LETTER TO EDITOR:

As a child, I pledged my allegiance to a flag. Staring up at those fifty white stars and thirteen stripes, I promised to devote myself to a cause, regardless of its effect. Unquestioning loyalty. Unwavering gratitude. America, I gave you my promise to stay true and abide by your laws. But somewhere along the way, my patriotism became worship; my loyalty became devotion; my pride, a refusal to think critically.

Indivisible. Liberty. Justice for all.

It’s hypocritical, really, that a nation founded on equality for all, was built by colonization, massive genocide, sexism and slave labor. It’s amazing the country made it this far, still believing, on paper, in those values… And it still has a long way to go.

For with every revolution, comes a new power. One that, however noble in intention, eventually becomes the same power that had to be overthrown in the first place. Therefore, to be American - if there is truly such a thing - is to be a person who knows that power corrupts. America means the person with all authority is questioned, unjust laws are thrown out, and the voices of the silenced are heard. For there is no perfect system, not even Capitalism. It is the people that make a system, not the other way around.

So, while we celebrate our independence, we must also recognize the ways in which we have continued benefiting from others’ suffering. We must allow ourselves to feel the tension of this truth. Simultaneous gratitude and critique of what we have and why we have it.

Brody Hed

Becker, MN