I thought not to write today, a holiday worth celebrating. Not because it marks a victorious revolution against the British empire long ago, a war that did not get the support of a majority of people here, but because it marked a new page in how people govern themselves. It talked about life, liberty, equality, and happiness. Like all cliches, the words often lose their power over time. Also, like cliches, there were lots of exceptions, including women, people of color, indigenous Americans, etc. At the same time, those words inspired many people and lands, and brought a new consciousness to mind.

With the smell of barbecue on a gorgeous day (we rarely have great weather on the Fourth) and the promise of the dogs freaking out from the evening’s fireworks, I think of the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill. Naïve as it sounds, I never believed it would pass. There always seemed to be a handful of Republican lawmakers who spoke against it, whether due to cuts in Medicaid and SNAP benefits, or whether due to what it does to our deficit. I trusted to common sense and, yes, even to compassion. And was disappointed.

There was a lot of pressure exerted on various senators and representatives, with promises of exceptions or benefits to their respective states (Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski pretty much admitted that). But there it is, a majority went with a bill that rewards the wealthy and hurts the poor, as if the wealthy, who’ve benefited much from this dynamic, democratic society, owe it nothing, while the poor, who will be out there on a federal holiday selling hot dogs and waiting on customers in supermarkets, should expect nothing.

You know what’s a great way to celebrate July 4? Donate money to immigrant families. Don’t let the BBB keep you down. As the Dalai Lama often reminded us, if you want to be happy, do something for others. He wasn’t being metaphorical or spiritual, he was giving a prescription as real as my meds for asthma. It’s practical, hands-on, and will make you feel good on a day when some of us may want to hide our heads in shame.

But shame does nothing for nobody. More important, there are reasons to celebrate the founding of this country. This immigrant, with clear memories of coming here at age 7 with no money and no English, doesn’t forget that. Even as we expressed ideals that were often marked by transgressions, many continued to keep the faith and fought to realize and implement those ideals. That’s who I celebrate today, including the many communities, in both red and blue states, that feed the hungry and house the poor.

Yesterday I dropped off a bag of nonperishable items in a bin at the Leverett Library collecting food for the indigent, and remembered back when Jimena and I were giving out $50 food cards on street corners and hearing from people that their children are so grateful to get food that doesn’t come in cans or boxes, like a little fresh meat or fresh fruit.

Tomorrow evening Jimena and I will break bread together and I will give her a check for $625 to cover drivers’ ed for 5 illegal immigrants to get their driver’s license. At $125 per person, it’s dirt cheap and provides them with a chance to practice their driving (they often don’t own a car). This is crucial so that they could drive legally to work without getting stopped by State Police. If they get stopped, deportation is almost automatic at this point, so this is one of those things that are no-brainers, just as we sent a dozen children to camp for the summer so that their single parents can go to work without worry.

I love no-brainers, but the immigrant fund is getting low, so if you could replenish it by using the button below, I would much appreciate it. If past experience teaches, it’s that tomorrow evening she’ll tell me about another family with huge electrical bills or that has to find new housing. She checks with the local churches first, the local Interfaith Council, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Franklin County to see what each can provide, and then she checks with us here.

Yes, I know, these needs never seem to end, but I’m telling you, just do it. It will cheer you up today. And enjoy this Fourth. Eat and drink, swim, play with the kids. Enjoy yourself. Take a look at Aussie leaping in the air near water. And don’t forget to laugh.