A day after President Donald Trump delivered a stellar speech at the foot of Mount Rushmore, and we celebrate our independence, we see the voice of anarchy screaming loudly again on Twitter with #FVCKTHEFOURTH trending.
On one hand, it is not the least bit surprising given the partisan divide we are facing in the country and the emboldened rise of anarchists that we have seen this year. Further, it is not surprising to see it on Twitter, a social media giant which has unashamedly chosen to be anti-America. Still, it’s sorely disappointing and extremely confusing.
Angry citizens, who have the choice to live wherever they so choose, spout out about their hatred of this country, share stats —some legitimate, some not— and rail on America as if it is the worst, most oppressive country on the planet. Here are some examples of the “conversation” transpiring on Twitter.
Happy "Independence" Day!
2.3 million incarcerated
5 million on community supervision
$180 billion/yr
Highest incarceration rate in world
32 states have higher rates than next country
1/4 pop of China. 500k more caged
More jailed pretrial than everyone imprisoned in India— Scott Hechinger (@ScottHech) July 4, 2020
Why do black people celebrate the day a bunch of slave owners achieved independence? #FvckTheFourth
— Elizabeth Warren is a Joe Manchin Democrat ? (@FlyThaiMMA) July 4, 2020
The 4th of July Is a Holiday celebrated because of our independence. It is supposed to be about freedom. But our system oppresses indigenous people, people of color, & poor people. Independence Day is based on a Lie. #FvckTheFourth
— Expand The Squad ? (@PepperOceanna) July 4, 2020
I'm not in the mood for hearing how great Independence Day is.
I woke up, and trump has the freedom to declare war on people who didn't vote for him, Qarens still using cops as murder weapons, and cops who killed Breonna Taylor have STILL NOT BEEN ARRESTED.#FvckTheFourth
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) July 4, 2020
Okay, so our incarceration rates are high and there are undoubtedly some people who don’t deserve to be there. But I would rather have more miscreants in prison than on the streets terrorizing communities and try to adjust and improve the process as we go, not swing to the opposite end and have the inmates running wild.
Bottom line, with any issue that comes up in conversation as it pertains to America, we are not perfect. It is your expectation of perfection that disappoints you and leaves you in a state of perpetual anger. We —you included on an individual level— will never be perfect, yet America remains the most free and successful country on the planet.
So nit-pick all you want, make your wish list of change that would lead to some utopian state that could never exist, but in the end you are going to realize that while some change is needed, this is about as good as it gets. Don’t believe me? Take your anger almost anywhere else and you will see how good you had it.
This piece was written by Staff Writer on July 4, 2020. It originally appeared in DrewBerquist.com and is used by permission.
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