In his inaugural address in January 1993, President Bill Clinton remarked, “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” While his statement seemed profound, its true meaning remains unclear and perhaps echoes the typical rhetoric of a new president stepping into office.
As we approach Independence Day, many Americans are already gearing up for the celebrations, leaving work early to enjoy the long weekend. Yet, much like Clinton’s ambiguous words, few seem to grasp the real significance of the holiday.
Is it any wonder? With cold Budweiser on the menu and cheap fireworks to set off, who has time to contemplate the true essence of freedom? Reflective moments are often cast aside as wasted time.
Discussions surrounding freedom, liberty, and independence on this holiday are frequently laced with arrogance. Over the years, these concepts have been stripped of their original meanings, reduced to mere cliches or outright falsehoods. It’s wiser to take them with a grain of salt, or perhaps ignore them altogether.
What Americans Desire Most
Today, our goal isn’t to clarify the meaning of Independence Day or provide a definitive narrative. We’ve attempted this before without success. As long as many Americans enjoy a paid holiday and government-provided benefits, the actual significance of the day seems irrelevant. Why devote time to a lost cause?
Instead, we aim to seek truth and offer perspective. Let’s explore America not for what it claims to be or what it aspires to be, but rather for what it isn’t. This approach, we believe, is far more insightful.
What Americans often yearn for are illusions rather than truths. They want to feel that they reside in the greatest nation ever imagined; that their opportunities and freedoms far surpass those of people in other countries. They want to believe they are exceptional and that their nation contributes positively to the world.
Moreover, they wish to trust that their elected officials are serving them faithfully, that corruption is nonexistent, and that the government is genuinely looking out for their interests rather than just observing them.
This notion is almost laughable. In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to browse the internet without the NSA tracking your every online activity. (“Hello, Mr. NSA…we know you’re paying attention.”) Likewise, navigating airport security often means enduring invasive searches by TSA agents. Yet, a substantial portion of Americans—descendants of pioneers like Davy Crockett—accept this intrusion for the misguided sense of security it purportedly provides.
Stars and Stripes
The grand myths and legends surrounding America should have faded long ago. Yet, despite the numerous distortions of the Constitution and the national identity, these fabrications persist. Over time, they seem to grow stronger, not weaker.
Perhaps these myths will never die—and maybe that’s not entirely bad. After all, facing harsh truths can be painful. So why accept reality when embracing a comforting lie is so much easier?
Freedom. Liberty. Independence. Representative governance. Sound monetary practices. Honest politicians. A humble, respectable populace.
In the United States, we have it all. Sometimes it’s hard to believe we aren’t dreaming.
With red, white, and blue adorning our flags—Old Glory waving proud—let us take a moment to celebrate.
Happy Fourth of July! Embrace the spirit of the day with all your heart!
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
