It’s called “the sign of the covenant,” the ritual of circumcision observed by Jews and Muslims. Jews are God’s “
chosen people,” and choose to believe in One God; it’s a covenant.
But what is America’s covenant? Technically, it’s the Constitution, the contract/covenant between the states and the Federal government which established the rights of states to govern within a national system – the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence, however, was its spiritual source. It was not only a statement of the rights of the colonies to separate politically from Britain, justifying the American Revolution, but stated the purpose of the revolt: to create a new form of government that was unique, democracy, and promote human rights – “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
This is what celebrating the Fourth of July is all about. It is not only a celebration of liberty and freedom from oppressive rule; it was a commitment to create a new political, legal and social order based on rights and obligations, on values and justice, on a vision of what an ‘enlightened’ commonwealth and civilization could become.
Today in America, there are some who seek to undermine this vision and impose their fraudulent view of history, calling America a “racist” country. Although, unfortunately, there have been – and still are – examples of racism and discrimination, this was and is a struggle that demands attention and reform. It’s similar to the widespread idol-worship among Jews during the First and Second temple periods. The prophets spoke out against it and condemned it; but they did not attack the fundamental belief system or the institution of the Temple. Although often critical, The prophets always inspired the idea of redemption.
Americans have much to be proud of and for which to be grateful. Many things are not the way they should be, but the process of change and reform usually takes time and requires patience and good will. And sometimes it involves bitter disputes. It took a civil war to end slavery in the southern states, the 13th Amendment to make it law, and the 14th and 15th amendments to enforce it and protect the rights of former slaves, now citizens. It took another century for the civil rights movement to arouse awareness of racism and discrimination. It’s an ongoing struggle, with much success. It’s America.
The Fourth of July, therefore, should be honored, respected and
celebrated as a beacon of hope for mankind, a covenant not only with God, but with humanity. That’s why it is both a holiday and a holy day.
The writer is a historian and journalist who received his PhD in American History from CUNY.
