Jon Meacham on America’s True Founding
On a recent episode of MS NOW, presidential historian Jon Meacham presented an intriguing perspective on the foundation of the United States. He suggested that the nation as a “multiracial, multi-ethnic democracy” didn’t really come into being until 1965, during the lead-up to Independence Day.
Meacham explained that, as we approach the 250th anniversary, it’s important to reflect on the events surrounding the Second Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence. While these milestones laid the groundwork for self-governance, he argued that they did not represent the democracy we know today. The Declaration’s line, “All men are created equal,” had a very specific meaning at that time, which, as he noted, did not account for everyone. He pinpointed 1965—with the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Voting Rights Act—as the moment when a fuller, more inclusive democracy began to emerge. In a way, he suggested, the U.S. is only about sixty years into this journey of development.
Reflecting on the anniversary celebrations, Meacham acknowledged a certain “great anxiety.” He emphasized that acknowledging past imperfections is crucial to honoring the Founding Fathers. “We can’t just preach. We have to practice,” he stated, advocating for a commitment to upholding democratic values in modern society.
As America prepares for its 250th anniversary on July 4th, there have been discussions among various figures about the holiday’s connections to slavery. Rev. Al Sharpton expressed dissatisfaction, stating that celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence feels inappropriate when considering that many were still enslaved at that time. He commented, somewhat pointedly, that it would be odd to wear a birthday hat at a party that doesn’t feel like one’s own.
Former MSNBC host Joy Reid weighed in, conveying that, in her view, Juneteenth might represent a more authentic milestone for America. She argued that true democracy for the nation wasn’t realized until the Civil War amendments were honored, which, in her perspective, didn’t fully happen until the 1960s.
In this context, the celebrations might evoke mixed reactions, raising questions about who is being honored and whose stories are being told as the country marks this significant anniversary.
