Last month, I had the privilege of helping unfurl the pitch-spanning American flag before Seattle's World Cup match. As 70,000 fans in red, white and blue sang the National Anthem and chanted "U-S-A," I was transported back 50 years to representing Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in my hometown's Bicentennial parade. Those two moments reminded me that patriotism isn't something we're born feeling. It's something we're taught, something we experience and, ultimately, something we choose to pass on.
America's 250th birthday is more than a celebration of our past. It is a chance to recommit ourselves to our future.
For me, the ultimate lesson of America's first 250 years is that our nation's greatest strength has never been government. It has always been her people. Our founders understood that our inalienable rights are not granted by government—they are born with us. Government exists with the consent of the governed to protect those rights, uphold the rule of law and preserve a fair playing field where free people can pursue their own dreams. The rest is up to us.
That seemingly simple, though largely unprecedented idea unleashed the most innovative, generous and prosperous society the world has ever known. Farmers fed the world. Entrepreneurs built companies. Workers created opportunity. Philanthropists gave back in extraordinary ways. Communities grew stronger because free people were empowered to strive, compete, collaborate and contribute. America's success has never been measured only by what we achieve for ourselves, but by what we make possible for others.
America's next 250 years won't be determined by what government does for us. They'll be determined by what free people choose to do for one another.
This is why Washington Policy Center exists. We believe good policy should protect freedom, strengthen the rule of law, expand opportunity and encourage every Washingtonian to discover and pursue his or her fullest potential. We believe the role of leadership is not to guarantee equal outcomes, but to create the conditions where every person has the opportunity to contribute, succeed and help build something that lasts.
Today, too much of our national conversation revolves around partisan politics in STATES—red or blue. My hope is that America's semi-quincentennial reminds us to place more emphasis on what makes us UNITED. As Americans we have long agreed that a limited government governs best; that we should all be equal under the law; that the right to private property must be protected; that freedom of speech is freedom of conscience and essential for the pursuit of the truth; and government regulations should be minimized so that all can pursue happiness.
The American promise is not behind us. It is ours to renew. Together, let's ensure that when future generations gather beneath another giant American flag to celebrate our nation's founding each year, they will look back on this moment and say we answered the call—not as spectators, but as stewards. America's greatest victories are still ahead.
We are truly blessed to be Americans. May we never forget that or take it for granted. Have a fantastic Fourth of July as we celebrate 250 years of freedom, independence and shared opportunity beyond anything the world has ever known.
