The Fourth of July has always been a time of unity. A time for all Americans, from all backgrounds, and from every political background, to come together and celebrate our Independence Day.
It’s never been politicized like it was on Saturday, leaving many in our country feeling alienated and excluded.
That’s exactly what Trump’s America 250 Celebration intended to accomplish.
In his embarrassing, meandering speech that didn’t begin until nearly midnight, he bloviated and spewed his usual hyper-partisan nonsense, like his unfounded claim that the 2020 election was “stolen” and that we must pass the SAVE Act, the Republican voter suppression bill.
Attendance was sparse at the National Mall, which is usually joyous and packed with tourists and locals alike on July 4th. Overheated out-of-towners put on a good face for the underwhelming “state fair” exhibit until storms broke out, ultimately forcing the evacuation of the crowd.
In typical MAGA fashion, many refused to listen to the authorities — in this case, the National Guard — whining that the storm was “no big deal” and would pass.
The entire thing began to descend into chaos.
Finally, resistant tourists had to be corralled and forced to vacate the Mall. Many, ironically, had to shelter in the National Museum of African American History for hours on end.
Several hundred Patriot Front members marched boldly in DC, covering their faces with white gaiters and matching tan baseball caps and shouting “Reclaim America.”
This is not the 250th birthday party America deserved.
America deserves to be celebrated with unity, not division.
With respect for all the wonderful communities who create the glorious American melting pot, not with an event that drives people away.
I believe in celebrating America. Trump has no right to take that — or take America — away from we the people.
It’s important to know that America still belongs to all of us.
Just yesterday I received a comment from a Leaving MAGA supporter who let me know how his views on patriotism have changed since a year ago:
“Last year, I had a very red white and blue patriotic outfit lined up, but I decided not to wear it. I was afraid people would think I was MAGA. This year, because of Rich Logis and what he has promoted, I wore it proudly!”
That America’s future is in our hands, not Trump’s.
That we, the people, define America, not an out-of-touch billionaire wasting taxpayer money on all-day jet flyovers.
Help us push the people deep in MAGA to reconnect with their fellow Americans. Help them learn to put country over party again. Help them recognize the stakes here — that Trump would burn the Constitution for just one more ounce of power, for just one more day in office.
Thanks for being with us on this odyssey,
Rich
