JFK and Independence Day: A Lesson in Interdependence

On July 4, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave an historic address from Independence Hall in Philadelphia.?His stated purpose was, as the Chief Executive Officer of the United States, to speak to the importance of the relationship between the National Government and those of the 50 States.?His message was that we (the Federal government and State governments) must recognize “how dependent we both are, one upon the other, for the successful operation of our unique and happy form of government.”?

JFK, however, took this concept farther: “we would do well to honor that other historic document drafted in this hall – the Constitution of the United States. For it stressed not independence but interdependence – not the individual liberty of one but the indivisible liberty of all” (emphasis added). Interdependence, he asserted, was transforming the world and it is that spirit allows us “to find freedom in diversity and in unity, strength.” This was a profound Declaration of Interdependence.

There is much focus in our daily news cycle on the divisiveness that we are experiencing in our country today.?I suspect that is because stories about cooperation and teamwork are relegated to the sports pages.?There is nothing headline worthy about the block party that brings people together to form new friendships.?Only tragic reports of block parties gone terribly wrong due to senseless violence https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/02/us/baltimore-shooting-sunday/index.html

My good friend and colleague, Dan Michelson , is building a company, InCommon, that recognizes the importance to all of us in feeling that our future is bright, to have strong and trusting relationships and to belong and be part of something bigger than ourselves. https://incommon.com/ He is tapping into the same wisdom imbued in this ancient African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

We owe great thanks today (and everyday) for those who have served (and are serving) in our Armed Forces, protecting?our rights both at home and around the world.?We should also be grateful to those who are willing to serve in public office to carry out a sworn duty to protect the rights of all of us as citizens.?The first responders in our communities are keeping all of us safe from crime, fire and other hazards. Finally, our health care colleagues are devoted to rooting out disease from our population. All of these public servants are acting to honor the spirit of the words of Martin Luther King: “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”.

My hope is that today, after enjoying a barbeque with friends and family, that you take time to reflect on the interdependence experienced in your own life – and how we all can accomplish more by building bridges to connect us to one another than building walls to keep us apart.

Happy 4th of July!

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