America 250: A Nation Still in Progress

What is required for a "more perfect Union," a goal of the Founders in the pream- ble to the U.S. Constitution? That ques- tion is ripe for considera- tion upon America 250.

We need a monu- mental achievement to check our "perfectness" against. America's tri- umph in World War Two proved our military superiority, but lesser powers keep testing our vulnerability. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s- 1960s broke down barri- ers to voting freedoms for minorities and opened public accommo- dations to all.

Its major crucible was the deseg- regation of the public schools, ending the inherently-flawed "sepa- rate but equal" argu- ment. Astronaut Neil Armstrong's touchdown on the moon on July 20, 1969, was a mark of national excellence that many put near the top of any list of preeminence. Certainly Mr.

Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" was important in the modern technological race, but will Artificial Intelligence create a "better world" as pro- moters claim? Data centers housing AI-connected infrastructure are the new darlings of the U.S. industrial scene. But, they're creating contro- versy on myriad fronts.

Whether the cen- ters are the panacea to struggling communities seeking economic pros- perity, or disasters wait- ing to happen, is per- haps the proverbial $64,000 question of this Semiquincentennial. The Constitution in a single phrase did not grant the right to vote. It took amend- ments and some coura- geous infighting, notably in my hometown of McComb, to insure the freedom to vote, the greatest antidote to authoritarianism which occasionally attempts to take root in our system.

Let me say that the ongoing redistricting battle over congressional seats is not among the nation's finest hours. The preamble says zilch about an all-white U.S. Congress.

Consequential events have not led to less violence in this nation. No other country of the world is even close to America on school vio- lence. From 2009-2018, the U.S. shamefully recorded 288 such inci- dents compared to run- ner-up Mexico's.

Founders had good intentions with their plea for insuring "domestic tranquility," but it hasn't exactly worked out that way. Among peer nations, the U.S. overwhelmingly leads in deaths by gun- play, 26 times higher than the combined aver- age of other economical- ly-leading countries. America is a sportsman's paradise and it's a myth that fed- eral agents are going door-to-door grabbing guns from owners' hands, but this violence is damnable.

Elevating catfish from trash fish to delica- cy is surely Am250's culinary benchmark. However, the cost of food is tragically beyond the means of many. Americans eat too much and drink too much alcohol, but at least they've quit smok- ing tobacco.

Who'd believe in 1776 that Mississippi would be the "Birthplace of America's Music?" While the pream- ble did not mention charity, Americans are charitable. They desig- nate monthly amounts to children's hospitals like St. Jude's and Shriners, and to their churches.

Many donate their time to food kitchens and clothing banks, showing love for their fellow man. Healthcare-wise, too many citizens have no health insurance and hundreds of rural hospi- tals are clinging to exis- tence. Did Armstrong's GAZETTE CARTOONIST WITH GAZETTE EDITOR--- GAZETTE Editor Dr.

Luke Lampton visited with his favorite cartoonist Ricky Nobile recently, and even got Ricky to craft a drawing of him. Ricky has long provided beloved cartoons each week to the GAZETTE! (GAZETTE photo by L. Lampton) America 250: A NATION STILL IN PROGRESS by Mac Gordon, GAZETTE Contributing Editor GAZETTE CARTOONIST RICKY NOBILE AT WORK--- The GAZETTE recently caught up with its talented cartoonist Ricky Nobile, who was being assisted by his daughter Emily Germany on his right, who lives in Edwards.

He is shown here drawing Cecil and Sue Simmons of Mathiston. Cecil was a longtime legislator and Sue is a well known fam- ily physician. (GAZETTE photo by L. Lampton) GAZETTE CARTOONIST RICKY NOBILE AT WORK (SEE GORDON, PAGE A3) GORDON (continued from A1) step, or Victory in Europe, or its equiva- lent, VJ DAY marking Japan's surrender; make our politics less disagreeable in the wake of these great national accomplishments?

Hardly. Our political scene is split more than ever 250 years after indepen- dence. "Hate" is often used in the simple dis- course of elected officials and candidates.

Surely founders would be shocked at today's over- reaching presidential power and Congress' devolution on almost every issue. Such division today is disgraceful for a nation 250 years after the original 13 colonies brilliantly stitched together a manifesto declaring freedom from tyrannical British rule. Is America per- fect yet?

No, but certain- ly we should keep work- ing on it. Happy anniver- sary, America. ---Mac Gordon is a native of McComb. He is a retired newspaperman.

He can be reached at mac- marygordon@gmail.com.