I recently watched an intriguing, five-part series, “The American Experiment”, which provides historical perspectives on our nation’s birth and how close that evolving plan came to falling apart 250 years ago. Noted historians, politicians, and pundits pontificated on what happened then, and why. And also- what that means today.
I also happened upon a TV concert special, “Paul Simon: The Quiet Celebration Concert”. Simon, one of America’s greatest living singer-songwriters, lost 96% hearing in his left ear, exacerbated by a botched surgical procedure targeted to correct his initial, sudden hearing loss. Fellow band members created the necessary acoustics on stage and thus he began performing again, albeit quietly.
My father lost over 85% of his hearing due to an enemy concussion shell while fighting on an Italian hillside during World War II and dealt with it for 60-years. I have empathy for Simon’s plight, plus his resolve and pluckiness to not allow this ailment to define him at age 84. Much like my father.
In his special, Simon sang his Simon & Garfunkel 1969 song, “The Boxer”, which lyrically reflects his personal state of mind as he withstood critical barbs and wicked music critiques. He sang “…And wishing I was gone, going home”. But he never quit playing. Not back then, not now. He persevered.
Maybe that’s what we can take from our country’s 250th birthday. This USA experiment goes on, flawed in many respects, still morphing, agonizing, discovering, and yet still the benchmark of freedom and possibility for so many. Witness the just-completed World Cup Soccer event; a bouillabaisse of disparate humans had a literal ball here.
“The Boxer” also suggests: “Still a man hears what he wants to hear/ And disregards the rest”. How true is that 1969 thought from “The Boxer” in 2026? Nowadays, many nestle in friendly media echo chambers and comfort zones with their tribes “…and disregard the rest”.
I learned in “The American Experiment” just how humble and strong George Washington was. He didn’t really crave the presidency, but was emphatically reminded that he was the lone man who could bring this nascent nation together- long before asocial media, egotists, trolls, and wannabes try to separate this nation, whose very name begins with that vital concept- United.
We’ve been through a lot in 250+ years. Our laws, innate decency and common vision have bonded us amid excessive disruptions. Here’s to the next 250 years.
Think about it…