There is no room for political discrimination in the Fourth of July parade

The procession at the beginning of Juneau’s downtown July 4 parade in 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Emil Mackey

I want to thank Bruce Botelho for his May 31, 2026, letter in Voices titled, “July 4 parade limits and free speech rights.” I echo his appreciation for the work of the committee and trying to make a positive climate for all Juneau citizens. However, on its face, I do not see clear pre-established criteria for what will be disallowed. It looks purely arbitrary on the discretion of the judge of what is offensive or political. Furthermore, while well-intentioned, is counter to the history and meaning of the Fourth of July.

Contrary to popular understanding, the Fourth of July does not celebrate the creation of a new nation. That date would fall on June 21, 1788, when nine of 13 states ratified the current constitution, or March 4, 1789, when the newly formed national government went into effect, or May 29, 1790, when the 13th state ratified the constitution. Rather, the Fourth of July celebrates the date of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This is the date that our Founding Fathers declared the rights of all to natural rights, the right to self-governance, and the right of revolution in opposition to tyrannical government. The very rights this rule seeks to limit in public celebration. Under this rule, we cannot advocate for natural rights, carry signs or have floats in the pursuit of self-governance (via elections), nor have signs in support of or opposition of a perceived tyrannical government or candidate.

This being said, I get it. I rarely use Facebook because of the trolls, and I prefer not to see them in a parade either. But this rule is inappropriate and contradictory to the meaning of the holiday. What we need to realize is that a-holes are always going to be a-holes. The solution is not to ban political speech on any side. The solution is to let them let their freak flag fly. Use that opportunity to educate the children in the spirit of the Fourth of July and why it is important that all people be heard — especially politically. There is no room for political discrimination in the Fourth of July parade. If they break a law in the way they express themselves (streaking, threats, physical violence), let the police manage it. If they are simply offensive, let their family, friends, employers, and/or customers manage it. Censorship only makes people retreat into toxic ideologies and blame others for “oppressing” them. Don’t politicize the Fourth by arbitrarily censoring content which is exactly what any censorship will be perceived by the aggrieved.

I urge the committee to reconsider this rule that will eventually lead to unfair censorship of someone and create unnecessary risk. I also recommend that the Assembly consider political nondiscrimination as a potential requirement for future Parade permits. I realize no harm was intended. Now let’s stop this rule before it causes harm.

• Emil Mackey is a local insurance broker and former member of the Juneau Board of Education.