What's Right With America

"In the United States today, we have more than our share of the nattering nabobs of negativism. They have formed their own 4-H Club -- the 'hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history.'" -- Vice President Spiro T. Agnew: California Republican state convention, San Diego, September 11, 1970

It was true then, it is true now.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Chris Satullo tells us we shouldn't celebrate this fourth of July:

Put the fireworks in storage.

Cancel the parade.

Tuck the soaring speeches in a drawer for another time.

This year, America doesn't deserve to celebrate its birthday. This Fourth of July should be a day of quiet and atonement.

[. . .]

We've lost respect. We've shamed the memory of Jefferson, Adams and Franklin.

And all for a scam. The waterboarding, the snarling dogs, the theft of sleep - all the diabolical tricks haven't made us safer. They may have averted this plot or that. But they've spawned new enemies by the thousands, made the jihadist rants ring true to so many ears.

So put out no flags.

Sing no patriotic hymns.

We deserve no Fourth this year.

Let us atone, in quiet and humility. Let us spend the day truly studying the example of our Founders.

With all due respect to Mr. Satullo, I think he is full of it. I remain proud of America. We remain the greatest force for good on this planet. We stand for freedom, liberty and helping others. It's sad that Mr. Satullo fails to recognize that.

So ignore Mr. Satullo, and his negativism. Put out the flags. Sing patriotic songs. Watch the parade. Watch the fireworks. Celebrate America's birthday. And remember those that make it possible to enjoy our independence.