A cry for help as America turns 250 | Opinion

**Frank E. Reilly** _lives in Portland, where he writes plays and essays. He is also president of the Friends of Lincoln Park._ “My country tears of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing …” Sound familiar? I changed the lyric “tis” to “tears.” It felt appropriate for this time. Our country is crying. Crying for help, crying for understanding, crying for an explanation. Yes, we’ve had enough and have been disappointed enough. We are in dire need of immediate attention and answers, no more promises, and to the point of no more tolerance. We’re running on empty. We are being bombarded with political commercials expressing what’s wrong with our state and local government and how one person or another is going to fix things for the better. At the end of the day, we’re simply confused and pissed off. I ask myself where is the stuff we can count on, information we can rely on, promises that have meaning, people with whom we can identify and relate to.  Is Graham Platner, with little or no political experience but with a very clear overview, the answer to all that ails us, or do we stay the course with Sen. Collins, who has the experience but often disappoints with waffling on domestic and national issues du jour? Advertisement Then to compound local confusion, we need to endure national news constantly reporting negative and kind of worthless news about spewing opinions from just about anyone who thinks he or she has something to offer that would be newsworthy, helpful or inspiring. Who are these “experts” and where do they come from? What kind of authentic credentials do they possess? Or are they publicity hounds seeking exposure, preferably in a dream light? No, dear hearts, there is only one Scott Pelly and one Anderson Cooper, and those few who are left continue to work with their reputation on the chopping block because they simply won’t play politics, dirty politics. Social media is in a world all of its own, delivering indiscriminate gossip, rumors, hearsay and anything that attracts the attention and curiosity of the innocent and underage audience. We lost control of the content a long time ago and now, seeing the damage it has wrought, want to regain it. Can we? Or is it too late? President Trump proclaimed to “make America great again,” and that did sound good to 80 million people. Then came brave Ukraine, innocent Greenland, devious Bibi and obvious Putin, unsuspecting Venezuela, elaborate ballrooms, ostentatious signage, Iran and now Albania apparently in the wings. Where do all the promises for working Americans who stand waiting for answers to their mounting domestic needs and cost of living come into play? I’m not a Trump basher. I’m a patriot, and, as such, I accept our democratic process. Furthermore, I see no value in complaining when I know we can win eventually if we keep our faith in that process and believe in the Constitution. The bottom line is that our democracy is based on leadership, not dictatorship. For the time being I’m afraid we’ll simply have to dry our tears and rely on a grand celebration of our own: 250 years of independence. And we all know we can do it and do it in grand USA style, proudly waving the red, white and blue, marching bands galore, historical events displayed in live entertainment and print everywhere — and don’t forget the hot dogs and burgers on the grill. Sweet land of liberty … Let freedom ring. Copy the Story Link Tagged: [columns](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/columns/)