Paul Ryan has just turned the Fourth of July, Independence Day, into a religious holiday.
The Speaker of the House posted a video, titled, “The Blessings of America,” showing him talking with young (mostly white) people.
“In this Fourth of July season,” Speaker Ryan begins, “let’s remember the blessings that we’ve been given in this amazing country.”
Independence Day was created to celebrate America’s independence from Britain. It was never a religious holiday – nor a “season.”
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from,” Ryan continues. “In America—because of freedom of choice— you can do what you want to do, worship who you want to worship, and achieve whatever you set your mind to achieve.”
Again, the Fourth of July was never a religious holiday. In fact, out of all the federal holidays, it is the one that should be the least steeped in religious dogma.
“So let’s take this day together to remember and be grateful for the people who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect this privilege we have of being Americans,” Ryan concluded.
Some responses via Twitter: