Recite the creed. Save the country

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

For America’s semiquincentennial, my son and I drove from New York to Williamsburg, Virginia, to hear the Declaration of Independence read from the old Capitol — the very spot where it was proclaimed to cannon fire 250 years ago.