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Dear {name},
On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed George Washington as General and Commander-in-Chief of the army of the United Colonies. Two hundred and fifty years later, we celebrate this date as the birthday of the United States Army—a pivotal moment in the painful birth of our nation. Before the Army's victory over the British at Yorktown in October 1781, it endured crushing defeats at Long Island, the fall of Philadelphia and Charleston, the brutal winters at Valley Forge and Morristown, and the constant crisis of inadequate supplies and pay. These were, as Thomas Paine aptly wrote, "the times that try men's souls."
Much like then, we find ourselves in a time of deep questioning about our political and governmental institutions. We face intense polarization and power struggles fueled by domestic, transnational, and international forces. Our economic system is transforming, fundamental questions about what America represents are being debated, and generational conflicts over values and direction are intensifying. All of this is propelled by a revolutionary energy that demands systemic change.
The recent rioting in Los Angeles—and similar unrest being organized across the country—reflects where we stand today as a nation and a people. These events reveal the depth of our current divisions and the forces resisting necessary change.
President Donald Trump was elected with a clear mandate centered on personal sovereignty and national sovereignty. Immigration emerged as the defining issue because it has been so far out of control for so long that it now threatens both our nation's sovereignty and our citizens' pursuit of happiness. The civil unrest we're witnessing is emblematic of these deeper challenges.
If Los Angeles teaches us anything, it's that the forces behind our underlying problems are deeply rooted and will not yield without a fight. Our challenge is to remain steadfast in our resolve and enthusiasm for positive change, even when this conflicts with our desire for safety and stability. This resolve is prerequisite for shedding our failed and failing institutions in favor of a brighter future.
Yet there are subtle changes underway that give cause for optimism. Based on my experience and that of other activists, I can confidently state that government agencies once dismissive of grassroots reform are now open to it. This extends beyond immigration into areas such as energy, agriculture, and health.
One concrete example came this week when the Department of Justice championed a discrimination complaint regarding country-of-origin advertising preferences and saw it through to a successful settlement. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon stated: "A top priority of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division is protecting American workers from unlawful discrimination in favor of foreign visa workers."
This represents the kind of fundamental shift in priorities that signals broader institutional change.
As I write this while looking out at Farragut Square in Washington, DC, I'm reminded of Union Admiral David Farragut's famous words. When his fleet advanced toward Mobile Bay and was warned of torpedoes ahead, he declared: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Farragut's fleet successfully entered the bay, defeated Confederate naval forces, and captured the port.
Like those Revolutionary War soldiers who endured Valley Forge, like Farragut's sailors pressing through dangerous waters, we too must maintain our resolve. The rebirth of the American Republic demands nothing less than the courage to move forward despite the obstacles ahead.
Onward,
Kevin Lynn
Executive Director, Institute for Sound Public Policy
Founder, U.S. Tech Workers |
