Americans step out for their nation's 250th in a proud moment sown with division and doubt

Americans are stepping out to mark their nation's 250th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with a mix of pride, division, and doubt. The upcoming celebrations for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence arrive at a time of intense partisan division, raising questions about whether the festivities will unite or further aggravate the country's disunity.

Love of country manifests in various ways, with some embracing the nation as it is, others advocating for its potential to achieve a "more perfect union" through activism, and some longing for a past ideal, often associated with the MAGA movement. However, a general sense that American exceptionalism has waned is prevalent, with a recent poll indicating that more Americans believe other countries are better than the United States.

This sentiment contrasts sharply with the spirit of earlier eras, such as that of Theodore Roosevelt, who embodied a nation surging with innovation and influence. Today, the country grapples with a sense of uncertainty, with many questioning the current leadership and the nation's trajectory.

The division is apparent even at the highest levels of commemoration planning. Congress established the bipartisan America250 group to lead the 250th-anniversary events. However, President Trump issued an executive order creating his Freedom 250 group, positioning it as the primary national organization in charge. This has led to a situation where two entities are claiming leadership, with marquee events like the Fourth of July fireworks and a tall ships parade falling under Trump's Freedom 250 initiative. Some musical artists initially slated for an event opener withdrew, citing concerns that Trump might politicize the festivities.

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Our patriotism is medieval, outworn, obsolete. The modern patriotism, the true patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it.