A Message From RFS on the Fourth of July
“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” — James Baldwin
This Fourth of July is unlike any in our nation’s history. The continued threat of COVID-19 and the reemergence of the Black Lives Matter movement has centered the lives of those at the margins and revealed that the promise of “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is not indiscriminately promised to everyone.
This narrative shift is a long time coming. The limited understanding of America’s history has been used to reinforce our country’s most troubling practices. It’s why concepts like universal healthcare and paid family leave are still considered radical; it’s why hate groups like the Klu Klux Klan are allowed to thrive despite decades of terror; and unfortunately, it’s why those that challenge the status quo — activists, elected officials, community organizers — are deemed unpatriotic.
Let’s be clear: No political party can claim patriotism as their own and patriotism, at its core, is not blind devotion. It’s the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of America and step up to make hard, yet meaningful changes. It’s loving this country enough to say, “This is fucked up, but I will fight to make it better.”
Right now, thousands of young candidates and elected officials are doing this work in their local communities. Despite nearly insurmountable odds, they have continued to advocate for what is right, rather than what is easy. In Texas, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has spent the past four months creating new solutions to protect her constituents from COVID-19 (in spite of pushback from TX Governor Greg Abbott.) In Denver, RFS alum Tay Anderson and RFS candidate Jennifer Bacon worked together to create and pass a resolution that ended the relationship between Denver Public Schools and the Denver Police Department. And in New York, four RFS alums banded together to pass a sweeping series of laws that limit the power of police in New York.
Their unyielding determination is patriotism in action. As they continue to fight back against systems of gross inequity, they build a country that works for the many rather than the few. At Run for Something, we honor their work and are proud to stand with them every day.
This Fourth of July, we invite you to reclaim the narrative and stand with our leaders. It’s 2020 — we don’t have the luxury of living in ignorance. It’s our responsibility to help build a progressive and inclusive world for generations to come and this starts when we empower those that have the ability to improve the lives of millions.
If you want to make a difference, check out 204 incredible state and local candidates running for office this year and donate.
Or (even better) if you’re ready to run for office, sign up with us and we’ll help you get started.
