Today is a day to re-read John Lewis' challenge to us-- we'd better listen. Let's get in "good trouble."

I'm really having a hard time "celebrating" our "independence" this year. We'll gather as a family, enjoy the day, grill some food, and maybe get in the pool. But we do that often, as it is. Instead, I find myself almost frantically searching for a reason to have hope, given the toxic tenor of things. The wise words-- in fact the challenge-- of John Lewis come to mind. I try to hold onto them. I think we all need to accept his invitation. Lewis wrote this opinion piece just a few days before he passed away, knowing that he could no longer carry the standard, and we must--MUST-- do so, or we will lose all we say we cherish about this nation. He states,

Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.

And yes, we are on a fast-track towards losing it. Instead of whooping it up and patting ourselves on the back for making it this far as a country, we should be taking those "patriotic" shutter shades off of our collective eyes and truly see what's in front of us. What is being done to us, while we turn the burger or crack a beer. If you have not yet read the GOP's "Project 2025," google it. It'll give you nightmares.

If we care about this country, if we want to see another July 4th to celebrate, we need to stop taking what we were taught in Civics for granted. The rules have changed. The game is not the one we are used to playing. This is not political theater--it is the soul of the nation we must preserve.

Be safe,

C