Today we celebrate the birth of an independent America and reflect on what this day means to us as Americans and the liberties that we hold dear. The Declaration of Independence was both a spirited divorce from the monarchy, and a literal illustration of what our new freedom would mean - individual rights, limits on executive power, and the civil liberties to dissent, worship, believe, and speak without threats from a vindictive despot.
But this week, both the president and members of his administration threatened to revoke the citizenship of their political enemies based on their speech. This should come as no surprise – after all, this administration has abused its power to target law firms and institutions disfavored by the government, and used the immigration system as a litmus test for political speech. But it should nonetheless remain shockingly unAmerican to each and everyone of us. These are the values of autocracy – not of the free republic that liberated itself from one.
This July 4th, take time to declare your independence. Lift your voice, express yourself, and join NCAC in the fight against the machinery of censorship.
