Douglass Carpenter, 59, of Springfield, said he believes the country will be fine if those in leadership positions get back on track. People are not together, he said. People need to work together as a team instead of working apart, he said.
Sean Bolgar, 33, of Springfield, said the Fourth of July is obviously about freedom - a day “a lot of people before us have fought, and some have given their lives for us to enjoy and of course be with family.” He said he does believe America is in a good place. “I think the vast majority of people are together and I think there’s a very loud, small minority that is making things difficult from my perspective.”
Gail Palmer, 68, of Springfield said the country has been out of sorts. “We are in upheaval lately,” she said. Palmer wants America to get its act together again. “The country and the people who are running it need to focus on tedious things and not get on Twitter all the time,” said Palmer, adding that she will continue to pray for the nation.
Here’s what some other people had to say:
Brad Hornback, 44, New Carlisle
“I don’t see us as a divided nation. I love the new president and new administration. Its helped our company, we’ve been booming with hiring new employees, buying machinery. I’m optimistic about the future.”
“The Fourth of July is meant to be spent with friends and family and that’s what we did up at the lake.”
Pablo Salazar, 18, New Carlisle
“I don’t see us as together. There are downsides to the community limiting how close we are. I like the Fourth of July, there’s a lot of safety and precautions.”
Jason Hall, 40, Springfield
“I think the Fourth of July was more fun when I was younger because I wasn’t working.”
Andy Ingram, 41, Springfield
“I’m very cynical about what’s happening in this country. I’m stressful toward the government and it appears to be getting more childish.”
Jennifer Oller, 49, South Vienna
“Sometimes we are divided as a nation. But we’re also a diverse nation, sometimes diversity can lead to division. I’m optimistic for the future.”
Shay Downs, 20, Springfield
“I do think we’re very divided right now, on just about everything. Politics, morality, bodily autonomy even. And while I’m glad that we can come together as Americans I think every day needs to be that way. There is no such thing as 100 percent America, except maybe the Natives. America was designed to be a melting pot of cultures, the Statue of Liberty a beacon of hope to those living in less than ideal conditions and I think it’s a shame we lost that spirit.”
“I would say I’m more cautiously optimistic. Would I like for things to get better, absolutely. But unfortunately, with the current state of our government things seem to be getting more and more divided and I would love to see America follow in the footsteps of the other developed countries. So, I’m hopeful but not so that I expect change to happen quickly.”
Mark Williams 63, Springfield
“There is division in the country from war, politics, and current events but it’s part of the prophecy. I think because we are not involved with politics and holidays we are unified under Gods government,” he said referring to being a Jehovah’s Witness.
Kervyn Mach, 77, Huber Heights
“I’m optimistic, I think we have a few politicians who know what they’re doing. Some of us are (more) in denial than others when it comes to the unified and division of the country.”
Janice Mach 77, Huber Heights
“I too am positive. The Fourth of July is not just about celebrating the military but also the pioneers and generations before us who created the country.”
Sarah Trimbach, Tipp City
“I think we’re a unified nation, with many subpockets and genres of people. With occasions like this, I think the Fourth of July we can set aside our differences and those thoughts and be together.”