CAL THOMAS: Are we going to have an unhappy birthday? | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

As the United States nears its 250th birthday, CAL THOMAS questions whether the celebration will feel like an unhappy memorial more than a jubilant nation birthday. In a column reflecting on national mood, he notes political friction surrounding Trump’s forthcoming ‘Freedom 250’ events and a disrupted lineup of performers who accuse organizers of bias. He contrasts today’s divisions with 1976’s Bicentennial optimism, citing grand public spectacles, such as a nationwide ship parade and the Liberty Bell tour, that fostered unity. Thomas quotes Ronald Reagan, who emphasized a shared enterprise in American progress, while skeptical voices wonder if contemporary rhetoric can inspire rather than divide. The piece also references public protests, media coverage, and the challenge of reconciling partisan animosities as the milestone approaches in July. Overall, it portrays a nation at a crossroads between tradition and polarization, urging reflection on the core values that bind Americans.