IN CONSIDERING AMERICA’S 249th BIRTHDAY, I decided to write down words that immediately popped into my mind relating to this holiday, America and the current state of our country. I limited myself to 20 individual words or phrases. Here’s what flowed from my brain to pen to paper before I typed this list into my computer for you to read:
freedom
democracy
liberty
voting rights
free and fair elections
divisiveness
fear
deportations
due process
freedom of speech
freedom of the press
protests
my voice
threats
intimidation
injustice
checks and balances
life
melting pot
history
I could easily take each word or phrase and expound on how I feel about these topics in current-day America. But for today, I will allow the words to mostly stand alone while you ponder their meaning or create a list of your own. I will only state that I am saddened some of these words found their way into my brain as I think about our country on its 249th birthday. What words would be on your list?
Have a wonderful Fourth of July, everyone!
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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