As we looked back on history and forward to the future this 237th Independence Day, we see shortcomings and achievements, challenges and opportunities.
Flawed and fractured as our society may appear, we still represent the world's best hope for human rights.
Despite past injustice and inequalities yet to be resolved, the United States of America remains the most multicultural society in history.
Rather than resulting from superiority or ideology, our successes flow from the Bill of Rights and respect for due process of law. Although we embrace competition and free enterprise, we will continue our progress to the extent that work and prosperity are within reach by all.
In the words of President John F. Kennedy, "... the United States of America ... contains and has contained throughout our history (a promise) of producing a society so abundant and creative and so free and responsible that it cannot only fulfill the aspirations of its citizens, but serve equally as a beacon for all humanity."
Andrew Hugos
Cooperstown
