“Liberty and justice for all” is a phrase commonly associated with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

It signifies the ideal of a nation where all citizens are afforded freedom and fairness under the law.

This concept is deeply rooted in American ideals and history, representing a continuous struggle to ensure that these principles apply to everyone. 

The phrase is more than just words. It represents a fundamental aspiration for the United States. It is a reminder of the ongoing effort to create a society where everyone has equal access to rights and opportunities.

This brings me to the very recent Independence Day celebration.

But somewhere between the plethora of American flags displayed everywhere and the grocery store hot dog shortages, it’s getting harder to pretend everything is fine.

Pass me another sparkler while I strut in my Old Navy Americana sweatshirt and let’s not mention the collapse of our social consciousness.

This year, as I imagined kids waving miniature flags and adults clutching red Solo cups filled with liquid courage analogous to flotation devices in a sea of existential dread, I couldn’t help but ask myself, what the hell are we actually celebrating?

Don’t get me wrong. I love this country, always enjoy a long holiday weekend and I will absolutely tear up during the seventh inning stretch at Yankee Stadium when a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful” is performed. Sadly, in 2025 in America it feels like the fireworks are covering up the sound of rights quietly being rolled back and safety nets being sliced into decorative confetti.

Medicaid? On the chopping block.

Affordable housing? Vanishing faster than a firecracker.

Education, mental health, basic human dignity, environmental protection? Oh, sweet Jesus, those issues recently went up in orange flames.

Meanwhile, the ultra-wealthy are doing just fine…better than fine, actually. Their yachts are getting bigger, their taxes are getting smaller and they have somehow managed to convince half the country that billionaires need more help than single moms trying to afford food, child care and insulin.

It’s like America accidentally hit its collective head and forgot about empathy and compassion.

And so, here we are awkwardly trying to toast “liberty and justice for all” while our nation’s moral compass spins like a top held by a sugar-rushed toddler.

It is nearly impossible to feel patriotic when your country is prioritizing tax shelters over shelters for the unhoused.

Still we gathered this past weekend. We still attended local 4th of July parades. We grilled. We watched fireworks explode in choreographed triumph even as the foundations beneath us quietly crack.

This country is flawed…wildly, maddeningly flawed, but there’s still something worth saving in the honorable Americans desperately trying to make it better.

Remember, freedom isn’t just for the fortunate.

We need to rise up and reclaim our time, empathy and democracy.

FYI…the original artwork is by my unbelievably talented dear friend, Lisa Mee. She is an amazing artist.  Please take a moment to check out her fabulous, vibrantly creative paintings on Instagram at: lisamee_art and Lisa Mee Art on Facebook. Her work must be shared and admired.