Freedom At The Arboretum

This Year we Focused on Democracy

For 62 years we have gathered on the 4th of July to celebrate the radical ideas that inspired the foundation of our country. These include: human equality, human rights, democracy, rule by law; freedoms of religion, speech, assembly and the press. These ideals desperately need re-affirming today. We believe patriotism is a commitment to these ideals; that civic engagement on their behalf is a patriotic endeavor.

We strive to be non-partisan though it is difficult in these highly partisan times as everything seems twisted though partisan lenses. Even democracy

This seems particularly true with democracy. Both sides adamantly claim to be protecting American democracy from partisan attack. So we sought to focus on the idea of democracy. What to do with a treasured tradition that seems increasingly at odds with today's hyper-partisanship. Do we really want a system that forces compromise even on things that maybe shouldn't be compromised?

Website Organization

Our content falls into two categories:

Freedom at the Arboretum - what was presented at our live 4th of July event

E Pluribus Unum - a broader collection of of contributions to our conversation

Freedom at the Arboretum

Since 1962 we have gathered every 4th of July at the John A. Finch Arboretum to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the ideals that birthed this country. Together we picnic and enjoy the good company of thoughtful people of good heart. Our program includes poetry, oratory, theater, and song. We enjoy time together building community.

Every year, we have a "Stir the Pot Speaker" whose job is to get us to think. This year, Rusty Nelson spoke on "Sounds of Freedom." It was fabulous, and well worth giving a listen.

We did make a simple video this year's program. To watch it, select Freedom at the Arboretum on the menu.

E Pluribus Unum

In 2020 the COVID pandemic moved our gathering online, so we created E Pluribus Unum (Latin for "From Many, One"). Our MANY regulars were invited to comment on the topic by submitting poems, essays, links to songs and short videos that can be placed together on this ONE website with hopes that the sum becomes greater than its parts.

Our 2021 Topic is "What to do about Democracy?" and we were asked to reflect on the essay below.

Find out more

2021 E Pluribus Unum submissions

Democracy is a big topic. A score of people submitted a poem, song, article, short essay, and/or link to a song or video.

Five local poets contributed original poems. Including several poems inspired by the murder of George Floyd.

A link to a thoughtful dramatization of a meeting in 1865 between President Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas to discuss race relations going forward following the Civil War.

Information on some concrete solutions, including Braver Angels (encouraging conversations across the partisan divide) and Ranked Choice Voting (a way of reducing partisan anger while increasing political choices).

A couple people offered songs on how we should treat one another. Theirs was a simple yet profound point that democracy really is about relationships.

This year we updated our software so you can add a comment and/or share it. Here are our 2021 E Pluribus Unum Submissions:

non-partisan videos on challenges facing democracy

unbreaking america: solving the corruption

Represent Us is a non-partisan national organization that is pressing for anti-corruption legislation and tweaks to voting law to fix a broken system, and make government more accountable to all of us, again.

TED Talk with Lawrence lessig

Harvard Professor Lawrence Lessig makes the case that our democracy has become corrupt with money, leading to inequality that means only 0.02% of the United States population actually determines who's in power. Lessig says that this fundamental breakdown of the democratic system must be fixed before we will ever be able to address major challenges like climate change, social security, and student debt. This is not the most important problem, it's just the first problem.

rank choice voting in maine

Maine is pioneering ranked choice voting in its federal elections and it could change everything about the way that candidates campaign — and win. In this short video the Washington Post takes a look at the race for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, and how ranked choice voting has changed the campaign.

Thank you!

It Takes A community

While Freedom at the Arboretum is still organized by the Westbrook family (which includes the Orellana family), there is no way Freedom at the Arboretum could exist without the help of many talented friends. We are a bunch of patriotic armatures who enjoy our annual 4th of July celebration. We wish to thank a long list of volunteers who generously gave of their time to make this event and website possible.

Pat Cantlon and Bob Rice of Indie Air Radio are lifelong friends who professionally run sound systems for events. Pat graciously provided the sound system and they both put in long hours from setup to takedown.
Stage Left Theater gifted us with incredible acting talent, making words come alive. Special thanks to Robert Tombari for his portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt.
Rusty Nelson for an amazing speech. He stirred the pot well!
Lonesome Lyle Morse, who is a very talented bluesman for his excellent rendition of "Let's Work Together".
Pastor Andy CastroLang for her opening prayer and poem
Ramona Tyler, Dick Warwick, Luc Jasmin, Naghama Sherazi and Maeve Griffith for reading /reciting poetry.
Craig Sweat provided us with most of these photos. He is an accomplished professional photographer.
Mark Becker for recording the event and editing it into individual videos for each section,. He then upload them onto YouTube for us.
Trenton Miller for his great help with this website. He was on schedule, the delay was mine alone. Trenton also was a speaker, and he helped organize the information booths.
John A. Finch Arboretum and City of Spokane Urban Forestry for allowing us to gather in this beautiful tribute to diversity.
St. Ann Parish for its community support, and in reminding us that we really are all equal in the eyes of God, that treating our neighbors as we'd like them to treat ourselves is a Gospel value that anyone can share.

In addition to the above, I wish to thank Darrell Blank, Susan Lopez, Katrina Heath, Elliot Fabric, Vern Windham, Lynn& Bill Noel, Bob & Dianna Bohme, Cheryl Sussell, and Sean Cantlon.

We also wish to thank everyone who submitted an item for E Pluribus Unum and all who attended this years 4th of July gathering.

E Pluribus unum FREEDOM AT THE ARBORETUM

This Year we Focused on Democracy

This Year's CELEBRATION (2024)

2021 E Pluribus Unum submissions

E pluribus unum Submissions - (rotates left & right)

Watch Freedom at the Arboretum

non-partisan videos on challenges facing democracy

unbreaking america: solving the corruption

TED Talk with Lawrence lessig

rank choice voting in maine

Thank you!

It Takes A community

E Pluribus unum FREEDOM AT THE ARBORETUM

This Year we Focused on Democracy

This Year's CELEBRATION (2024)

2021 E Pluribus Unum submissions

E pluribus unum Submissions - (rotates left & right)

Watch Freedom at the Arboretum

non-partisan videos on challenges facing democracy

unbreaking america: solving the corruption

TED Talk with Lawrence lessig

rank choice voting in maine

Thank you!

It Takes A community

This website uses cookies.