With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, we asked readers their thoughts on the current state of democracy in the United States.

I think most things are going great. I do think the government needs to provide more support for homeless shelters because there’re just not doing enough for the homeless. We also need more jobs for those able to work and more money to house the homeless, because it’s still a big problem. The upcoming holiday I plan on attending a couple of cookouts here in the Bronx.
Alicia Salinas
Norwood

I don’t believe there is democracy. I think the president we have in the White House now is degrading the laws that protect us and he’s completely torn up the Constitution. Because I believe it starts from the top and eventually comes down to us. But now we have to start from the bottom and work our way up to bring about democracy. I worry for our democracy every day. Being an African American, I have to worry because a lot of times when the Constitution is torn up, we’re the first ones it has an effect on. I plan on spending the Fourth of July with family; maybe we’ll have a cookout.
Muhammad Nathaniel
Morris Heights

Individually, I think we’re in a good place because I work in construction and I see the difference in pay and I’m from a country that caters to tourists. I’m originally from Jamaica. But collectively, I think we’re in a bad place as a country because no one wants to listen to anyone and it could turn sour at any moment, and that’s not good. If it turns sour then no one is going to live peacefully, it’s going to be a mess. Everyone goes back to their original countries and we’ll leave the Indians here by themselves. We’re all here together, we’ve got to live together so we have to find a way to get along. I plan on spending the fourth camping in Maine for two weeks.
Headley Sewell
Van Nest

American democracy is good because it gives freedom of speech, freedom of movement. People can demonstrate anytime, anywhere they want with the permission of the authorities in charge. Freedom of speech, women’s empowerment. You can stand up and say what you feel about your own rights. If you look at the democratic system itself, more people need to stand up and recognize what it stands for and what it really means. I live in the Bronx and you have people from many different nations coming here. Kudos to the democratic system of the United States.
Tijam Touray
Soundview

Freedom should be cherished, just ask the families who are being separated at the border today. A strong democracy would not separate mothers from their children. It only brings heartbreak and discourages, even tarnishes, the American dream, which in itself is an institution. We need to, again, join hands and defend the vulnerable and the innocent. I’m working on the morning of July [Fourth], but I’ll find something captivating to do with my friends.
Andrea Nesbeth
Co-Op City