Happy (almost) 4th of July. Another birthday for America.
Number 249 with the big 250 coming up next year. America is a very special country. But as the 4th of July gets ready to unfold there, is a “new” America forming that is looking at the country in a much different way. As people get ready to grill some hot dogs, it might be time to ask “What’s up with that?”
Here’s an understatement. America has never been so divided. Oh sure, there was that Civil War thing back about 150 years ago, but the country was divided on one central issue; slavery. Back in the 1960’s, the country was split on another one issue; Vietnam and antiwar. In between and ongoing, there are any number of protests constantly scheduled on a street/park/building near you. But this is different. This “new” America is really divided.
The vast majority of the country will celebrate the 4th as always. Flying the American flag, watching a parade down main streets (with fire engines, too) in small towns, backyard barbecues with hot dogs and beer and maybe watching some baseball. Idealistic. A real Norman Rockwell picture.
But the “new” America has issues with that. We have become, possibly, way too diverse and are no longer “all for one, one for all.” It’s hard to fathom, but a reality none the less, that soon after the hot dogs are eaten and evening falls, a different kind of fireworks will erupt. Molotov cocktails will be thrown, fires will be set and riots will spring up around the country. Police will be assaulted. Ah, the smell of tear gas in the evening. Why? For what?
First, there are the pro-Palestinian groups. Anti-American because of the county’s support of Israel. Muslim vs Jew vs U.S. Second, the anti-ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement), anti-police and pro-immigration groups. Climate activists, gender activists, etc. Protests turn violent and the turn into riots. In general, protestors that hate America. Birthday party spoilers.
Then there are the “No Kings” demonstrations. Not sure what to make of this. We don’t have a king. Are they anti-Elvis? Are they anti-L.A. Lakers fans and “King James (LeBron James)?
Many of the people in these various groups probably feel left out of the American way of life. Many probably feel looked down upon and disliked (certainly if they set fire to downtown areas, they should not be too surprised). Some are just plain political. With the massive use of iPhone’s and mobile devices it sure is a lot easier to divide into like minded groups. But, all that is the “new” America. Freedom abused.
BUT, this is the greatest country in the world. It will always be. Trouble makers can’t spoil a 249 year old birthday party no matter how hard they try.
Quit being a party pooper, have a hot dog and a beer and be grateful for being in America. It’s still the same OLD America.
Bill Taylor is the CEO and Chief Market Strategist at Digital Wealth News, offering expert insights on markets and asset classes. A proud Horned Frog and Texas Christian University grad, he played college basketball while there. With a strong finance background and passion for digital innovation, Bill shares thought leadership on market trends and portfolio strategy for our audience.
