At last, a conservative news aggregator that does not bow to the woke right.
In this The American Conservative article, Scott Greer argues that America’s muted excitement for its 250th birthday reveals a country far more fragmented, less patriotic, and less culturally unified than it was during the Bicentennial in 1976.
- Greer notes that America’s Bicentennial was a massive national event, with television specials, local celebrations, and widespread public participation, while America250 has barely registered with much of the public.
- He argues that the lack of enthusiasm cannot simply be blamed on Trump, the economy, or political division, because the 1976 celebration took place during a grim period marked by Watergate, Vietnam’s aftermath, inflation, crime, and public cynicism.
- The article criticizes America250’s Biden-appointed leadership for poor planning and weak promotion, while crediting the Trump administration’s Freedom250 effort for at least trying to organize attention-grabbing events.
- Planned Freedom250 events include a UFC fight on the White House lawn, an IndyCar race, a Great American State Fair in Washington, and patriotic school assemblies.
- Greer says the deeper problem is that America no longer has the shared monoculture that once allowed major national moments to unite citizens through the same television networks, newspapers, and civic rhythms.
- He connects the weak buildup to broader social atomization, arguing that Americans are less involved in community life and less likely to organize or attend local patriotic events such as July 4th parades.
- The article points to declining patriotism, especially among Democrats and younger Americans, as a major reason the Semiquincentennial lacks emotional force.
- Greer argues that left-wing historical narratives, including Howard Zinn’s work and the 1619 Project, have helped teach younger Americans to see the country primarily through shame rather than gratitude or pride.
- The conclusion is bleak but clear: America will celebrate its 250th anniversary, but not with the unity, confidence, or public spirit that defined 1976.
Read the full story: https://www.theamericanconservative.com/wheres-the-hype-for-america250/
