Each year on the Fourth of July, my family embarks on a new adventure, and this year, we’re heading to Niagara Falls. The majestic falls, with their immense power and grandeur, seem like a significant place for my children’s development.
Reflecting on 250 years
As I plan our visit to this renowned American tourist site and with the 250th anniversary of American independence on the horizon, I’ve been contemplating our nation’s democratic journey and how to convey it to my children. The founders couldn’t foresee the outcome of the bold initiative they began. Democracy, the separation of church and state, and the principle of equality weren’t typical foundations for countries in 1776. (However, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in present-day upstate New York is acknowledged as one of the earliest participatory democracies and is thought to have inspired the American Constitution.) Of course, the founders didn’t get everything right, starting with the inequality faced by women, enslaved individuals, and Indigenous Peoples.
Although we have made notable progress since the era of our nation’s founders, numerous societal inequalities continue, and we are currently regressing in areas like democracy, science, and civil rights. This decline is exacerbated by a president who shows little respect for our system of governance. The Trump administration has undermined our Constitution, ignored the rule of law, and weakened the essential checks and balances we depend on.
Science and democracy are interconnected
The US scientific framework is a vital component of these checks and balances and forms the backbone of our democratic system. Federal statistical agencies collect and disseminate crucial data about our economy, health, and safety; federal scientists ensure research is conducted with integrity and speak out against its misuse; and federal agencies adhere to their mission of using science to enhance public health, safety, security, and opportunities.
Regrettably, science, along with its crucial role in our democracy, has not been shielded from the administration’s destructive path. A new tool released this week by the Union of Concerned Scientists reveals that between January 20, 2025, and May 30, 2026, the Trump administration executed 574 attacks on science, including attempts to politicize research funding, dismiss or marginalize federal scientific experts, censor scientific communications, weaken protections for scientific integrity, and appoint individuals with a history of spreading misinformation or anti-science views to decision-making roles.
These assaults on science hinder the government’s capacity to make evidence-based decisions essential for safeguarding our health and safety. They decrease transparency and complicate efforts to hold the administration accountable. This poses a significant threat to the future progression of our democracy.
A future for all of us
How should we commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with all its complexities? What should I explain to my kids about how they should perceive it? Reflecting on my scientific education, I recall that scientists should not commence research with preconceived outcomes. When they encounter errors or unexpected results, they persist. Similarly, the US is a grand experiment worth our dedication to continually improve.
Next month, I want my children to be mesmerized by Niagara Falls. I want them to grasp our nation’s history, with all its imperfections. As they mature, I hope they will use their abilities to contribute positively to our country and the world.
The American endeavor has been far from flawless, yet we must remain committed to its advancement. We must stand up for what is right, assist those in need, and relentlessly strive for improvement. This is the America all our children deserve, and I will continue to fight for it.
