Weren't Feeling it This July Fourth? You're Not Alone

But why we must persist!

If you were having mixed feelings about celebrating July Fourth this year, you weren’t alone. A new Gallup poll has some striking findings. National pride is declining in America, and like most things these days, your political party affiliation plays an oversized role.

Gallup Findings

In the aftermath of 9/11, pride in being American was at an all-time high, with 9 in 10 Americans expressing pride, and this translating across party lines. Those of us who are old enough to have lived during that time, will recall a country not-so divided by party, and almost unrecognizable to where we are today.

For Democrats, pride in being American hit an all-time low in Gallup polling this year, with just 36% saying they are proud. Democrats’ pride really started to ebb during the first Trump regime, recovered to nearly two-thirds under Biden, and has come crashing down since.

Independents’ pride has also hit an all-time low, with just 53% now feeling proud to be American. Meanwhile, Republicans have held relatively steady throughout these two plus decades. This is also the widest margin between parties, which is not surprising given how divided our country feels.

Perception Internationally

Most of the rest of the world ain’t too happy with the U.S. either!

Trump’s policies will cost the U.S. up to $29 billion in tourism. Forbes writes:

While tourism is booming across the rest of the world, the U.S. is a notable loser this year as tens of millions of international visitors are choosing to travel elsewhere—costing the economy up to $29 billion—and risking millions of jobs.

For the first time in a long time, publications are also issuing warnings to Americans about traveling abroad the summer. WSJ reports that Americans are experiencing animosity while traveling overseas. I mean, who can blame them! The Journal advises to pick your destinations carefully, dress wisely, read the room, and have a script. I can’t believe I am writing this, but yes.

Don’t Lose Hope!

While it is important to know that you are not alone if you are feeling down about what is happening in this country, I do want to remind you not to lose hope, or let them take your joy. Because that is precisely what Trump wants you to do!

As someone who tracks authoritarianism, I want to remind you that part of the strategy of autocrats is to make you feel helpless, and like you must submit. That is why is it imperative you do the opposite!

Find joy. Start to organize for VA and NJ governor elections in November, and for midterms when we will put a strong check on power! And please do find ways to experience joy, and be okay with that. Give yourself permission.

For Me

For me, I refuse to cede the flag or the celebration of our country to these fascists! Our young democracy has weathered many storms, and we will come out to the other side, even if it doesn’t feel that way today. This second Trump era will mark another dark chapter in our country's history.

This is our American flag in our back porch, which my son was given for his work for a former member of Congress. I hang it proudly. I will fight for the light. In the arc of country’s history, good has prevailed, and we have moved forward after moving backwards. Remember that.

Happy Fourth!