Another Semiquincentennial
The article commemorates the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of another significant historical event, reflecting on its legacy and contemporary relevance in the San Francisco context.
Background
This post marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) — a "semiquincentennial." The author, writing from San Francisco, notes that while the nation celebrates, the city itself is grappling with severe post-pandemic challenges: a hollowed-out downtown, homelessness, drug crises, and political dysfunction. The piece contrasts the founders' ideals with the current state of American governance and urban life, using the anniversary as an occasion for sober reflection rather than celebration. No special background is required beyond knowing that 2026 is the US's 250th birthday, and that San Francisco has become a national symbol of urban decay and recovery struggles since COVID-19.