Ok, the title is clickbait, but what isn’t these days.
Today Americans from the United States of America celebrate our Independence Day from British rule. This annual celebration usually includes trips to the lake or beach. People often grill outside with friends and family. The day wraps up with fireworks. Growing up, the Fourth of July was one of the greatest parties of the year.
America refers to the “New World”
The “New World” as it was called after discovery by Leif Erickson, Amerigo Vespucci, and other explorers. Canadians and Mexicans are also Americans. So is all of South America. If this bothers you, this post is for you.
But in 2025 it doesn’t feel the same. My government just voted to gut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. My friends who are disabled are losing their independence because these programs are removed.
I met a man this weekend. He told me the guy who has been mowing his lawn for nearly twenty years was just deported. Here is a man who built a business on his own. He hires employees and pays taxes. He makes a decent living, gives to the church, and has a family. He perfectly represents the GOP’s target audience over the last few decades. He is a church-going, family-oriented small business owner. Yet he was just deported. I don’t know his citizenship, but that doesn’t matter. The government saw he was brown and Latin, so they took away his independence.
Some LGBTQ+ people have gone back into the closet (usually gender queer and trans) due to removal of our rights. I’m one of them in a way. I used to dress much more feminine, but after harassment during COVID, I stopped.
The country is repealing human rights, safety nets, and backstops to support its people. The government colludes with foreign governments and private prisons. I feel less independent. I have disabilities. So do my wife, daughter, and sons. Even our extended group of “adopted” members all have disabilities. We rely on community for support. Its how humans made it this far. Taking away that support now means many millions of people will disappear from our society. Trapped in their homes, with no one to care for them.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller
I will not be celebrating Independence Day. Too many have lost theirs for me to do that.