We think this is the time (around Independence Day) — and we are the people — to “turn the beat around” in the United States.

Musically, the term “turn the beat around” means to start a drum pattern over again, according to Songfacts.com. And, of course, it it the title of a famous song from 1976.

However, we are using the term politically, meaning we think it is time for our great nation to reverse course and restart with a fresh focus on the U.S. Constitution as the basic underpinning of our values.

Sadly, it appears that the U.S. is more divided now than at any time since the Civil War. The major parties/factions (and there may be more than two) are so entrenched in their stances as “the one right way” and (at least seemingly) have no empathy for their opponents’ viewpoint, it leaves no room for understanding compromise, progress or growth.

Also, the nation faces very serious economic problems from government overspending and wasted spending, a generally terrible public education system, and the decline of a work ethic wherein one earns his/her way in life, resulting in a serious recession looming — and always the possibility of a depression ... or worse.

What’s more, the weakness  of our leaders is giving the U.S. a bad reputation around the world  — and emboldening our worst enemies (Russia and China) to take aggressive, brutal actions without fear of any significant consequences.

Also, the one-sided public education system — instead of seeking idiotic “reinvention” of everything — needs to read and heed the conclusion arrived at by more than a few great minds through the ages — that the best way to get to the truth is through a dynamic tension of opposites.

In closing, we feel compelled to note that the song “Turn the Beat Around” is featured in the 2015 film “The Martian” in a scene where Matt Damon’s character reveals that he is trapped on Mars — with nothing but disco music. 

As this song plays, Damon’s character declares, “I will not turn the beat around.” 

Of course, the easier course is not to “turn the beat around” — and if you’re the only person around (say, alone on Mars), you can march to the beat of your own drum. But, in our case, with the fate of this great nation at stake, we think it would be worth being positively presumptive and making the effort.