Americans step out for their nation's 250th in a proud moment sown with division and doubt
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Give now to help PBS News start our new fiscal year strong. Close Popup PBS News By — Calvin Woodward, Associated Press Calvin Woodward, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — One of the stars of the American firmament once advised citizens of all stripes how to express their love of country. Mark Twain's long-ago words capture how Americans are stepping out this week to wish their nation a happy milestone birthday.
"Our patriotism is medieval, outworn, obsolete," Twain wrote in 1905. "The modern patriotism, the true patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it." In these rabidly partisan times, those who think President Donald Trump deserves their support and those who don't are joining in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Whether all the partying to come gives the nation a breather from disunity or aggravates it is an open question.
It's a proud and loud moment, sown with division and doubt. WATCH: Americans divided on nation's history as 250th anniversary nears Love of country comes in different flavors, of course. Some love what it could become and press on with their activism and protest in pursuit of history's call for a "more perfect union." Some love what it used to be and might be once more — the underpinning of MAGA.
But overall, belief in American exceptionalism has waned. think there are better countries in the world than those who think the United States is the best. That's according to an April poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that found 44% endorsing the United States as just one of the best.
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