In case it’s sneaked up you, July is about to burst upon us with an even bigger BOOM! than usual. This July 4th we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, which, coincidentally, is the title of the latest issue of Senior News.
You can find our tribute to the nation’s semiquincentennial (that’s one-half of 500) free at the usual Humboldt newsstands, inserted in the Mad River Union and the Times-Standard, and online at the website (humboldtseniornews.org/) or the e-edition (humboldtseniornews.org/eedition/).
This year’s annual Senior News celebration of our Independence Day is more than the usual joy at red, white & blue festivities, hotdogs, parades, fireworks and “God Bless America.” Contributors to this issue also reflect on what being an American means to them, the value of liberty and independence, and the 250-year traditions and values contained in the Declaration of Independence.
In 1787, a woman asked Benjamin Franklin if the colonies had created a republic or a monarchy. “A republic, if you can keep it,” he replied. Writes contributor Nancy Lee in this month’s Senior News: “I pray we can keep our democracy, as Franklin cautioned, for I am nothing if not an American patriot.”
A woman named Helen S. from McKinlineyville wrote, “I’m feeling more patriotic than usual this year. I’m not sure why. Maybe because I’m worried.”
Writer and cartoonist John King compared the American republic to a tree that must be nurtured and protected. Otherwise, “in a very short time, democracy will just be a stump.”
Writes Allan Katz, “As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, even as we enjoy fireworks and parades, it might be a good time to remember that our story is not simple or one-dimensional. Nor is its final chapter written.”
One reader emailed to thank our “marvelous writers. . . . The thoughtful concern expressed by many of them was comforting,” she said.
Senior News is proud to share this collection of praise for American independence on the nation’s 250th birthday. Enjoy!
Below are the next two months of themes for Senior News. Your submissions will be gratefully accepted!
- In August, we’ll go to the dogs. And the cats, hamsters, goldfish, horses, yaks, zebras or whatever animals, um, animate your life. Anyone who has spent time with animals of any kind knows that there is something so honest, so nurturing, so calming about them. That’s why we have therapy dogs and horses, and emotional support animals of all species —animals have a healing spirit. Tell us your “Man’s [sic] Best Friend” stories — that childhood Cocker Spaniel who greeted you after school, the tiny green turtle from the 5 & Dime, your horse companion, the tabby that lets you share her sofa. As Gandhi said, “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” What do your animals say to you? 400-500 words + photo(s) due July 12 (or sooner) to tpease@humsenior.org.
- Septemberis the start of the learning year, and Senior News will learn and share what it can about artificial intelligence with you. AI is everywhere these days, from your Google searches to algorithms that know your TV and music choices before you do. Creating and using this powerful technology has implications for the environment, the economy, how people live, the arts and artists, writing and writers, Hollywood and government. What do you know about AI? What would you like to know? We will try to gather enough fundamentals about AI in our lives to help you navigate these artificially intelligent waters more, um, intelligently. Send your thoughts on AI (400-500 words) by Aug. 12 (or sooner!) to tpease@humsenior.org.
Thank you for your support of seniors and Senior News here in Humboldt County. We couldn’t exist without your stories. Keep ’em coming!
Senior News, founded in 1981, is a program of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, a community newspaper circulating 7,500 free copies monthly. For information or to subscribe, call 707-443-9747.
Thank you, gentle readers, as always, for your support of Senior News — For people 50+ and everyone who knows one or wants to be one someday.