We at the German Embassy in Washington, DC wish America a fantastic Fourth of July, filled with delicious BBQ and front-row seats to the fireworks! As you celebrate this special day, here’s to the friendship between Germany and the United States, built on shared values of freedom and democracy
US Embassy Berlin on July 4th
In Berlin, CDA Meltzer at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin reminded guests that on Independence Day, we celebrate the ideals on which America was founded, including life, liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. A replica of the U.S. Declaration of Independence hangs in the U.S. Embassy’s rotunda. Meltzer found it remarkable how many visitors stop to read the words that launched the great experiment of American democracy, words that continue to inspire us.
Tourism between Europe and the USA is unbalanced
Tourism between Europe and America has always been an opportunity for Europeans to witness the great American experiment of democracy and freedom. It has been an opportunity for Americans to explore what many call the “old world.”
This year, the balance of visitors is out of balance. Americans travel to Europe in record numbers, while Europeans travel to the U.S. is down in two-digit numbers.
I immigrated to the U.S. from my home country, Germany, in the early 1980s, inspired by what I read in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, what I witnessed in a land that was open, free, and offered unlimited opportunities. A land with the most stunning scenery—the most impressive towns and villages, mixed with people who welcome you with open arms.
Back in Berlin today, I wonder what happened to this beautiful country, I proudly called home for 46 short years.
Two Americas
There is no longer one America for all; there are two Americas: Democrats and Republicans.
ICE and Immigration
Currnently some in America are fearing for their lives with masked ICE agents not only chasing rapists and killers, but are kidnapping immigrants and their families, permanent residents, visitors, and even U.S. citizens at random in our cities, on parking lots, or in court houses. Many disappear in the dungeons of ICE detention centers, their due process taken away, and some in foreign torture prisons, just for wanting to be part of the American Dream.
Currently, those who want to go on the streets and voice their opinion are scared to do so, and some who stand up for human rights may be labeled enemies of the state.
Speaking out
Media reporting about this is called fake media and is threatened in the country that was known for having independent media as a mechanism between balance and power.
Getting sick
Getting sick in America for many may mean becoming homeless or just taking a pain killer and hoping for the best, since going to a doctor, staying in a hospital, is a luxury many cannot afford. If you can afford insurance, it can dictate who and how you can get treated. Urgent care offices with unqualified nurse practitioners have replaced personal doctors, eliminating preventive care in healthcare.
What happened to the America where the concept of “the pursuit of happiness for all” is a fundamental ideal, particularly in the context of individual liberty and societal well-being? It suggests that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue activities and experiences that lead to their fulfillment and happiness, without undue interference.
The Queer
Why is this restricted to some, but no longer to all, such as the homeless, transgender and queer people, drug users that need help, homeless people, drug users, alcoholics, the list of this unequal America is becoming longer and longer.
Working two jobs
Why do so many have to work two jobs, have a maximum of two weeks of vacation, and hardly any sick days? They often stay with roommates and barely make enough to get to the next month.
Economic cooperation vs. tariffs, threatening our neighbors such as Canada, Panama, or Greenland, becomes embarrassing for those who are with all their hearts proud Americans with roots back to other countries.
How can we make America Great Again?
How can we make our country great again, and be reminded that the Gettysburg Address, delivered by Abraham Lincoln, redefined our nation’s purpose. It emphasized the equality of all people and the importance of preserving the Union. The most famous line, “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” encapsulates the core message of democracy and self-governance.
Immigrants who come to the United States in search of a better life often say they are seeking the American dream. But many people in the U.S. — immigrants and natural-born citizens alike — now seem to feel that dream is closer to a fantasy. And based on current lifestyle metrics, they aren’t necessarily wrong, as the American dream continues to shift.
We the People
I hope we, the people, can return to this, to make our country Great and welcoming again, so we can remain not only a striving travel and tourism destination, but also a welcoming country for future Americans, and give them a chance to live the American dream still.
Most Americans are generally friendly, smiling, welcoming, and honest people. We will always have the Grand Canyon, Waikiki Beach, Times Square, Midwestern Steaks, Hollywood, and Las Vegas, as well as our significant National Parks, the Rockies, and fireworks on July 4th.
Making America Great can start with Tourism
Happy 4th of July, America! Happy Independence Day. Let’s make America great again, together.
Say, can you see
By the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly, yeah, streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave
