With America’s 250th birthday around the corner, I’m looking forward to the Lexington Carnival, Concord’s Picnic in the Park, and of course, the fireworks. 

I’m also thinking a lot about what freedom and democracy mean.  

In this era of oligarchs and billionaires, it can be hard to hold tight to the American ideals of government by the people and for the people. But we can’t let those ideals fade. My hope is that we can use this holiday to jump-start a conversation about how we can work together to build a society that works for all of us. 

Granted, that sounds a little heavy for a summer weekend. It doesn’t have to be, though. 

The ACLU of Massachusetts has put together a summer BBQ kit (we call it “Fired Up for Freedom!”) which includes fun activities designed to prompt discussion about the future we might dare to create together. You can download the kit at aclum.org/bbq. I hope you’ll try it. 

It’s so important that each of us gets involved in shaping our democracy. We’re at a perilous moment in our history, but if we take the time to talk openly about where we are—and where we want to be—we can build a future that’s freer and more equitable, with dignity and opportunity for everyone. 

We the people are we the powerful. This 4th of July, let’s remember that. 

Carol Rose 

Executive Director, ACLU of Massachusetts  

Lexington, Mass. 

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