OPINION: One more launch of inspiration in the afterglow of Independence Day

As the smoke settles from another North Idaho Fourth, we are still basking in that feeling of patriotism and hope in America’s promise. We hope that you enjoyed a safe and fun-filled holiday.

Keeping that spirit alive, let’s launch one more volley and sprinkle a few inspiring words from historical Democrats across the newspaper page. As we look toward the promise of a brighter future, Kootenai County has many inspiring historical examples of people who put country first, and people before politics.

While becoming the modern embodiment of a Democrat, Franklin Delano Roosevelt led our nation through some of its most trying times. From the depths of the Depression to the horror of a second World War, FDR kept a steady perspective on what mattered most.

“In these days of difficulty, we Americans must and shall choose the path of social justice… the path of faith, the path of hope and the path of love toward our fellow man.”

Together, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt became vocal champions of labor, economic opportunity for all Americans, racial equality, and social support systems.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little," FDR declared.

And Eleanor reminded us that, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

As the years marched on, icons of Democracy continued to fight for personal responsibility and compassion for our fellow Americans, defining what it meant to be a modern Liberal.

As he accepted the New York Liberal Party nomination on Sept. 14, 1960, John F. Kennedy declared: “If by a ‘Liberal’ they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights and their civil liberties. Someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad. If that is what they mean by a ‘Liberal,’ then I'm proud to say I'm a ‘Liberal.’”

His drive to put people ahead of politics culminated in a shocking death. But not before he challenged Americans to, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Those famous words were immediately followed by another global challenge that is just as important: “My fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

Later JFK declared, “For in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, 'holds office;' every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve."

In 2016, America got the president it needed and deserved in Barack Obama. Running on a platform of hope and change, Obama declared, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

With an equally brilliant wife by his side, President Obama made history and Michelle’s words continue to inspire us toward hope for the future.

As Michelle Obama said, "There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.”

Today, we are the leaders of that change. We are the people who will make history. Democrats are fighting for American infrastructure, education, and opportunity for all.

In the words of Nancy Pelosi, "Democrats believe in reigniting the American Dream by removing barriers to success and building ladders of opportunity for all, so everyone can succeed."

We hope that you move on from this Independence Day inspired with a renewed determination to fight for your fellow man, stand up for the downtrodden, and work together to create a More Perfect Union.

Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.