Happy birthday, America

It’s been a rough week for America.

A xenophobic travel ban took partial effect. Twenty-something million people are poised to lose their health insurance if the Republicans can push through their proposed tax cuts for the rich. And the president is playing the role of master distractor with his bizarre Twitter meltdowns.

To cheer upselves up this July 4, we’ve made a playlist reminding ourselves of what we love about America. Tough women, resilient men, big dreams, cultures colliding. It’s all here.

In observance of Independence Day, Issue 5 will publish next week instead of this week. To our American readers, enjoy the holiday. To our international readers, hopefully these songs will brighten the first Monday of July.

Happy birthday, America. And hang in there.