John,

On July 4th 1776, the great American experiment began when 13 tiny colonies declared their independence from a world superpower, Great Britain.

The new nation – the young United States of America – was founded on an idea that we’ve all heard throughout our lives: that all people are entitled to certain inalienable rights, including “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

In the 244 years since our founding, our nation has indeed made a great deal of progress. But we have not always ensured that these “inalienable rights” were guaranteed to all people equally.

After all, we know that it’s impossible to have “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” if you and your family can’t access quality, affordable health care. Especially as we battle a global pandemic, it is crucial that all Americans can get the live-saving care that they need.

We know that it’s impossible to have “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” if the community you live in is denied clean air to breathe or clean water to drink or wash your hands. Pollution and the devastating effects of climate change disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color and Indigenous communities across our country. We need to make sure that every child – no matter their zip code – grows up in a safe and healthy environment.

And we know it’s impossible to have “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” when Black Americans are in our streets crying out that they cannot breathe. We need to speak up and fight to make sure that true liberty is provided to all Americans, regardless of race, creed or background.

Our nation’s birthday gives us all a moment to pause and reflect on the kind of country we all want to live in and to recommit to making that a reality. I know, if we work hard and work together, that we can all do our part to ensure that every American fully enjoys those rights laid out in our Declaration of Independence: “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Onward,

Tom

P.S. Please stay safe this holiday weekend! Remember, this pandemic is far from over, and wearing masks, social distancing and washing our hands regularly helps all of us have Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!