts to this discussion.
Happy Independence Day, America!!
As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he was asked what kind of government we would have. He replied, "A Republic, if you can keep it."
Today, we are faced with the question of whether we can keep it. From a former president claiming the Big Lie that the election was “stolen” to a Supreme Court that has only three days ago stripped the Voting Rights Act of almost all meaning, our Republic is under existential attack from those who call themselves “Republicans” (some irony, isn’t it?). How we respond today, next year at the voting booth and every year after that will determine if we actually can keep our republic.
Every officer of the United States must take the following oath, mandated in the Constitution:
“I, ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
As citizens of a democratic republic, we are all in some sense “officers” of that nation, because we all have the power to influence its policies by voting and speaking out on important issues. We must all commit to support and defend the Constitution against those domestic enemies who are committed only to supporting and defending their own power (and white supremacy). This is the time when all good people must come to the aid of their country.
So, again, Happy Independence Day. Now for the real work.
The graphic format forced me to slow down and see the art as well as read the words. The result was a new appreciation for your words, as if I hadn't already read the essay. You made another sale, today, Dan.
Having read the book, I found the panels of a graphic novel made me read more slowly and broke the essay into smaller pieces that gave me more time to stop and think about what you were saying. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this new form.
Loved this! The text and illustrations were positive, mindful and easy to see/read for reflection. (So much easier to view than the usual graphic books with their often weird drawings.) I sometimes heard you "speaking" in your voice as I read. Thank you for this timely gift.
Wow. Thank you for this edition. I must share it with my jaded friends and skeptic, known as children. Your long, detailed and honest view of our true history against our ideals of possibility is priceless.
One of the most important, yet subtle lessons Dan teaches in his completely spot on July 4 message, just absolutely rattled my soul when I read it. His 'suspicion' of people calling themselves 'patriots' for their own self aggrandizement hit me right between the eyes. Having had the same exact thoughts Dan had about those calling themselves patriots reminds me so much of a lesson I learned early in life from a real patriot--my grandfather who fought in the final bloody entry of World War I, Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Look it up sometime. It's all but a forgotten maelstrom battle, but terribly important in American history. He said to me one day as we were driving along, "you know, there's something I want you to remember and that is this--if a person continually tells you how 'important' they are, how great they are, how what THEY are doing is so important to the world itself, be suspicious...be very suspicious." What a great reminder, Dan, in the midst of a country searching for proper leadership to continue a Democracy. I love Steady...thanks for your continuing love and care for this country. Blessings from Austin. Mike Capps
July 4th - An Illustrated Story
I would like to add a couple of my own thoughts to this discussion.
Happy Independence Day, America!!
As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he was asked what kind of government we would have. He replied, "A Republic, if you can keep it."
Today, we are faced with the question of whether we can keep it. From a former president claiming the Big Lie that the election was “stolen” to a Supreme Court that has only three days ago stripped the Voting Rights Act of almost all meaning, our Republic is under existential attack from those who call themselves “Republicans” (some irony, isn’t it?). How we respond today, next year at the voting booth and every year after that will determine if we actually can keep our republic.
Every officer of the United States must take the following oath, mandated in the Constitution:
“I, ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
As citizens of a democratic republic, we are all in some sense “officers” of that nation, because we all have the power to influence its policies by voting and speaking out on important issues. We must all commit to support and defend the Constitution against those domestic enemies who are committed only to supporting and defending their own power (and white supremacy). This is the time when all good people must come to the aid of their country.
So, again, Happy Independence Day. Now for the real work.
I am enjoying reading What Unites Us !
Wonderful, thoughtful images for the 4th of July. Thanks!
Just magnificent- eloquent words and illustrations
The graphic format forced me to slow down and see the art as well as read the words. The result was a new appreciation for your words, as if I hadn't already read the essay. You made another sale, today, Dan.
Thank you Dan. Patriotism is a gift that takes effort and respect. My heart hurts at its demise.
Wonderful and personally touching, just like you, Mr. Rather.
Excellent work
This was balm for my soul. Thank you.
Having read the book, I found the panels of a graphic novel made me read more slowly and broke the essay into smaller pieces that gave me more time to stop and think about what you were saying. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this new form.
I loved reading this with the illustrations. I absolutely love your wisdom and perspective and ability to eloquently express it.
Loved this! The text and illustrations were positive, mindful and easy to see/read for reflection. (So much easier to view than the usual graphic books with their often weird drawings.) I sometimes heard you "speaking" in your voice as I read. Thank you for this timely gift.
Thank you for this gift, Mr. Rather. It is perfect for this Independence Celebration weekend.
Wonderful! I love the discussion of patriotism vs. nationalism. All Americans need to understand this!
Wow. Thank you for this edition. I must share it with my jaded friends and skeptic, known as children. Your long, detailed and honest view of our true history against our ideals of possibility is priceless.
One of the most important, yet subtle lessons Dan teaches in his completely spot on July 4 message, just absolutely rattled my soul when I read it. His 'suspicion' of people calling themselves 'patriots' for their own self aggrandizement hit me right between the eyes. Having had the same exact thoughts Dan had about those calling themselves patriots reminds me so much of a lesson I learned early in life from a real patriot--my grandfather who fought in the final bloody entry of World War I, Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Look it up sometime. It's all but a forgotten maelstrom battle, but terribly important in American history. He said to me one day as we were driving along, "you know, there's something I want you to remember and that is this--if a person continually tells you how 'important' they are, how great they are, how what THEY are doing is so important to the world itself, be suspicious...be very suspicious." What a great reminder, Dan, in the midst of a country searching for proper leadership to continue a Democracy. I love Steady...thanks for your continuing love and care for this country. Blessings from Austin. Mike Capps