Happy Birthday America?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for quite some time, you’re probably aware America is turning 250 this year. There are a number of events planned to celebrate the birthday officially known as the “semiquincentennial” or the “Quarter Millennium,” not the least of which is a controversial UFC match on the White House grounds.

But not everyone appears to be in the mood to party: Only 48% of U.S. voters plan to attend any events or activities to celebrate America’s 250th birthday bash, according to a Morning Consult poll released this week. Twenty-five percent of voters said they would not celebrate, and another 27% said they were unsure.

Not surprisingly, Democrats seem the least enthusiastic, with just 37% saying they have plans to get their party on for America this year. Among Republicans, 65% say they plan to celebrate.

The Morning Consult poll mirrors previous data showing that the two parties have very different views of their nation. A Cygnal poll of 1,500 adults taken in early March asked the following question: “After 250 years as a nation, do you believe the United States continues to be a force for good in the world?”

Ninety-one percent of Republicans responded affirmatively. Among Democrats, only 26% said “Yes,” while 69% said the United States was “not a force for good.” Independents were split on the question at 47%.

As a deeply divided country contemplates America’s 250th birthday, perhaps Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it best in the White House press briefing earlier this week when asked, “What is your hope for America at a time such as this?”

Rubio responded: “My hope for America is what it’s always been. I think it’s the hope we all share. We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything – where you’re not limited by the circumstances of your birth, the color of your skin, or your ethnicity …”

“But I think in the U.S.,” he added, “we’re not perfect. Our history is not one of perfection, but it’s still better than anybody else’s history. … It is a unique and exceptional country. And as we come upon this 250-year anniversary, I think we have a lot to learn and be proud of in our history. It is one of perpetual and continuous improvement, where each generation has done its part to bring us closer to fulfilling the vision that the founders of this country had upon its founding.”

Amen.

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