For America on its 250th birthday
The America I once knew believed that all people are created equal.
The America I once knew was founded on ideals.
The America I once knew believed in basic human rights and dignity.
The America I once knew cherished individual liberty.
The America I once knew believed in government of the people, by the people, for the people.
The America I once knew believed that voters should choose their politicians, not that politicians should choose their voters.
The America I once knew believed in the rule of law.
The America I once knew believed that no one is above the law, and in equal justice under the law.
The America I once knew respected the independence of its courts.
The America I once knew believed that public office is a public trust, not an opportunity for grift, corruption and self-agrandizement.
The America I once knew understood that power exists to serve the people, not the other way around.
The America I once knew believed that leadership carries responsibility.
The America I once knew believed that great power came with great responsibility.
The America I once knew believed that democracy depends on compromise.
The America I once knew defended freedom of speech, even when that speech was unpopular.
The America I once knew respected a free and independent press.
The America I once knew valued truth over propaganda.
The America I once knew believed that facts matter.
The America I once knew understood that patriotism is not blind loyalty or nationalism, but love of country.
The America I once knew welcomed disagreement without treating opponents as enemies.
The America I once knew valued kindness, decency, and good works.
The America I once knew believed that freedom carries obligations as well as rights.
The America I once knew believed that opportunity should depend on talent and effort, not birth or privilege.
The America I once knew revered innovation, expertise and education.
The America I once knew believed that diversity is a source of strength.
The America I once knew welcomed immigrants and refugees—a haven for people fleeing violence, persecution, and oppression.
The America I once knew measured strength by character rather than military power.
The America I once knew believed that alliances made America—and the world—stronger.
The America I once knew believed in free and fair trade.
The America I once knew believed in competition on a level playing field.
The America I once knew believed in the dignity of work.
The America I once knew believed in an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.
The America I once knew protected the vulnerable and gave assistance to the needy.
The America I once knew kept its word.
The America I once knew stood against totalitarianism and fascism.
The America I once knew believed it could be a force for good in the world.
The America I once knew believed that every generation had a duty to leave the country better than it found it.
The America I once knew believed that hope is stronger than fear.
I miss the America I once knew.
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