A higher standard

This week, in the wake of Independence Day, I took some time to reflect on independence, our nation, and what the future may hold.

I thought about how we can restore freedom when a right-wing Supreme Court has just stripped bodily autonomy away from millions of Americans.

I thought about how we can rebuild trust in the aftermath of mass shooting after mass shooting.

I thought about how to protect our democracy when it seems to slip away more each day.

Here's what I know: I still believe in the future of our country.

We are a community of fighters. We are a coalition of advocates. We are a nation of activists.

And finding hope in times like these is revolutionary.

The MAGA Republican agenda requires us to be inconsolable. For our anguish to take over and for our ultimate defeat.

But despite everything we've seen, we are still Americans at heart. We can still find our way in times of darkness. If the way forward is blocked, we'll forge a path around, or over, or through. And we will fight for justice and liberty until the end.

My mentor and friend George McGovern (no relation) said, "the highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to call her to a higher standard."

America has seen dark days before. And time after time, communities, people just like you and me, have banded together to call our country to a higher standard.

So this week, and every week, we must not agonize but organize and call on our country to provide justice and liberty for all.

Jim