On June 19, Michelle Cottle in the New York Times authored an opinion piece under the heading “Boycott Trump’s Ridiculous July 4 Party,” giving us plenty of notice to make alternative plans. At least 10 states have done just that sending their regrets to an invitation to purchase a booth for their state at the Great American State Fair planned for the mall starting June 25. As of yet, Kelly Ayotte seems to have forgotten to decline. Reminder, governor?
The 10 states that have declined include those that surround New Hampshire: Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine as well as other New England states, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Except for Vermont, all have democrats for governor as do the other five states that have declined. Not that decency should have anything to do with political party; — it’s always been a default quality that we aspire to in our government.
The article states there are growing concerns that what is being planned by the Freedom 250 committee, appointed by Trump to replace America 250, the bipartisan foundation tasked by Congress years ago to plan this year’s events, is shaping up as a partisan affair. No big surprise.
As Freedom 250 has received tens of millions of taxpayer funds as well as private donations, what the money will be spent on, besides maybe an imitation Arc d’Triomphe, is a mystery. There were plans for a concert series, but after the acts were announced, most of them canceled. In the meanwhile, the administration has refused to hand over the $25 million pledged to America 250 and Trump is planning the “Greatest Rally EVER.” Will he be the paid headliner?
In one way or another, based on experience, we can presume “yes.” So while the administration is focusing on vanity projects and self-aggrandizement, you may wish not to think about those particular celebrations. What to do instead? Here are ten suggestions.
- Read the U.S. Constitution.
- Read the Bill of Rights.
- Read the New Hampshire Constitution (older than the U.S. Constitution).
- A country is its people. Eat food from one of America’s many cultures, preferably one you haven’t tasted before.
- Learn five words in another language used in the U.S.
- Go for a walk somewhere beautiful. You don’t have to travel far.
- Marvel at our country. Foreign visitors are always amazed at our highways, cleanliness and pickup trucks, for example.
- Volunteer (e.g. pick up trash). Thank a first responder.
- Watch the local fireworks.
- Boycott Trump’s ridiculous July 4 party.
Elizabeth Hodges lives in Concord.