It’s the Fourth of July, and because this year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there have been extra banners, new stories, celebrations, and fireworks. 

I am grateful to have been born an American. It’s also true that I am displeased with many of the government’s recent actions and am currently worried about the economy, the war, political polarization, and the erosion of some of our democratic institutions and traditions.

I’m glad that the American colonists overthrew their imperial rulers. I celebrate the republican form of government that was created. Most of all, I appreciate many of the sentiments expressed in the Declaration.

I also think we should be honest about our history.