The Idea of America

We’re a country built on becoming. That means our freedom doesn’t come with guarantees. It comes with responsibility.

Susan J. Demas photo

By Trygve Olson

Today is the Fourth of July.

And before we return to the battle — to the lessons, the tactics, the truths — I want to say something simple.

Something I don’t say enough.

I love this country.

Not as a brand. Not as a weapon. Not as a tribe.

I love it as a promise. A project. A living, breathing idea we all inherited — and ar…