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# Happy 250th birthday, America
- URL: https://werd.io/happy-250th-birthday-america/
- Published: 2026-07-04T14:11:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-05T13:09:51.000Z
- Description: Let's keep building.
- Author: Ben Werdmuller
- Tags: Democracy, Asides

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of a declaration that [had a passage decrying slavery removed](https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/declaration-independence-and-debate-over-slavery/) because southern states complained by eating [carcinogenic mass produced meat tubes](https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/new-us-poll-almost-9-out-10-adults-dont-know-risks-eating-hot-dogs) while [the President tells half of us we’re evil Marxists](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-speak-mount-rushmore-one-monument-cant-remake-rcna352734) while we swelter through [a man made heat wave](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/03/climate/heat-wave-us-canada-climate-change.html) is incredibly American. Happy 4th!

All snark aside, genuinely, I do love America. The Declaration of Independence - 250 years ago! - was genuinely important. Most places you go, the people are kind, community-minded, and optimistic. One day, eventually, they will have an equitable government that redresses wrongs and provides real support.

My entire political worldview is: what if you could maintain the optimism and energy of America but add an inclusive culture of support that gives everyone education, healthcare, a real safety net and a springboard for their lives, in a way that builds communities rather than extracts from them?

It's not our current reality, but I'm certain we can get there.

One day, we'll look back, and the corporatism, the militarism, the racism, and the subjugation will be a thing of the past. In their place will be thriving communities. And, finally, all of this will be great.