In the United States, July 4 marked the 235th celebration of Independence Day, the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States severed its ties as a British colony. In Jefferson’s words, as penned in the Declaration, “Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government...” Here, Jefferson references the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Americans continue to celebrate this day as one of triumph.
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| Fireworks in DC |
Independence Day celebrations in America include many traditions, such as picnics, family gatherings, baseball, and relaxation on a day off from work. We contemplate everything that makes this day possible - from the events of 1776 to present. When I watched the DC fireworks from my rooftop this past Monday, I sat among some colorful characters who were hellbent on recognizing all that was good in America (and on having a good time). There were some USA chants and some words that were exclaimed - obvious benefits of living in America - such as freedom. Then, one of the characters shouted out “taxes!” There was a brief lull, as not many people seemed to agree with him. A short while later, someone shouted out “books!” which, of course, drew a laugh - since books and education are a couple of clearly positive benefits of living in America. The chanting made me think about how matters that may seem unpopular at the individual level (such as taxes for shared services and books on questionable topics) add to the richness of our society, enhance our freedom, and build our democracy. Sometimes, minimal discomfort inflicted on a micro level leads to large triumphs on a macro level - but should never be undertaken without representation of all people in government (as in the institution of Congress).
Celebrations continued around the globe. On Tuesday, July 5, Zambia celebrated Unity Day - an annual holiday founded to hold the fledgling nation together and create a sense of Zambian solidarity, since the nation was created from various ethnic groups. The slogan “One Zambia, One Nation” signifies the mission of the day. On this day, citizens honor those of varying backgrounds and beliefs that came together to bring forth a united Zambia. As in America, Zambian citizens take the day off from work to give special pause for reflection. The continued celebration of Zambia’s Unity Day by all citizens is a testament to how working together for the national benefit has improved the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The nation itself may not be perfect in many regards, but it continues to strive for improvement based on individual and collective success.
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| Emblem of Zambia's Unity Day |
If we head north up the African continent, we will find another nation that has cause for celebration. On July 9, at 12 a.m. East Africa Time (or July 8 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), a new nation is born: South Sudan. Those who lived in the mostly Christian South Sudan were granted the opportunity to vote for secession from the Muslim Sudan in January of this year. Four million registered to vote for this referendum; 97.5% of those registered voted, and 98.83% voted for a new nation. South Sudanese had been sick of not having a voice and rights. Their right to life was denied through genocide. Their right to liberty was denied by living in fear. Their right to the pursuit of happiness was denied through lack of opportunity and few opportunities to be self-sufficient and serve their communities and country. In fact, they hated their country and are now claiming a new national identity. They get a new flag and a new national anthem. They even get a new embassy in Washington, DC, at 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 602.
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| The South Sudanese celebrate with their new national flag. |
The fanfare and fireworks are great fun, but the true meaning and consequence goes deeper. The ultimate success of South Sudan as an independent nation will depend on how they play in the international political landscape. While all peoples have the right to self-determination, they also have the duty to work responsibly toward the common good. The new leaders of South Sudan will be judged as other world leaders on the quality of life of their people. Will the South Sudanese be celebrating July 9th many years from now as a day of glory, or will they remember it as the start of yet another tyranny? All nations became independent at some point, but what they did with that independence has determined their current and future states. South Sudan is off to a good start with declaring elections instead of a transition government, but much is yet to be seen.
To celebrate and love independence, we must celebrate a responsible, freedom-loving government. Such a government empowers the voices of all and addresses the root issues that might deny its citizens freedom. The Periclean program works toward ensuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. How can you pursue happiness when you are in a chronically malnourished community and have no hope of education? How can you enjoy liberty without a stable roof over your head or by living in a filthy, unsustainable community? How can you enjoy life without access to a clinic or ways to manage your HIV? We may not be the government, but we help responsible governments to stand strong. Their people can live out their fundamental rights in part thanks to Periclean help. We help give them reasons to celebrate national pride with fireworks and fanfare.
The Periclean Scholars might not be in South Sudan... yet... but the Jeffersonian and Periclean ideals are certainly there.
This is reason #22 to support Periclean Scholars: to give responsible governments a reason to celebrate national pride with fireworks and fanfare.
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