Philadelphia's wish list for America's next 250 years
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Sweet land of liberty. Miss Teen USA runner-up Stephanie Skinner, rocking a Lady Liberty costume. Photo: Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Before America blew out the candles on its semiquincentennial birthday cake, Philadelphians were already wishing for what they hope the country's next 250 years will look like.
Why it matters: Good, better, best — Americans can't rest until their good is better and their better is best.
State of play: We asked a cross-section of Philadelphians — some lifelong residents, others honorary — two simple but seminal questions: What has America done well over the last 250 years, and what can it do better?
- From the cobblestones of Old City to the deafening ring of freedom inside Citizens Bank Park, their responses made us proud to call them our neighbors.
What they're saying: Political analyst Larry Ceisler tells Axios the country has "been through difficult times and we always find a way to get through it."
- Former Philly judge Benjamin Lerner says America's greatest promise has always been that "all men are created equal" — and its greatest challenge has been living up to those words.
- "We're all equal 'except,' and the exceptions were bigger than some of the people included."
Philly therapist Samantha Petroski, who works with Philly youth affected by gun violence and poverty, says we "cannot build a stronger America by only responding to brokenness."
- "Survival should not be the standard. The real shift is learning to care before crisis."
Author Jim Murphy believes the country's next chapter depends on how intentionally people care for one another.
- "Read more books, put the phone down, get into nature. Think about your life purpose. Ruthlessly eliminate 'hurry' from your life."
- Diane Ellis-Marseglia, chair of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, tells Axios that we must recommit to "telling hard truths, even when the pushback is scary and mean."
Philly school teacher Dawn Hiltner tells Axios Philly's reputation as a city of neighborhoods is a lesson in unity and diversity the rest of the country can embrace.
- "Get to know people in your community beyond just a friendly 'hello.'"
The bottom line: Peace is possible once we "pay attention to the bird song and the cherry blossom," street poet Marshal James Cavanaugh tells Axios.
- "Honoring the sacredness in all these gifts that sustain each life when we wake up to our purpose as stewards to this precious garden."