Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. Probably because it is casual, takes very little work to prep for and seems to be the most fun. Mostly, I’m lazy when it comes to holidays.

I’ve celebrated the 4th of July in many different ways and all over the world. Everything from the typical parades and cookouts, to slightly awkward celebrations in England, to very quiet ones in the Middle East.

My favorite 4th of July celebrations, hands down, are in very rural Alaska Native communities. I’ve been able to enjoy this experience in three different villages or towns. The entire community seems to turn out and gets involved.

These celebrations begin with homegrown and exuberant parade – which include anyone who wants to parade – driving anything that has wheels.

Then on to the games: All of the races traditionally associated with the 4th of July, plus many that aren’t. Also shooting matches, anchor tossing, and salmon cleaning contests and whatever else seems creative and fun. When all of the “formal” games have been played, I’ve watched as people made up or introduced new games until everyone is tired and goes home.

This goes on for the entire day. And since in Alaska, the day doesn’t end during the summer, these are long parties.

There is another reason why I love Independence Day.

I’ve lived in many countries. Some of those countries were by no means “free.” In many places, your choices – ranging from how you dress, to how you think (or at least anything you do or say that betrays how you think) are tightly controlled. Your options for travel or for business or for owning a home or who you associate with are often very limited or may be determined.

My given name is “Christian.” I’ve lived in many places where just introducing myself was complicated. On more than one occasion my name, alone, ended conversations.

Additionally, I’ve visited or worked in many countries that were very open. Countries where, although they do things differently, life is good, options are plentiful, and people aren’t afraid.

I believe it is very difficult to appreciate what we have in the United States if you haven’t lived elsewhere. Especially a wide variety of elsewheres.

The United States isn’t a perfect country. There is zero question in my mind that there remain challenges and issues where America can continue to grow.

But having room for growth and being willing to grow are vastly different things.

The United States has consistently demonstrated its ability and willingness to grow, learn, and to find ways to make life better. That simple reality, alone, sets us apart from most countries around the world. And it is why we enjoy the longest functioning government with consistent, non-violent transitions in power.

Unless you’ve experienced differently – it is very hard to appreciate the statement above.

America is a great country. I firmly believe that.

We don’t need to compare ourselves to other countries to say that. In fact, I would prefer that we didn’t. There are many countries that are also great places to visit or live. There are many more cultures, than countries, that are, also, rich and vibrant and valuable.

I don’t believe our greatness comes from being, “better than others.” It simply comes from a place where we have a system where we can become better than we were. And we try to.

The challenge in that kind of system is being able to recognize the good that we have. In an attempt to improve, it is too easy to attack and undermine part of what is already good.

As I write this I’m very mindful of the chaos, the frustrations, and the discord of this year (and years previous.)

Large groups, and even most small groups, of people, are not homogenous in thought, moral conviction, perspective, or experience. This doesn’t mean that right or wrong doesn’t exist. Or better or worse. But it does mean that we don’t all see or value things the same way. Not only do we not all see things the same way – but we (at least most of us) change in our perspective over time.

I would suggest it is, frankly, arrogant and foolish for any of us to assume that we, alone, are the perfect arbiters of what is right, correct or worthy – and everyone else is either morally or intellectually deficient for seeing things differently.

I do believe that we should be free to disagree, debate, deliberate, and try to persuade each other of various perspectives.

But when these disagreements reach a point of no longer being able to recognize or value the basic human worth of those we disagree with – we are veering in a dangerous direction.

There is a difference between disagreeing with someone and demeaning someone.

As we reflect on freedom and independence, it’s also worth reflecting on this centuries old experiment of a government and culture which assumes differences.

From the very beginning, the Founding Fathers assumed that people would disagree. They didn’t agree with each other. In fact, the constitution that protects our rights took years to put together because of all the disagreements around what should go into it.

They clearly, and intentionally, did not build a system that depended on a monopoly of agreement.

In leadership, and the research around teams, there is a strong link between high performing teams and “psychological safety.” In other words – the safer team members feel to make mistakes, to disagree – yet be able to belong and work together – the higher functioning they are.

We are losing this psychological safety in the country. It makes it very difficult to work together or accomplish things together.

As individuals, we can’t change the country or the public debate. But we can create change in our own spheres.

Let’s disagree and even be passionate in that disagreement. But let’s also actively show respect and recognition for the value and significance of someone we disagree with.

That will help lift our country up, elevate our debates, help us find solutions – without tearing what is good apart.

Keep well,

Christian

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