government
'Awesome.' 'Sad.' 'Let's keep democracy going.' Americans weigh in on state of a 250-year-old nation
By Calvin Woodward And Holly Ramer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
Across the United States, many Americans are celebrating their country's 250th birthday by closing their ears to all the partisan shouting. All the fingernails-on-chalkboard screeching out of Washington. All the clamor of social media agitprop.Instead, in varied ways, they are tuning into their o...
Key takeaway “We’ve just all got to find unity somewhere, whether that’s in laughter or perseverance, and keep everybody cool,” he said from the fireworks stand where he's doing a booming business as a side hustle.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
As San Antonio celebrates the nation's 250th birthday, residents here can likely relate to the sentiments of Americans interviewed by the Associated Press, who are tuning out partisan noise and focusing on their personal connections to the country. In a city known for its vibrant cultural heritage and strong sense of community, it's not hard to find examples of people coming together to celebrate freedom and unity. From the River Walk to local neighborhoods, San Antonians are likely to gather for fireworks, parades, and other festivities, putting aside differences to enjoy the company of family and friends. As one interviewee noted, thinking about local happenings can make things feel more within personal control, a sentiment that may resonate with San Antonio residents who take pride in their city's unique character and resilience. By focusing on what makes their community strong, San Antonians can join Americans across the country in celebrating the nation's birthday with hope and optimism.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Across the United States, many Americans are celebrating their country's 250th birthday by closing their ears to all the partisan shouting. All the fingernails-on-chalkboard screeching out of Washington. All the clamor of social media agitprop.Instead, in varied ways, they are tuning into their o...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Calvin Woodward And Holly Ramer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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