Happy Independence Day, Oklahoma!
The inherent virtues and positive aspects of our state, and of America, hold the solution to the nation's problems. Baked into our system intentionally is the requirement for improvement and renewal by harnessing the country's existing strengths, creativity, and values.
In these times of uncertainty and challenge, it's easy to feel disheartened and overwhelmed by the issues we face as a country. But remember this: the very essence of America, our resilience, our diversity, our ingenuity, and our spirit of community, contains the solutions to our problems.
Each of us holds a piece of the answer. Whether it's through acts of kindness, civic engagement, or standing up for what is right, our collective efforts can and will drive the change we need. We must believe in the power of unity and the strength that lies within our communities. Let's come together, not as divided factions, but as united citizens committed to a common goal: a better, stronger, and more just America.
The path forward lies in conversations with those who hold different views, in volunteering in your communities, in voting, and in holding our leaders accountable. No one is above the law—but we shape the law together.
We have to be proximate with each other to see that we have much more in common than we have differences. Our differences feel big, cavernous even—and they shouldn’t be dismissed. But we can’t begin to learn from each other and foster the collective love for each other necessary unless we take the first step to be together. Be present. Assess. And then bloom.
Together, we can shape a future where the promise of America is fulfilled for everyone. The promise of America was always aspirational—and even in the times we nostalgically recall as defining patriotic moments like landing on the moon, winning the battle at Gettysburg, even in those moments America was imperfect. She had big raging battles stewing below the surface. Extreme inequalities and unfairness pervaded even our brightest days. But we accomplished the impossible—together.
In fact, it’s often in America’s darkest days that we recognize the dream of democracy is still possible, and in fact, necessary. Even when the lure of totalitarianism—its order, its control, its predictability—seems interesting or piques our curiosity, we know deep down that messy, frenetic democracy is the best form of government we’ve got. It’s true because it’s built to change and grow with us. It’s built to include us. It’s built to learn from itself. Thats the greatness and the genius of the promise of America. Let us rise to the occasion, inspired by the belief that our nation can and will be healed by the very best of what it represents. The road ahead may be tough, but united in our purpose and driven by our shared values, we can build a brighter future for all.
In solidarity and in freedom,
Colleen McCarty
Executive Director
Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
National Account Manager at Crayola
2moMomentous achievement, congratulations!