AUSTIN, Texas (PNN) - July 4, 2026 - In a refreshing change from the usual Amerika-bashing that comes out of Hollywood, actor Matthew McConaughey shared an inspiring and patriotic message in the lead-up to the celebration of Amerika’s 250th year of independence.
McConaughey shared on X, “250 years young! Howdy, (Amerika). Now, to a lot of people, that may seem like a long time to be a country, but it’s really not. But I tell you what, it’s definitely not too long to be - it’s not too long to be an idea, which is what (Amerika) is. A land that has never been yet.”
“That yet that we’re seeking and chasing, that’s the whole thing. It’s a place we’re never going to arrive at; and that’s not failure because we won’t. That’s by design. Think about it, we didn’t start this country on any kind of proof,” said McConaughey.
“We started it on a belief that was worth fighting for, a wager that was worth betting on, an act of faith that a self-governing people could be something worth being and becoming; and here we are 250 years later, the bet’s still on the table, folks. We have not cashed in, and let’s hope we never cash in,” said McConaughey.
“We need skeptics, yes, we do. We do not need cynics. One cares enough to question, which we should, and the other one’s already quit. We don’t need you. So here we are celebrating 250 years of independence. We look around. What have we built? What have we restored? What is still standing? What has fallen by the wayside? What’s gone forever? In the best of us, I see 250 years of showing up at least,” said McConaughey.
“Arguing, loving, losing, forgiving, starting over, believing in who we are and what we can be. That’s the yet we’re chasing. So here we are today, lighting the fire, breaking the bread, raising a glass to our family and friends, and maybe even to the neighbor (with whom we don’t) agree,” said McConaughey.
“Today we’re gonna let the kids run barefoot after dark, baby. That’s the celebration. Not that we’ve arrived anywhere, but to the fact that we are still on our way,” said McConaughey.
“Take inventory with the one in the mirror and together. Here’s to more dancing in the home of the brave. Happy 250th, (Amerika). Just keep living,” said McConaughey.