by Nels Ackerson, Journal & Courier, July 4th, 2007

The Park Service is trying to save the one. We can save the other.

America is a nation long used to the ironies of history. This July 4th we can add another. The National Park Service announced last week that the foundation of the Jefferson Memorial is no longer sound. The monument, one of the most popular in our nation’s capital, has sunk 6 inches into the mud in the past year alone.

Built in the 1930’s, the Jefferson Memorial is inscribed with words from the Declaration of Independence adopted on a July 4th two hundred thirty one years ago: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

On that July 4th Mr. Jefferson revealed a vision, both brilliant and bold, for a government whose strength would be secured by the consent of the governed, and whose citizens would be ruled by laws and not by princes or kings. America was conceived as something entirely new in the world: a democratically elected republic fiercely dedicated to protecting the right to freedom, justice and opportunity for all people. Our Founders’ dream, forged into a growing reality through the enduring efforts and sacrifices of generations of Americans, became an inspiring beacon of light in an often troubled world.

On that July 4th Mr. Jefferson penned words that inspired more than a revolution. For more than two centuries America has been the land of refuge and opportunity to millions. America was the guardian of freedom in two world wars. America became, in Abraham Lincoln’s words, “the last, best hope of the world.” A united America faced and overcame a global threat of totalitarian communist regimes, and inspired the democracies that replaced them. We have become a nation of innovation and private enterprise, of learning and discovery. And yet it is not only Mr. Jefferson’s monument, but also his ideals that show signs of neglect.

On this 4th of July we witness a government that in many respects has become a business to profit the few at the expense of the many, and Washington a place where influence often matters more than ideals and loyalty to party is more apparent than loyalty to principle. We are asked to accept that we cannot save broken schools; that we cannot balance outrageous budgets; that we cannot create more opportunities for working families and small businesses; that the government may take our homes and businesses to benefit more favored private interests; that we cannot escape dependence on unstable and hostile regimes for our energy; that we cannot afford adequate care for our veterans in pain or children in need of health care.

On this 4th of July, some political leaders warn that freedom and security can no longer coexist; that torture and terror exercised at our behest are useful tools. We are told that we must sacrifice the rule of law that has created our strength as a nation and inspired peoples throughout the world; that in international conflicts our choices are either to stay the course or cut and run, there being no other solutions. Some say that America is a battlefield in a war between political parties or classes or cultures; that America’s diversity and freedom to dissent are problems to be removed rather than creative forces for our common good.

Nevertheless, hope remains. The National Park Service expects an engineering report later this week to present a threefold evaluation: To determine whether Jefferson’s memorial is safe; to assess what has gone wrong; and to recommend actions to repair the damage.

So, too, there is hope for Jefferson’s living memorial. On this 4th of July, we retain the right to govern ourselves and the power to rein in those who would unreasonably govern us.

As we gather with family and friends over hotdogs, ice cream and fireworks, we Americans – heirs to our Founders’ vision – might best celebrate this July 4th by evaluating the state of Mr. Jefferson’s memorial of freedom: How safe is our freedom; what has gone wrong; and what is needed to restore America as the land of freedom and opportunity and a beacon of hope to the world. Then we can serve our country by our speech, by our actions, by our votes, by public service, and by seeking elective offices or supporting those who do.

– Nels Ackerson