From Peter’s Desk: On Independence Day
It is a self-evident truth that with the fourth of July comes fireworks. I am fortunate to live only a short distance from a lake community with a spectacular annual fireworks display over the water. Tomorrow also brings with it ball games, barbecues, and family outings. These activities are a part of our American identity, and they are celebrated with a lighthearted joy. Over time, I’ve found that it has become more of an occasion for summertime picnics than a historical or civic observance. But as we gather tomorrow, our conversation will likely turn to an unfamiliar July 4th topic: presidential politics. With last week’s debate and Supreme Court presidential immunity ruling fresh in mind, coupled with a contentious campaign atop the daily news cycle, our nation’s choice of the leader who will occupy the White House for its 250th anniversary is top of mind for us all.
And what a good thing! Interest in the American Solidarity Party has increased since the debate. The new attention is driven largely by frustration with the major party candidates, but it has also exposed the cracks in a two-party system. Though normative in our nation’s history, the duopoly has insidiously become exclusive in our politics, to a measure of detriment in American society. More than the limits to which the system subjects voters, the harsh and often exaggerated rhetoric are a burden. We have been told by both factions that Democracy is at stake in this election, but neither seems affected by the damage their incivility does to Democracy.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence is in so many ways the precursor to the ASP’s platform and vision. While perhaps less memorable to non history buffs, the passage immediately following these truths is just as important for us to reflect on. “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that 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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Our nation’s founders rejected England’s governance of Colonial America. But is this not also a call to change today’s entrenched political system that has taken our Democracy hostage?
In November, many people will consider a path they have not followed before: voting third party – and potentially casting a vote by write-in. It’s a path no one should take lightly. Nor should they do so with apprehension. If the system works, support it. If the system fails, follow a new path; preferably one of Common Good, Common Ground, and Common Sense in the American Solidarity Party.
Our campaign is 100% volunteer-based, and we need your help! If you believe in the ASP, share this message, and help support our work with a donation for ballot access. We need to share a message of hope and a path forward to our fellow Americans.
