America's 250th: Celebrating with spectacle while abandoning the Declaration's principles
By
Ted Widmer
Summary
A critical opinion piece examining America's 250th anniversary celebrations, arguing that the country has strayed from the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence — particularly the idea that legitimate government requires the consent of the governed. The author contrasts the spectacle-heavy, militarized celebrations (flyovers, Freedom Trucks, Indy car races) with the notable absence of the Declaration's text and values, suggesting America has lost its moral and democratic way.
Source
bskyAmerica's 250th: Celebrating with spectacle while abandoning the Declaration's principlestheguardian.comKey quotes
· 3 pulled'All men are created equal': America has lost its values. It's time to go back to the founding text
On 24 June, the administration launched the Great American State Fair, with 'spectacular flyovers' from fighter jets and stealth bombers.
Six 18-wheel 'Freedom Trucks' are barreling down the highways, bringing history-lite pop-up displays, mainly to red states.
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