'Heirs of that first revolution'

 I’m not surprised that the Ken Burns documentary on the American Revolution is controversial. Throughout our history, we’ve redefined what the revolution was about and what it might mean for the current generation.

Here’s John F. Kennedy, giving his Inaugural Address:

 

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

 

The current occupant of the White House is just as bold in redefining what the country’s about. At home, he is undermining “those human rights to which this nation has always been committed” — including the right to vote. Around the world, he blames the democratic Ukraine for being invaded by a despot and says supporting the fight for freedom is too expensive.

Freedom implies the ability to make choices. This country has made some bad choices.