Reflecting as America Approaches Its 250th Anniversary

As we near the milestone of our 250th anniversary, it’s a moment not just to celebrate but also to ponder.

History offers insights worth considering.

In the 18th century, American colonists declared their independence and sparked a revolution advocating for freedom. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the Chinese Communist Party initiated its own revolution under the banner of liberation. Both aimed to create a new world and dismissed the existing orders, echoing concepts of justice.

Interestingly, both revolutions achieved their goals.

However, the outcomes could not be more different. The former birthed a nation rooted in individual freedoms, whereas the latter established a regime where the state enslaved its citizens.

So, why is that?

It boils down to their founding ideologies. One draws from Biblical doctrines, and the other from Marxist principles.

The American Revolution was more than just a revolt against British control. It introduced the radical notion that rights are not bestowed by governments. When Thomas Jefferson declared that all people are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” he emphasized that governments exist to safeguard these rights, which are inherent and cannot be taken away—even by the majority. This belief laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

The Chinese Communist Revolution also claimed to seek justice, but it operated from a starkly different starting point. Here, justice meant enforced conformity, a type of equality that pledged everything to many but in reality often delivered little to anyone.

Both movements envisioned a better future, yet their execution left vastly different legacies. In the U.S., the “American Dream” thrives on the premise of freedom, allowing individuals to strive for success—or failure—despite their backgrounds. In contrast, the pursuit of a utopian society in communist China led to immense suffering, with the state wielding unchecked power while its citizens endured hardship. Under Mao Zedong, millions perished, intellectuals were silenced, families torn apart, and all forms of faith were suppressed in the name of the collective. Here, the state became the ultimate authority, reducing individuals to mere components of the larger group.

I have experienced both realities.

My early life unfolded under Mao’s oppressive regime, where the chaos of the Cultural Revolution robbed me of my formative years. Freedom was a concept far removed from my existence; choices were never mine to make. The Party dictated every facet of life—deciding where I lived, how much food I received, if I could attend school, and what work was assigned to me. Like countless others, I complied, acutely aware of the consequences of resistance.

When I eventually arrived in America, it felt like stepping into a new life. The environment was astoundingly different. Here, I was recognized as an individual rather than just a label. Most importantly, no one was telling me what to say or how to live. This was my initial taste of freedom in the U.S. I fell in love with my new country and was eager to immerse myself in its culture.

It’s now been forty years since that first day on American soil, and I’ve observed gradual changes in the country I cherish. Occasionally, these developments recall the very communist system I had fled.

It started innocently enough, with what I initially deemed political correctness—an idea I saw as considerate. Yet, over time, it became clear that only certain views were tolerated. Deviating from them invited accusations of racism or bigotry, reminiscent of how dissenters were labeled “counterrevolutionaries” in China.

Once, my individuality was celebrated; now, it seems I’m categorized into an identity group, akin to my experiences back in China. Terms like “oppressor” and “oppressed,” which I grew up with, have permeated the American dialogue, further driving a wedge among us. The echoes of the Cultural Revolution have become impossible to ignore.

It seems some voices in America are trying to dismantle the foundations set by the American Revolution, opting instead for a Maoist-inspired model—one that redefines equality as mandated conformity, suppresses dissent, and expands governmental reach.

I genuinely couldn’t have predicted witnessing such seismic shifts in my lifetime.

As we edge closer to the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, many find it tempting to dwell on the country’s shortcomings and deem this grand experiment a failure. Yet, it’s vital to remember the Founders didn’t aim for a flawless society—one purely divine. They crafted a system grounded in the belief of God-given rights, which not only maximizes individual freedoms but also allows for self-improvement and renewal.

Conversely, in a system where the state reigns supreme, power exerts control over truth. And when power dictates truth, freedom diminishes.

This significant occasion serves as a reminder: freedom isn’t automatic. It calls for vigilance and the bravery to uphold it. That’s why I refuse to remain passive. I stand alongside countless patriots fighting to safeguard our freedoms and sustain the American Dream for future generations, as well as for the next 250 years.

As we honor this historic anniversary, let’s invigorate our commitment to preserving our republic.