OPINION

On 239th anniversary, a more inclusive USA

RON PAGANO

We all know what is happening on this 239th celebration of our country's founding. It's all about barbecues, the beach and fireworks — but most of all, loving families getting together.

There are a great many things to be proud of in our 239 years. We have taken in people from all over the Earth, creating a diverse and sometimes contentious culture, but for which we are still proud to say, "We are all Americans!"

While we should be proud of our achievements, we mustn't lose track of our faults and failures along the way. Without knowing and understanding our shortcomings, we may well be unable to identify them in the future.

We all want to live in a country where we can be unequivocally proud, where hypocrisy and superiority are no longer practiced and where love and acceptance are.

On this national holiday, when we celebrate our common heritage, let us also remember there are still many jobs to accomplish and many people who are not able to be part of the American Dream, no matter how that dream is defined.

In pursuit of the dream, the Supreme Court issued a monumental decision last week entitling those who love one another (period) to marry the person of their choice. It wasn't unique in its approach or reasoning, since it made a similar decision decades ago to allow loving people of different races and colors to express that love through marriage.

What a wonderful and inspiring way to celebrate our Independence Day — allowing anyone who loves another to join in a civil, legal and loving marriage.

Those who believe this will infringe on religious freedom are misguided. No church or religious clergy will be required to forsake his or her beliefs and be forced to marry anyone.

On the other hand, if you are in a position of public trust, whether appointed or elected, your civil duty requires you to perform the designated services to all, without discrimination or reticence.

We should demand nothing less from our public officials.

That is what makes our country strong — the clear separation of religious and civil life. This was a "must have" for our founding fathers, who embodied it in our 1st Amendment, and it is still so today.

Perhaps even more so today, since surveys continue to show a drop in religious identification, especially among our younger generation. Whether we approve or not, a greater percentage of Americans than ever before refuse to recognize religion in their lives.

I hope as a nation we can all abide by the Supreme Court ruling and integrate these newly married, loving couples and families into our lives, just as we have integrated all those who have come to these shores looking for better lives.

As someone who is organizing the distribution of food and clothing to our homeless veterans and others, I know there is still much to do to make our country a role model for the world. This is one positive step in that direction.

In John 13:34, Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

I believe he meant everyone!

Ron Pagano is a community volunteer and organizer, currently working to feed and clothe the homeless in our community.