Michael Barnett : Fourth of July is also about celebrating our values , like human rights . We 're No . 1 ! Barnett : The holiday was originally a day to celebrate the founding fathers's ideals and their vision for America. He says the current period is no different from earlier times , it is not `` unusual '' or `` cruel '' Barnett : Simply put , the U.S. has consistently chosen national interests over values .
Michael Barnett : Fourth of July is also about celebrating our values , like human rights . Barnett : The holiday was originally a day to celebrate the founding fathers's ideals and their vision for America. He says the current period is no different from earlier times , it is not `` unusual '' or `` cruel '' Barnett : Simply put , the U.S. has consistently chosen national interests over values .