Guests - Gary Olson, Dave Smith, Stephen Mundt
Independence Day Reflections: The Declaration of Independence at 250 Years
Celebrating America's Independence at Udall Park
As we approach Independence Day, Gary Olson, the LD18 chair, joins us to discuss the festivities planned for tomorrow at Udall Park. The event will begin at 8:30 AM with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a flag wave at 9:00 AM.
"Tomorrow is a great day. Independence Day. Of course, but it's Independence Day from the tyrannical government of England where we declared our independence," Gary explains. "We had to declare it before we came up with a constitution. So having the chance for all of us that gather under that big tree in front of Udall Breck Center to state what was stated 250 years ago is a good reminder for all of us."
The event will take place at 7200 East Tanker Verde, with plenty of parking available. The farmers market will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, providing an opportunity to support the local economy. After the reading of the Declaration and the flag wave, City Council candidates Jenna Wittenbraker and Jay Toccoff will host a barbecue at Ramada 3.
Gary emphasizes that this is about more than partisan politics: "It's not Republicans and Democrats. It's good policy, good management that we need to deal with the issues that we have of homelessness... And of course our economy, supporting our small businesses, that's the backbone of the Tucson economy and the country's economy."
The gathering at Udall Park is expected to draw a couple hundred people to celebrate what's good about this country and what's good about Tucson. Gary believes there's a desire for people to come together, pointing to the overwhelming support for Proposition 414 as evidence that Democrats and Republicans can understand the need for fiscal responsibility in the city.
"Tomorrow is a great opportunity to meet candidates. If you want to get involved, if you're not registered to vote, we've got a whole year of elections next year," Gary notes. For those interested in getting more engaged, he mentions that LD18 holds monthly meetings every third Saturday at the Tucson Metro Fraternal Order of Police Lodge on Dodge.
Crime and Border Security Issues in Tucson
A recent crime in Tucson has highlighted ongoing concerns about border security and immigration policy. A homicide investigation in the 2100 block of South Winsall Avenue revealed that the suspect, Julio Aguirre, was a deported felon with a prior conviction in Phoenix. He had been deported from the U.S. in 2013 after serving time in prison.
The incident involved a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 69-year-old Ricky Miller. The suspect then entered a residential backyard, forced a homeowner into their residence at gunpoint, and terrorized several family members by pointing a gun at them.
This case raises serious questions about the resources being allocated to address illegal immigration and public safety. The response to this single incident required the deployment of SWAT teams, K9 units, air support, public safety communications handling numerous 911 calls, and patrol officers—all of which come at a significant cost to the city.
The Tucson Police Department is currently operating with a 40% reduction in officers compared to what they need to effectively do their job. This staffing shortage makes incidents involving illegal immigrants who have been previously deported particularly concerning, as they strain already limited resources.
There are also concerns about the policies of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, which recently allocated an additional $30,000 for "humane borders" to establish water stops throughout the desert. Critics argue that these policies may actually encourage illegal border crossings and endanger lives rather than helping to address the root issues.
The Declaration of Independence: Historical Context and Significance
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it's important to reflect on the historical context that led to the Declaration of Independence. The document wasn't created in isolation but was the result of escalating tensions between the American colonies and Britain.
In the early 1770s, Americans felt that Parliament intended to take away their freedom. Britain began preparing for war in early 1775, with the first fighting breaking out in April in Massachusetts. By August of that year, the King had declared the colonists in a state of "open and avowed rebellion."
On July 3, 1775—exactly 250 years ago today—George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army. The colonists had just inflicted heavy casualties on the British at Bunker Hill, with the British suffering almost 50% casualties despite technically winning the battle.
In December 1775, Britain passed the Prohibition Act against the colonies, which essentially declared war on them. Washington immediately started advocating for a declaration to provide justification and a unifying document for the colonies.
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to declare independence. Two days later, they ratified the text of the Declaration. John Dunlap, the official printer to Congress, worked through the night to set the declaration in type and print approximately 200 copies. These copies, known as the Dunlap broadsides, were sent to various committees, assemblies, and commanders of the Continental Troops.
The Declaration of Independence was designed for multiple audiences: the king, the colonists, and the world. It served several purposes, including rallying the troops, winning foreign allies, and announcing the creation of a new country. At its core, the document states its main purpose: to explain the colonists' right to revolution and "to declare the causes which impel them to the separation."
The document includes 27 complaints against the king, listing grievances such as refusing to appoint judges (hurting the rule of law), shrugging off legitimate complaints, taking away the benefits of trial by jury, making up crimes and taking citizens across the Atlantic Ocean for trial, and starting a war against his own citizens.
The Declaration of Independence wasn't just a political document—it was a deeply philosophical one. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson with input from others, it articulated the belief that governments are formed by men, not appointed by God, and that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given by God, not by government.
The Big Beautiful Bill and Congressional Debates
While we celebrate Independence Day, Congress is currently embroiled in debates over what has been dubbed the "one big beautiful bill" (or "one big ugly bill" by opponents). House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been speaking for hours, delaying the vote on this significant legislation.
The bill includes several key provisions that have generated debate:
Medicaid Requirements: The bill proposes that able-bodied individuals receiving Medicaid should work or volunteer for at least 20 hours per week. This affects approximately 4.5 million people, including an estimated 1.5 to 2 million illegal immigrants.
Tax Changes: The legislation includes several tax provisions, including eliminating taxes on tips and addressing the issue of double taxation on Social Security benefits.
Defense and Border Security: The package aims to increase funding for defense and border security, which some argue comes at the expense of welfare programs.
State and Local Tax Deductions (SALT): There have been ongoing debates about whether to continue allowing deductions for state and local taxes, which primarily benefit high-tax states.
Critics of the current Congressional stalemate point out that Jeffries' extended speech is merely delaying the inevitable, as Republicans appear to have the votes needed to pass the bill. The Arizona Republican delegation is expected to vote in favor of the legislation, though some members have expressed concerns about certain provisions, particularly regarding Medicaid for illegal immigrants.
Celebrating America's 250 Years
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it's important to reflect on what this nation has contributed to the world in its relatively short history. The founding of America was based on ideas of liberty and the right to self-determination, principles that people risked their lives and fortunes to establish.
Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence died broke, having sacrificed everything for these ideals. They came together despite their differences—Puritans, Quakers, Catholics, and others—united by a common vision for a nation where people would have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
This legacy continues through the Constitution, which service members swear an oath to protect. Through two World Wars and beyond, Americans have fought for these same rights and freedoms. The flag represents these ideals and the sacrifices made to preserve them.
Unfortunately, patriotism and love for country are not as strong as they once were. While patriotism is on the rise among Republicans and independents, overall numbers have declined, particularly among Democrats, where only about 36% express belief in the country and its ideals.
This decline is attributed in part to a failure to teach young people about what makes America great. The founding fathers warned that democracy requires constant vigilance, and citizens must work every day to preserve what we have.
As John Wayne eloquently expressed in his tribute to the flag, we should be proud of this country and teach our children to respect and honor the flag and all it represents. Though America may not be perfect, we have much to be proud of as we celebrate this Independence Day.