Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Here.

Here.

What I remember about Fourth of July celebrations includes family, friends, barbecues, fireworks, and a celebration of our nation. I’ve sat sometimes in the midst of people I don’t know but who I recognized as part of what I belong to and am proud of. This will be the first year my conception of the holiday will change.

Donald Trump is redefining the concept of what Independence Day means to all Americans (“Trump wants tanks for Mall holiday event,” Page A2, July 2). He is planning a huge rally on the Washington Mall, and bringing in our military to present themselves in front of him. He is going to have Air Force One fly over before he will make his grand entrance in front of cheering crowds—people who forgot what the celebration of the birth of our nation is supposed to stand for.

He will preside over a giant political rally, paid for by the citizens of our nation, in order to have people pay allegiance to him instead of loving allegiance to the principles of this country.

I’m saddened, as we all should be saddened, because it is obvious that our nation is changing. We no longer believe we are a melting pot of all people around the world. We no longer represent the light that illuminates the planet.

This July Fourth, please remember what it is you are marking. Please ignore the Trump celebration of self that will occur in Washington. Trump is not our nation. We are our nation.

Jim Fabiano

York, Maine

Note from KBJ: Donald Trump lives rent-free in Jim Fabiano’s head.

This flagpole area is near our new home. Katherine and I walked up to view the fireworks after the Texas Rangers' game yesterday evening. Click to enlarge.

“Record 157,005,000 Employed; 19th Record of Trump Era” https://t.co/syROOk1UOb

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2019

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Here is Kurt Schlichter’s latest column.

To the editor:

There is nothing to celebrate on Independence Day when there are immigrants of all ages who are trying to escape terrible violence and suffering only to land themselves in stuffed cages in the United States.

The very idea of a military-themed Fourth of July celebration ordered by the president is frightening. It is a glaring reminder of past and present leaders in Germany, North Korea and China who put themselves and their controlling ways first.

There are enough fireworks every day in Washington with this misguided administration, so we do not need any more explosions or costly vanity parades to stroke the president’s fragile ego.

Frances Terrell Lippman, Sherman Oaks

Note from KBJ: How do you make it through the day, Frances?