America 250

For America's 250th Birthday, Give Us the Gift of Renewed Federalism

The country should rediscover its decentralized roots to revive freedom and national pride.

J.D. Tuccille | 5.29.2026 7:00 AM

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(Illustration: Midjourney/Jixue Yang/Dreamstime)

I was 10 years old in 1976, when the United States celebrated its bicentennial. I remember fireworks, lots of patriotic bunting, and commemorative packaging galore, but what really caught my eye was the privately organized American Freedom Train rolling museum, which toured the country with exhibits about the nation's history. My parents were too busy to transport me—actually, in those free-range days I may not have even asked. I rode my bicycle several miles into Tarrytown, New York, and bought a ticket to tour the train. I'm not sure many kids could do that these days without raising eyebrows.

You are reading The Rattler from J.D. Tuccille and Reason. Get more of J.D.'s commentary on government overreach and threats to everyday liberty.

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A Muted National Birthday

The loss of youthful independence is not all that has changed in the years leading to the 2026 semiquincentennial (yeah, I had to look that up). The Freedom Train project for this year was canceled after failing to gather enough support. Awareness of and feelings about the year are sufficiently muted that you could be forgiven for forgetting 2026's historical significance. The sad fact is that you'd be hard pressed to scare up an enthusiastic national birthday party in much of the country these days. Many Americans are glum about the country's prospects, and they're not particularly enthused about their role in it or the simple existence of many of their neighbors.

"Ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary, 59% of Americans say the country's best years are behind us, while 40% say........

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