OP-ED except postponing the doomsday, if
MARKING INDEPENDENCE DAY
UNDER PROTEST AND PANDEMIC
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TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | JULY 10-JULY 16, 2020 15
BY DR. GEORGE ONUORAH
This very important annual commemoration
of American independence,
instead of having her usual
festive flavor, had lukewarm fanfare
devoid of the usual family pomp and
pageantry such as picnics, barbecues,
fun at the beach and trips to
connect with family in far and wide
places.
The reasons were very obvious:
this unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic
that has taken the lives of
thousands of Americans, in addition
to recent protests calling out what
some consider American history of
racism and sadism of police brutality
and politics of leaders not adequately
addressing the matter.
This particular July 4 was to be
a family celebration marking America’s
244 years of Independence from
England following the 13 colonies
seceding to attain political sovereignty.
Again, being that we are in
an election year, you get not just the
type of fireworks we are used to but
political fireworks of Democrats assailing
Republicans for the ills of
this dispensation under President
Trump’s leadership.
Unfortunately, some have a lukewarm
attitude to celebrating the
Fourth of July, questioning not just
how perfect the American Union is,
but upset at recent events, particularly
the police-involved killing of
George Floyd, other aspects of racism
and documented history of treating
Black Americans as second-class
citizens.
All I can say is that we have a
long way to go to achieve that utopia
called “perfect union.”
Does political civility not require
all of us to act appropriately
to get along and find the best ways
to extend the olive branch? Aristotle
maintains “man is by nature a political
animal” and so is constantly at
odds with one another for leverage
and opportunity to get ahead.
Against this background, the
American Constitution, considered
arguably the most sacred document
in modern political history, talks
about guaranteeing all Americans’
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Some may ask what about
justice, equality and freedom to worship
and assemble for a just cause?
The taste of the pudding is in the
eating. This may not be the best time
to delve into that.
As far as I’m concerned, Americans
still have a long way to go in
achieving that enviable utopia referred
to in the Constitution as a
“more perfect union.” In the absence
of attaining that hopeful political
ideal, my take is that “all human
institutions are subject to gross imperfection.”
The consensus of opinion
remains that America has a long
way to go to achieve true unbiased
equality. The work is in progress as
political leaders must eschew politics
and roll up their sleeves to come
together in harmony as they work
toward their ultimate goal.
The usual posturing is not the
answer, nor are the rehearsed
soundbites that achieve nothing
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you ask me. Throughout political
history, strained relationships tarnished
for centuries can be rebuilt
and strengthened, but leaders must
subjugate their political ego to want
to do it for their constituency and
posterity.
In the final analysis, the goal is
perfecting a union that, from its inception,
was never perfect. Whatever
those founding fathers envisioned,
even with good intentions, remains
a mirage to this day. But the solution
is reasonable. People need to agree
and come together to resume dialogue
instead of confrontation that
leads to no positive end.
If there is any time to tone down
the rhetoric, it’s now or never. So
let’s actually recall and remember
what John F. Kennedy inaugural address
on Jan. 20, 1961: “Ask not what
your country can do for you, ask
what you can do for your country.”
And we should all heed the words
of Martin Luther King Jr.. “I have
a dream that my four children will
one day live in a nation where they
will not be judged by the color of
their skin but by the content of
their character.” With that I rest my
case.
Dr. George Onuorah is the author
of “A Political Diary of A Rising
Son,” social justice activist and
humanitarian.
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