The Birth of Civic Engagement

Today is the Fourth of July. The day where the United States as a country comes together to celebrate the declaration of its independence. All around the nation, people will be flooded with fireworks, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, parades and patriotic music ranging from John Philip Souza marches to Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American".

Sadly, what will be missing today is any real recognition of this date's true meaning. July 4th is not merely the birthdate of our nation, the Declaration of Independence is arguably the greatest example of civic engagement in our country's history. In the face of charges of treason and certain death upon capture, a few men came together and bravely decided to defy the rule of an unjust government. These men, though busy with providing for families, running businesses, managing farms, etc, not only found the time to be aware of the state of their ruling government, but they understood the responsibility of citizens to hold that government accountable.

Fast forward to the 2008 Presidential Election, voter turnout nationwide reached the upper 60s and most people lauded this as an example of a renewal in voter participation. Two-thirds of our country takes part in the election to choose the nation's face to the world and it's supposed to be cause for celebration.

Organizers of the latest re-imagining of the Boston Tea Party, a collection of rallies against "unfair" taxes, will be attempting to gather again, but this time at the Southfork Ranch (of the television show - "Dallas" fame) in Texas. Ironically, these "patriots" are revolting against taxes that they (unlike their 18th century predecessors) can actually afford to pay, but just would prefer not to.

Still, these people would call their act an example of patriotism and civic responsibility, just as electoral experts might call two-thirds of the country voting for their nation's leader, laudable civic engagement. As a society we have progressed in many ways, but one way that we have noticeably digressed would be in producing an active and engaged citizenry. For me, the Fourth of July serves as remembrance of our country's past, a reflection on its present and a rallying call to its future.

So on this day, let us all enjoy the weather, food, fireworks and fun, but let's also take a second and think about the sacrifices made by our nation's forefathers as well as this land's forefathers (Native Americans). Afterwards, asking ourselves how our civic sacrifices compare to theirs.

After all there can be no change without sacrifice.

Happy 4th of July!