How do you mark 250 years in the life of a nation? As the country has tried to figure that out with its muted on-again, off-again celebrations, so have we in Times Opinion. We turned to 16 of our columnists and writers with this deceptively simple question: What moment, what quality, what tradition from this nation’s complicated history represents America at its best? Their answers are personal, historical, political and inspiring. One of our columnists, Jamelle Bouie, narrowed his reflection further to five words that changed America. He holds the Declaration of Independence, and the phrase “all men are created equal,” up to the light to show us how those words have ricocheted through history. “It was in the hands of abolitionists, Black and white, carried over from Black Americans free, freed and enslaved, that the Declaration worked as both an indictment and a promise,” Jamelle writes. Another columnist, Ross Douthat, delivers the semiquincentennial speech we’re unlikely to see from any official dais today, making the case to return to the custom of fresh starts and new beginnings in America. “Tell Americans that they’ve done everything important already, that the frontier is closed and the only question now is how to divide our riches equitably or make sure that our achievements are ‘sustainable,’ and they will tune out, turn on one another, and fall into despair,” he says. “But I’m here to tell Americans that a heroic age is still ahead of us, that the frontier is open once again.” For a moment of delight, we asked the acclaimed photographer Martin Schoeller to turn his lens on 13 men who spend their days bringing George Washington — from spirit to wig — firmly into the present. And the editorial board reminds us that the American project is not a guarantee but a wager placed by successive generations. “Democracy is not a sheltered structure we live inside,” writes the board. “It is a habit we must practice — or lose.” However you’ll be marking America’s 250th birthday, we hope these stories give you something to ponder in between fireworks and barbecue, of course.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you’re in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times.
|
