250 years ago the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the birth of our nation, The United States of America.

We are such a young country. And we are living in a vulnerable time where our country and way of life is very much in danger.

I have a laundry list of things I’m unhappy with when it comes to living in the US, which makes the 250th birthday seem a little…meh to me. But I’m a teacher (adjunct professor) and a public figure (author) and I could get into trouble for what I want to post, so I’ll just say this:

• I’m on the side that fights for women’s rights and bodily autonomy
• I’m on the side that fights for LGBTQIA
• I’m on the side that fights for equality and better treatment of people who are not white
• I’m here for the immigrants coming to our nation for safety and a better way of life
• I’m here for the antifascists
• I’m here for the people fighting income inequality and for a better way of life
• I’m here for the people fighting for separation of church and state

I think my list could be longer but that’s all I could think of off the top of my head. You don’t have to share in my beliefs, but I ask that you respect them. I’ll be thinking about all of them as I ponder our 250th birthday.

Happy Birthday, America. May we last 250 years more and beyond.