Much has changed since America celebrated its bicentennial anniversary 50 years ago. But as we observe our 250th birthday as a nation this Fourth of July, there are notable parallels, which are no cause for pride.

Back then, the American people were recovering from a lost war, suffering from rising prices, feeling the trauma of sordid White House scandals and saddled with an unpopular president. Today, ditto.

Despite Vietnam, Watergate and the malfunctioning economy, the 1976 celebration provided a moment of patriotic good cheer. “Nation and Millions in City Joyously Hail Bicentennial” was the banner headline in The New York Times. The event provided hope that the great American experiment would not only survive but also thrive.

President Gerald Ford, not famous for his oratorical brilliance, rose to the occasion. On July 5, he went to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home to address around 100 newly naturalized Americans in a heartfelt tribute to diversity.

“‘Black is beautiful’ was a motto of genius which uplifted us far above its intention,” this white, conservative Republican said. “Once Americans had thought about it and perceived its truth, we began to realize that so are brown, white, red, and yellow beautiful.”

He went on, telling these new Americans: “You came as strangers among us and you leave here as citizens, equal in........

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