Born in the USA

Guess what, dear readers? Yes, I know it’s hotter outside than a snake’s butt in a wagon wheel rut. Slow down. You move too fast. Make the morning last. Feel groovy, as the song goes. Not because winter will be here before we know it, but because we’re halfway through this year. Today is the oft-overlooked midpoint as we wander through yet another 365 days around the sun. Only 184 days left until we ring in a new year. Not that I’m wishing life away. My parents advised against it, with the caveat that doing so wasn’t wise or productive. Time marches on, whether you rush or savor each day. Carpe diem! I understand that better now. I did get excited today with news of the U.S Supreme Court’s final ruling of their term: They upheld the fundamental guarantee of birthright citizenship – something that’s been a cornerstone of equality and national belonging in our nation for more than a century. In plain English, the ruling reaffirmed the long-held belief that any person born on American soil is a citizen. The 14^th Amendment, established in 1868 to secure citizenship for enslaved people following the Civil War, has granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States. Amen to that.

Say it with feeling, my fellow Americans: No president has the power to decide who is entitled to the rights our U.S. Constitution protects. Your rights as an American cannot simply be erased by the current administration’s reckless executive actions to restrict birthright citizenship.

What a legal landmark for humanity. But if I’m being honest, that vote should have been 9-0, right? Unanimous. For the sake of humanity, I mean.

Sadly, the vote was 6-3, which means that three of our current SCOTUS justices actually believe “birthright citizenship” can be repealed with the stroke of a black Sharpie. Meaning, any U.S. president should be able to change the Constitution with an … executive order? As if.

Not this time, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito. Take the rest of the summer off and brush up on your ethics. And please make sure the American flag isn’t flying upside-down, Sam? The stars go on the top left. Tell your wife.

In plain English, the ruling reaffirmed the long-held belief that any person born on American soil is a citizen.

Still, we must keep fighting. Last week, this same group of justices expanded the president’s power over immigration, including by removing deportation protections for Haitians and Syrians, among others.

Brace yourself. More bumps to come, I’m afraid.

In another 6-3 ruling, the latest of a string of losses for LGBTQ rights, the high court allowed states to bar transgender athletes from girls’ school sports teams. What a relief. I’ll sleep better tonight knowing they’re no longer a threat to society.

Of course, I’m being facetious.

The Supreme Court’s official summer recess lasts about three months. They’re expected to return on October 5, to formally convene for the start of the new term – historically the first Monday in October.

New season, perhaps some new reasons for hope and change. It’s called November.

There’s a glimmer of light ahead. It’s not a train.

P.S. Happy Fourth, America. We’ve got 250 years as a republic under our belts. Pull up your big-girl Woxers, and keep keepin’ on.

(YouTube video: I like to think of this song as one of history’s most misunderstood patriotic anthems. Released on June 4, 1984, “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen, protests the mistreatment of working-class citizens, the government’s abandonment of Vietnam War veterans, and the failure of the American Dream. All of that despite its upbeat rhythm and fist-pumping chorus. Crank it up!)