Podcast playlist: Votes, votes, votes

In an atmosphere of deep political and social division, many individuals, communities, and organizations are asking how, or even if, they should participate in this year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As writers like Jill Lepore, articles in USA Today, and others have pointed out, it’s not that people don’t want to honor our nation’s history or many virtues. Rather, there are legitimate concerns that certain “official” events and national organizations associated with the occasion have become increasingly and troublingly politicized.

Commemorating the Declaration of Independence can and should be an opportunity to focus on shared values, not aggrandizing any one individual or advancing one political faction over another. That is true regardless of who the president happens to be or what political party is in power. Precisely because our nation is so divided, this unique occasion calls for initiatives that transcend personalities and superficial celebrations in ways that engage all Americans and will help ensure our constitutional democratic republic endures for another quarter millennium.