Reflections on the Fourth of July

Our country, the United States of America, came into existence two hundred and fifty years ago today. It was not yet put together; its durability was uncertain; but it flourished and endured, and despite its innumerable flaws, in important respects and in critical times, it shone as a beacon of hope to the world. Then the glue that held it together cracked and crumbled; the ideals that guided it fell away. Now, we have come full circle: our country is not put together; its durability is uncertain; and we must once again undertake the task of making it flourish and endure, and in important respects and in critical times, shine forth as a beacon of hope to the world.