Take stock of what changed & what remains

Bradford, Ontario: America’s birthday approaches. It will not be a sober affair, but a time to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of whatever you can acquire. How America has changed since the time of the Founding Fathers. Uniquely different, yet similar. During the Revolutionary War and after, those who were friendly to Britain were persecuted — often hunted down, beaten and/or expelled from the new America or tarred and feathered, which also happened during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Today, the political undesirables are hunted by ICE and expelled. America unites behind heavy-handed authorities, taking three steps forward and two steps back.

The country has evolved into a state of near chaos, where possession of weapons is accepted even though miscreants slaughter your children and innocents. There still exists a three-stage social order of the rich, middle-class and poor. Racism and right-wing political and religious attitudes seem to prevail, and society’s reach in assisting people is diminished.

Compare young America to today’s chaotic regime. Are your leaders equal to the task, as they were 250 years ago? Yes, we are all the same — human beings with aspirations, hoping to establish a legacy that benefits those who come after us. We are a people whose faith in each other is damaged, but not beyond repair. Belief in the goodness of God and humanity will lead us to a better place, right? Happy birthday, America.

Bronx: I commend the Daily News for publishing the editorial cartoon on June 30 referencing the incredible damage that cutting USAID has done. Thousands — mostly poor, innocent children — have already died.........

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