July 4th Highlights American Exceptionalism, The Military Industrial Complex, And A History Of Imperialism And Conflict
By Mohammed Khaku, New Age Islam
4 July 2025
July 4th Is The History Of Colonialism, Genocide, And Slavery That Are Part Of The Nation's History. The Holiday Is Seen As A Celebration Of Imperialism And The Displacement Of Indigenous Populations.
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On July 4th we overlook a significant chapter in the history of U.S. exceptionalism. What remains unacknowledged, as it does each year, is a little-known anniversary that falls on the preceding day.
July 4th is marked by patriotism and the celebration of independence. Television broadcast war films, newspaper columnists publish patriotic editorials, and politicians deliver eloquent speeches extolling the sanctity of what is often referred to as U.S. exceptionalism.
At no other time in human history has our Creator brought forth a generation of freedom fighters, civil rights leaders, and resistance fighters devoted to pursuit of martyrdom.
It is no exaggeration to claim that the current generation of American Muslims is largely unaware of one of the greatest generations of freedom fighters in history, exemplified by Bilali Mohammed, an enslaved Muslim who resided on Sapelo Island, Georgia, alongside the founding fathers.
It is not a coincidence that Thomas Jefferson owned a 1734 translation of the Quran, which he examined as part of his legal studies and commitment to the principle of religious freedom.
He regarded the Quran as pertinent to understanding international legal systems and actively campaigned against discrimination towards Muslims.
Similarly, John Adams explored Islamic philosophy and acknowledged its significance on a global level.
Overall, American public has increasingly perceived the government through a limited and biased perspective, shaped by political partisanship (symbolized by elephants and donkeys) and the influence of prominent personalities, including billionaires.
The constitutional principles upon which America was founded appear to be largely forgotten by this generation. Furthermore, neither Biden nor Trump embodies the essence of America, nor do the Republican or Democratic parties.
America is shaped by its foundational principles, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Every president, congressperson, and senator is held accountable to the Constitution.
Anyone, regardless of political affiliation, who prioritizes a politician or political party over the Constitution undermines the foundation of our republic.
If July 4 represents the celebration of independence from oppressive British rule, it appears that Americans may face challenges in fully acknowledging and honouring the more complex and difficult aspects of our history, including slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the civil rights movement.
July 4th symbolizes U.S. exceptionalism, while Juneteenth marks the emancipation from slavery. However, slavery has transformed into the Prison Industrial Complex, which incarcerates two million Black Americans. Although human beings are born free, yet throughout the U.S, many remain in chains.
For more than a century, the chains of chattel persisted, confining, oppressing, and dehumanizing of African Americans. Even today, many hear the haunting echoes of those chains, endure the solitary confinement, and the enduring pain of their legacy remains palpable.
The portrayal of the Fourth of July as a symbol of America's pursuit of freedom and equality is a fabricated narrative of celebratory history authored by the victors.
While this narrative may resonate with white individuals, the Declaration of Independence was composed during a period when slavery remained a legal and institution in the colonies, underscoring a profound contradiction.
The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, famously proclaimed that "all men are created equal" and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
While above statement was powerful and revolutionary for its era, it was not universally implemented in practice, especially considering the presence of slavery in the colonies.
July 4 fireworks and barbecues symbolize a celebration deeply intertwined with the historical oppression of Indigenous peoples, the institution of slavery, and of U.S. exceptionalism.
U.S. exceptionalism encompasses actions such as regime changes or bombings, the justification of interventions, the disregard for other countries' sovereignty, and the frequent violation of international norms and laws.
U.S. exceptionalism is endorsed by Congress, the White House, and Christian right evangelicals, as evidenced by the current events in the Middle East.
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are viewed by some as figures comparable to King David, implying that they should be exempt from international norms, impeachment, and permitted to act unilaterally.
The notion of "exceptionalism" is deeply ingrained in both our genetic makeup and cultural identity. The overthrow of sovereign governments has become a recurring practice, while characteristics such as arrogance and coercion remain prevalent.
The epitome of arrogance is illustrated in Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's renowned statement: “We are an indispensable nation; we stand and see further than other countries.”
The concept U.S. exceptionalism is firmly embedded in the history of the United States, originating from the idea of the nation as a "city upon a hill," envisioned to serve as an exemplar for the world.
This concept, however, can be deemed both hypocritical and illusory, especially when considered in the context of contemporary conflicts in the Middle East.
Historically, the colonial European states have failed to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, human rights, and equal opportunity, instead leaving a legacy characterized by racist Anglo-Saxon imperialism.
Recognizing the impact of U.S. exceptionalism on the military-industrial complex is crucial, as it significantly shapes U.S. foreign policy, often prioritizing the interests of Israel over those of America.
A significant number of Americans do not actively engage in reading books and exhibit deficiencies in understanding of civics, history, and governance.
They demonstrate a limited understanding the nation's historical context, the legislative framework, and the injustices that have been or are currently being inflicted upon their own citizens.
Blinded by accusations of Zionist-colonial-imperialist ambitions, Putin faces condemnation for his alleged 'expansionist policy,' portraying Russia as an evil empire.
Republican Senator Graham publicly advocated for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Trump and Netanyahu suggested targeting Iran 86-year-old supreme religious leader.
Do they possess the audacity to consider eliminating Pope Leo or King Charles? Such notions reflect Islamophobia.
The double standards and lack of response to the actions of Zionist Israel, including genocide, occupation, the pursuit of a greater Israel through ethnic cleansing, and the bombing of Iran targeting its military, civilians, and scientists, are profoundly troubling.
Injustice threatens justice universally, yet the Global North has consistently shown blatant disregard for the injustices faced by the South, fostering a harmful blend of resource exploitation, incitement of sectarian conflicts, and tyranny.
Highlighting the history of U.S. exceptionalism in East Asia, South America, and Africa is crucial. The CIA played a significant role in orchestrating regime changes in Iran (1953), Syria, Iraq, Libya, and multiple African nations.
Substantial changes in foreign policy toward Zionist Israel or the cessation of taxpayer funding for the occupying regime are unlikely to materialize without a political transformation in Washington similar to Mamdani's victory in the New York mayoral race.
A U.S. embassy is sometimes regarded as a potential threat to their sovereignty. Countries without U.S. embassies are often perceived as being under a constant threat of war.
Currently, three countries lack a U.S. embassy: Iran, North Korea, and Bhutan. These nations are often linked to risks of regime change and the imposition of sanctions.
The BRIC alliance serves as a model for other nations to join and counter Washington's hegemonic policies.
Nations and individuals are to recognize that U.S. exceptionalism is rapidly declining. Sanctions continue to demonstrate their ineffectiveness as a tool, with almost no country remaining unaffected by sanctions or threats.
This year marks 37 years since the tragic downing of Iran Air Flight 655 by the USS Vincennes, resulting in the loss of all 290 lives on board, including sixty children.
An entire family of sixteen, enroute to a wedding in Dubai, tragically perished, with the children adorned in their wedding attire.
Nevertheless, for this deplorable act, Captain Rogers received the Legion of Merit in 1991 for "exceptionally meritorious conduct as commanding officer."
Just another chapter in the history and the narrative of U.S. Exceptionalism.
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Mohammed Khaku was born and raised in Kenya and in 1972, travelled to the UK for further studies. He subsequently moved to the USA in 1980, and began public service with the Allentown Muslim Community in 1985. In addition to serving as a Program Organizer, Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President, in 1996, Mohammed became the President of the SIJPA and embarked on building the Al-Ahad Islamic center. In this time, he has also been politically active in local election races and Interfaith dialogue serving on the board of Lehigh Valley Justice Institute, Vice chair of Lehigh Valley ACLU, Lehigh Conference of Churches, Interfaith Action committee, End Mass Incarceration, and Imamia Medics International. He is also a pioneer in the area of tackling the cause of social justice through freelance writing in the local newspapers. Mohammed Khaku is married with two boys and two girls.
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