Look, things are complicated in this country. We all know that. We're reckoning with a lot of horrible facts about both our present and our past. But, at bottom, I think we can acknowledge that some flawed, complicated people came together and set up a novel framework that genuinely enabled things to get better. And this weekend is a time to reflect on that. A chance to think about what we might do to make things better too - because, at bottom, we're all flawed, complicated people too.
Anyway, let's identify some songs of hope and pride, and maybe a bit of patriotism - real patriotism, not that "everything we do must be the best because it is us" stuff.
And to kick it off, here's Ray Charles singing America The Beautiful at the 2001 World Series.
You'll Lose a Good Thing - Barbara Lewis
And She Was - Talking Heads
God Part II - U2
Come Together - Ike and Tina Turner
Sally Simpson - The Who
Omega Man - The Police
Y Control - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Say What! - Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
On A Plain - Nirvana
Slow Hand - The Pointer Sisters