In Celebrating Independence, We Grow Farther Apart
As an empire falls, can we rebuild a more interconnected future together?
This year, while some Americans half-heartedly celebrated the nation’s birthday on July 4th, I couldn’t help but focus on the fireworks as a clear representation of the war machine in which we live. Our national anthem isn’t America, The Beautiful; it’s The Star-Spangled Banner. “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air…”
From Sea to Divided Sea
While being sold the illusion of celebration on Independence Day, there was a visceral “no” screaming in my body. I felt sadness, despair, and disconnection. In a country where some still try to celebrate independence and freedom while our basic human rights are being revoked one by one, this is no longer—nor ever was—the land of the free (for all of us).
It seems the more independent we’ve become, the more we’ve leaned into individualism, hyper-polarization, and late-stage capitalism. I think we can all agree that we are actively participating in severe “wealth inequality, exploitation of labor, commodification of all aspects of life, environmental destruction, and excessive corporate influence over politics.”
This distinct separation from our innate connection to ourselves, one another, and the land has been part of the empire’s design since 1776. And history has taught us that on average, empires survive for 250 years; we’re coming up on that anniversary in 2026.
As I’m sure you’ve heard, both Project 2025 and Agenda 47 are essentially the blueprints for how a completely conservative, Christian nationalist rewrite of America will thrust us backwards—and catalyze the revolutionary fall of the empire. While it’s impossible to know exactly how the United States might fall, that’s not something we can predict or control.
Instead of expending any thought power there, I want to put my available energy into how we rebuild. And healing will be a significant part of that process. Again, "what if we do it all for the purpose of healing—ourselves, each other, and the earth?"
Healing the Nation: Four Crucial Actions
The path forward requires us to redefine what independence truly means. It's time to shift our focus from individual liberty to collective liberation. This means recognizing that our fates are fundamentally intertwined. This healing process is long and will be fraught with obstacles, and it is the way forward.
We must first acknowledge the deep wounds inflicted by our history—the genocide of Indigenous peoples, the enslavement of African Americans, the exploitation of immigrants, and the ongoing systemic inequalities that persist. True independence cannot exist without addressing these injustices through a trauma-informed lens and working towards genuine repair and reconciliation.
We must reconnect with the land that sustains us. Our disconnect from nature has led to environmental devastation that threatens not just our nation, but the entire globe. Beyond “sustainability for humans,” by embracing regenerative practices and respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems, we can forge a new relationship with the earth that honors her needs and ours— and perhaps, most importantly, the needs of future generations. Cultural perpetuity is inherently tied to collective liberation.
We must reimagine our economic systems. The rampant inequality fostered by unfettered capitalism is incompatible with the ideals of freedom and opportunity that America claims to uphold. We must explore alternative models that prioritize community well-being over individual accumulation.
We must rebuild our sense of shared purpose. In a world facing unprecedented global challenges - from climate change to pandemics - isolationism is not just unethical, it's unsustainable. We need to redefine patriotism not as blind allegiance to a flag, but as a commitment to the welfare of all people, both within our borders and beyond.
Beyond Independence: Cultivating Interdependence
As we approach the 250-year mark of this grand experiment called America, we will have a unique opportunity to course-correct from a new onset. By choosing interdependence over division, empathy over apathy, and collective progress over individual gain, we can work towards a future that liberates all of us, not just a privileged few.
It's crucial to remain focused on the bigger picture while grounding ourselves in the present. The path to healing and rebuilding our nation may seem daunting, even overwhelming. Yet, it's in these moments of potential anxiety and fear that we must remind ourselves of our post-traumatic growth and collective capacity for change. Rather than being paralyzed by the enormity of the task ahead, we can choose to take care of ourselves and make small, meaningful steps in our daily lives that align with the vision of a more united, just, and regenerative America.
Ask yourself: What one change am I willing to make today that contributes to our collective healing?
It could be as simple as engaging in a conversation with someone whose views differ from yours, supporting a local community initiative, or re-evaluating your consumption habits. Every action, no matter how small, ripples outward and inspires action in someone else.
By staying committed to this transformative journey, both personally and collectively, we can emerge stronger in our interdependence, more meaningfully connected, and truly independent from the divisions that have held us back for far too long.