From my newsletter, The Amalgamation — We Need an Intervention, Not a Birthday Party: Why I won't be celebrating this 4th of July Excerpt — We have all been to birthday parties in the past. They are filled with love, joy, and hopes for the future. Yes, they are also often seasoned with simmering beef between family members, unspoken slights, and the understanding that for one day, the person's flaws are overlooked, but they generally have a positive vibe. In the before times, sure, I could engage in a little escapism, overlook historic flaws and missteps, and join in for a good July 4th Birthday BBQ – but not this year. You will not find me celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States, because just like a family member who is making terrible choices that inflict violence, pain, and suffering on themselves and others, the United States does not need a party that glosses over its actions – the United States needs an intervention that confronts them. — To read the full post and ...