I woke up to another beautiful Maine sunrise. After all, this is the first place in the country where the sun rises. A 19th century maxim said, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.” This was more about Maine being a bellweather for national politics, but I take poetic license in applying it to the sunrise.
Despite waking up surrounded by beautiful Camden Harbor, I felt ambivalent about the celebration this sunrise fortold. This was, in my opinion, a dark week for the USA with numerous supreme court decisions, and a critical piece of legislation that furthered our country from the vision the Constitutional Congress espoused and the values our ancestors fought for in the Revolutionary War that ensued. In the past 6 months, much of the constitution, the rule of law, the principles of equality, and the allies with whom we fought side by side to resist fascist totalitarianism have been under attack. We have empowered a leader with monarch-like aspirations, and eroded the checks and balances of the judicial and legislative branches.
There are many problems with our country, as with any, and things needed to be shaken up. Well, shaken up they are. But as we celebrate this momentous day in history, let’s hope that the price we’ll pay for those changes won’t exceed their benefits.
This is the government a small majority of voters chose and to which power was transferred peacefully. That’s worthy of respect, whether one agrees or not. That’s what pluarility is all about after all.
There have been dark times in this country’s past, and we prevailed. I remain proud of our history and use this occasion to wish everyone a happy Independence Day and hopes for better times.
Indpendence Day parade in Camden Inner Harbor…
16 Responses
Very well said Dan. Happy Fourth of July to you and Sandy.
LOVED this post/update. Well-said and thank you for sharing your thoughts and pictures; Looks amazing!
Thanks, Lisa. Miss your Friday bootcamp!
I agree with your post 98%, I’m struggling with the respect part…..
Well said Dan. I feel the same way. I needed an emotional break yesterday from the news. Spent the day in beautiful nature. This helps me shore up to continue to fight for democracy.
Nice to see that the Admiral has joined you. Well wishes for you both.
Thanks, Elizabeth. We too took a hike up our favorite Mount Battie to clear heads. Following your journey through the North Channel. Looks fantastic.
Keep for Pres!
What a lovely place you are sailing. Love your posts.
Thanks Jim. See you soon.
your assessment is spot on. Thank you. I love this entries and enjoy sharing in your journeys.
Thanks, Nancy. Hope you’re having a good summer.
Dan, your post is as eloquent as ever! You have a way of speaking what we feel. Can see why you and Sandy are so enamored with Camden and have made it one of your many homes. We also appreciate you taking the energy to bring us along with you on another season of cruising. We spent last night in Henderson Harbor where the shore lit up with red lights and there were several intermittent burst of fireworks. Thinking of you both❤️
Thanks, Donna. Enjoy your mini-cruise!
Si on avait eu un spare Lafayette on vous l’auraits bien prêté ? En attendant vous pouvez avoir Macron si vous voulez ?
Bon voyage
Ce n’est pas une mauvaise offre… moindre des maux ?
Well said re: 4th and our country’s status!
Re: James Taylor, Jean named her son, James, after him!
May the rest of your summer be as fun as the first part!
Well said about this country and this 4 th of July.