Most states are getting ready to proudly celebrate 250 years of our Republic. One state isn’t so sure though. Compare and contrast the different approaches of Northwest neighbors Washington and Idaho to America’s pending 250th birthday.
As reported by the Idaho Capital Sun:
“While America’s 250th birthday is still one year, 11 months and 23 days away, Idaho state officials and agencies are already hard at work planning a celebration worthy of the country’s semiquincentennial.”
The Center Square reports, however:
“Planners of Washington state's participation in a national celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's founding want to put heavy emphasis on some of the country's darker history . . . ‘Not everybody is exactly excited about celebrating America.’”
Idaho Governor Brad Little has a different take:
“The United States of America is the greatest nation in the world and worthy of celebration. As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, Idaho is proud to recognize our nation’s triumphant history and the contributions of the Gem State. I look forward to seeing the America250 in Idaho initiative inspire patriotism, build civic participation, and celebrate freedom.”
For those concerned that Washington State plans to pull the candles off the nation’s celebration cake in two years, know that some statewide officials are pushing back on the lack of celebratory spirit.
Former Congressman and current Washington Lt. Governor Denny Heck was quoted by The Center Square as saying:
“I’m disappointed, and I’m disappointed in a couple regards. I’m disappointed that there’s no specific reference and precious attention to commemorating the founding of the republic . . . As an old guy, I remember the bicentennial, and I remember it for a couple of reasons. One being it didn’t deal with all the difficult parts of our journey at all, and secondly, I remember we didn’t have a problem celebrating and commemorating."
Governor Little and Lt. Gov. Heck are correct that 250 years of our Republic are worth celebrating. The inevitable failings of mankind should not be an indictment of the mosaic masterpiece that is the American experiment of self-governance. Our Republic is worth celebrating, and to answer Benjamin Franklin, we hope to keep it.