We can certainly celebrate that over 1200 of us from every state in the union have signed in support of the ideals of liberty, justice, and human dignity that are the foundation of our beloved country.  But especially this year I am reminded of the famous speech that Frederick Douglass delivered on July 4th, 1852 in which he quite eloquently expounded upon his opening question: "What to the slave is the 4th of July?" 

In years past, one could justify the celebration as the celebration of our continued progress toward, and commitment to, our high ideals.  This year, however, our government is in the process of building concentration camps for the detention of persons determined by no fair process to be aliens, and the majority our leaders, the majority of our citizens with national power and influence, and apparently the majority of our citizens appear to have abandoned those high ideals.

Somehow, this year it seems a hollow and spiritless exercise to celebrate the 4th.  I for one, will not celebrate this year. Thanks for your support and please continue to do what you can to voice your dissent and promote this petition.

John