429 Years Later
This land had already existed before 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, and Native’s already had a presence here for over 23,000 years prior. The 4th of July is not America’s birthday, nor a celebration of it becoming a nation. Independence Day is about celebrating the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and the separation from British rule with self-proclaimed rights to liberty and equality. Yet, 429 years later since that document was signed, we are closer to becoming what we fought so hard to get away from. Within the Declaration is a list of 27 grievances regarding the actions and decisions made by King George III towards the colonies in North America. And as you read through those grievances, it’s uncanny to see how many of them correlate to our current times. David Corn and Tim Murphy wrote an article called, “Here are the Declaration of Independence’s Grievances Against King George III. Many Apply to Trump.” They beautifully explain the many grievances that ring true to the reign of our current president and political climate.
I understand it’s hard for many people to celebrate a country that is failing to stand up to its most basic principles and ideologies. Watching the news feels like watching a VHS tape of American history on rewind. The division within our country and lack of morals and empathy within ourselves has led us to where we are today. That being said, now is not the time to whine and give up. It is the time to reflect, educate and grow. To stand within our communities, and support each other. To listen and learn from the people who might not look like you or think like you. To support the 99% of people who are the true backbone of this country, and not the 1% who just take from it. To care for the land that we live on, and the water that provides for us. Every country has its issues, and though I don’t feel proud of my country right now, I am grateful for it. And will continue to fight for what this country was built on, liberty and equality for all.
Corn, David, and Tim Murphy. “Here Are the Declaration of Independence’s Grievances against King George III. Many Apply to Trump.” Mother Jones, 3 July 2025, www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/declaration-of-independences-grievances-against-king-george-iii-many-apply-to-trump/.