The newly-elected second President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about the transfer of power between himself and George Washington. Adams noted Washington’s jovial mood and wrote: “Methought I heard him think Ay! I am fairly out and you fairly in! See which of us will be happiest.”
On this day when we celebrate our independence, Washington and Adams provide a good reminder that democracy is not easy. To keep America as the Land of the Free, we must all become engaged in civic duty. It is essential — but not enough — to vote. We need to be active participants in the political or legislative process.
The Fourth of July is about more than fireworks. Let the day remind you that independence came at a cost, and it requires continual sacrifices to maintain it.
