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 July 4th on the brink
by Tom Campbell
July 1, 2010
North Carolina was a prominent player in the fight for American independence. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775, followed a month later by the Liberty Point (Cumberland Association) Resolves and the Tryon Resolves all signaled formal opposition to injustices from the British crown and parliament. Finally, on April 12, 1776, our colony became the first to authorize our delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence. Our state flag commemorates the importance of both dates.
Looking back at those tumultuous times it is hard to imagine the emotion and fortitude that would have prompted leading citizens to resist the treatment of those in the colonies one way while citizens in England enjoyed greater freedoms and representation in government. The skirmishes at Lexington and Concord further solidified that resolve to end injustices.
This July fourth finds North Carolina on the brink of crisis of a different sort. Our legislature just finalized a budget, under extremely difficult circumstances, that at best will get us through to next year. We will require every ounce of statesmanship we can muster next year to address budget deficits that could be three billion dollars or more. North Carolina faces problems at every turn, including an education system that is failing too many of our children, mental health and other assistance programs that need better management, problems within our criminal justice system, a tax code that is outdated and full of inconsistencies, crises in benefits programs to public employees, a crumbling and an inadequate infrastructure system of roads, bridges, water systems, school buildings and other needs. Most importantly, we suffer a crisis of confidence in our leadership.
Just as patriots in the 18th century refused to turn their heads to the problems of their time, we cannot turn ours. As we reflect on that July in 1776 when patriots came together, putting aside their own interests for what they perceived the best interests of the majority, perhaps we should consider a return to that spirit and those ideals. We have crucial decisions that must be made over the next twelve months and we need our best and brightest minds to find solutions. Every citizen of this state can and should play a part.
Could we stop, if only for a short while, calling each other names and trying to place blame in order to focus on finding solutions? Can we take our focus off those things that divide us to seek those things which unite us and which will benefit the most? Can we rise above personal agendas, like those early patriots and be united in more than name only?
At this time when we celebrate the ideals, the courage and the spirit of independence, let us call forth the best in ourselves and each other. Let our aims for our state be lofty and altruistic and let us strive with the same resolve as those who came before us. Just as history judged those early patriots, we will be judged for how we respond to issues in our time.
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