Let’s stop fighting and start uniting. Our democracy depends on it.

This editorial is the opinion of Gilroy Life

As we celebrate another Fourth of July, our nation finds itself at a crossroads. The political and cultural divisions that have long simmered beneath the surface of American society have erupted into full view, threatening the very fabric of our democracy. Yet, as we in the South Valley reflect on our nation’s nearly 250 years history, we are reminded that division is not our destiny. Rather, unity is our strength.

Our nation was born in division. John Adams noted that during the American Revolution, colonists were split between those favoring independence, those loyal to the Crown, and those indifferent to the conflict. Four score and seven years later, we weathered the storm of civil war, a period of unparalleled national strife. The ’60s and ’70s saw us grapple with deep-seated disagreements over an Asian war and societal change.

But our history also tells a story of unity in the face of adversity. After Pearl Harbor, Americans came together with a shared purpose to defend freedom against fascism. During the Cold War, we stood united against the threat of nuclear annihilation. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, we found strength in our common identity as Americans.

Today, as we approach what may be the most contentious election in our nation’s history, we must remember these lessons. We are complex people with a complex history. We are capable of both fierce disagreement and powerful concordance.

As we look toward our 250th anniversary as a modern democracy, let us choose unity over division. Here in South Valley, we can set an example for the rest of the nation. We, the people who make our homes in Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill, can show all 340 million Americans it’s possible to disagree on ideological points while maintaining respect for our fellow citizens and pride in our shared heritage.

The path ahead for the American Republic is fraught with challenges. The specter of post-election violence looms large. But we have faced division before and we have emerged stronger. Now is the time to set aside our differences and focus on what unites us as Americans.

This Fourth of July, let’s commit to civility and sanity in our political discourse. Let’s engage in respectful dialogue, seeking to understand rather than to condemn. Let’s remember our neighbors, regardless of political affiliations, are fellow Americans who want the best for our nation.

We are the heirs to the longest-lasting modern democracy in history. It’s our responsibility to preserve this legacy for future generations. By choosing unity over division, respect over rancor, we can weather this storm as we have others before.

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, let’s renew our commitment to the ideals that have guided us for nearly 250 years. Let’s stop fighting and start uniting. Our democracy depends on it.

Freedom Fest

From sea to shining sea, in our land of the free,

We’ve been feuding with our neighbors. We’ve lost our way.

Red and blue might divide us, but can’t you clearly see?

We’re all cut from the same cloth, at the end of the day.

  • *

Our story’s filled with trials. We all know that’s true.

But through many hard times, we have stood proud and tall.

We faced storms together, ‘neath the red, white, and blue.

United we’ll all rise. Divided we’ll all fall.

  • *

We Americans have marched down this road before

Through revolution to our current civil strife;

And yet we’ve always found democracy’s true core

In the bright promise of American life.

  • *

Now let’s raise up our voices for the USA.

Born on the Fourth of July, may it long endure.

We might disagree, but at the end of the day,

We’re all Americans, of that we can be sure.

  • *

From small town to big city, we are all writing

The American story — a story so grand.

Let’s stop all the fighting. Let’s all start uniting.

Let’s remember we’re all part of one mighty land.

  • *

From heartland to coastline, all of us are writing

The story of America — ain’t it so grand?

Let’s stop all the fighting. Let’s all start uniting.

All joining together, let’s build a better land.

  • *

Our bonds will be strained, but our hearts still remain free,

As we weather storms now putting us to the test.

On this Fourth of July, from sea to shining sea,

Let’s all join together now in our freedom fest.

Publisher Marty Cheek wrote this poem.