As the nation of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, the United States today seems both shining and decaying under President Donald Trump’s relentless self-aggrandisement.
When, in 1776, America declared its independence from British rule, it was a bold and courageous act that gave birth to an idea unlike any the world had ever seen: that people have the right to govern themselves through democratic representation and constitutional law, and without a ruling class.
Given such a noble achievement, it is uncomfortable to watch Trump subvert a patriotic moment honouring democracy and nationhood into a garish political rally in celebration of himself.
Under Trump’s aegis, in Washington at least, the sesquicentennial seems to have turned into an omnishambles.
While his inconclusive war grinds on in the Middle East, back home Trump’s Great American State Fair has been marred by controversy, mishap and poor attendance. Musicians backed out of his Fourth of July concert in the National Mall. There was a cage fight on the South Lawn of the White House. And in what many believe a metaphor for his presidency, Trump’s multi-million-dollar facelift of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted in algae infestation and peeling paint.
Of course, Americans with a sense of grievance and besotted with Trump will celebrate. Others, who have been alienated by his polarising, will privately mark the occasion.
In a curious synchronisation, the wedding of the other most famous person in the world, the singer Taylor Swift to her pro footballer fiance Travis Kelce, is sucking attention from Trump’s big birthday party.
It is more in sorrow than in anger we note the travesty Trump has imposed on the Independence Day celebrations.
Australia has enjoyed a deep and admiring relationship with the US since the early years of federation.
It was cemented in 1908 when most of Sydney turned out to greet the visit of the Great White Fleet when US battleships circumnavigated the world. One hundred years ago, this masthead reported the American Society dinner-dance celebrated the Independence Day sesquicentennial at Sydney’s Wentworth House Family Hotel, with the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes draped on the bandstand.
Those two flags still remain the cornerstone of Australia’s geopolitical view, and we have become highly dependent on the decency of the US as an admirable and absolutely necessary ally.
Yet, Trump has given very little to Australia and his propensity to turn on a dime is not only confusing but inspires little trust. Instead, he preferred to impose a surprise and delusional 12 per cent “anti-slavery” tariff on Australian imports and criticised us for not joining his war on Iran.
Despite such off-handed treatment, Australia offers the US best wishes on this most important of their national celebrations. But as Trump spends another day bathing in vainglory, included in our warm regards is a desire for the US to return to stable government and better days.
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