It seems strange to be celebrating without picnics, parades, concerts, carnivals, fireworks or baseball. Yet in the middle of this calamitous time, with a global pandemic, polarizing politics, a reeling economy and rampant racism, a recent experience has given me hope for our country.
From February to mid-May, I participated in the American legal system as a member of the Grand Jury. A group of total strangers from all over the county were empaneled to hear and deliberate on subpoenas and indictments. Among us were teachers, business people, working and stay-at-home moms, retirees, students and recent college graduates. We came in all shapes and sizes. We came from all different backgrounds. We most surely had very different political and religious views. But none of that was relevant. For 14 weeks we listened, considered, asked questions and voted together; ordinary people accepting their responsibility as citizens.
And that is what gives me hope. While most of the jurors would rather not have interrupted their busy lives, each one fulfilled their obligation. And none of the things that currently divide us mattered. To any of us. At all.
**********
Then join hand in hand,
Brave Americans all!
By uniting we stand,
By dividing we fall.
John Dickinson
