Happy Fourth of July

On July 2, 1776, after much turmoil, the Congress of the twelve colonies voted to adopt Richard Henry Lee and John Adams' resolution to declare independence from Great Britain. In a letter to his wife Abigail, Adams wrote about this momentous day that it "will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America." He followed, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

After 233 years, Adams is still right about the spirit, if not the date, of celebrating Independence Day.

The Fourth of July, much like religious holidays, is often consumed as a blind commodity than a somber celebration. Over time, the Christian Easter has somehow been stripped of the miracle of Christ's sacrifice and his rebirth, redeeming mankind. I fear to think how many people "celebrate" Easter each year without stopping for a second to think about what the holiday represents. Likewise, the Fourth of July aught to remind us of the sacrifice that people made so that the United States could become an independent state that would go on to become a beacon of strength, liberty, and honor for other countries around the world. Yes, like Adams wanted, we should fully partake in pomp and parade, bonfires, and illuminations, but always remembering what these celebrate.

The twentieth century saw the demise of empires as they had existed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. However, the destruction of large empires did not stop the unbelievable destructive force that humans seem unable to set aside. Millions of people today suffer under oppressive regimes, cruel families, crippling self-hatred. Often, I believe, these three combine in such a way as to make possible tyrants who willingly and knowingly inflict awful conditions upon the people they are supposed to protect. Countries like Zimbabwe, North Korea, Iran, how many countless others, are transparent enough to us now, due to modern media and technology, for us to look at them, look at ourselves, and know how truly lucky we are. I feel privileged each day to wake up and know that a Mugabe will never be possible in the United States. In the song "It's America," Rodney Atkins assents that "we may not always get it right." We sure don't! But the important thing is that we at least try. In 1776, a people who had been born into colonialism thought, enough is enough. They pulled themselves up by their britches, and fought to become an independent state that above all else valued freedom. But they did not get it all right. It took many, many years, for the children of the infant country to realize even a semblance of true freedom and equality. But they tried.

Anyone who knows me at all knows that one of the things that I absolutely cannot stand is blind, stingy patriotism, in which those professing to love this country do so while simultaneously decreeing their assumed superiority of right and might over others, often others who are also Americans. To these people, I would only say that the spirit of democracy and freedom is not meant to be oppressive or dismissive, but rather focused on doing the right thing. Sometimes, doing the right thing is the harder choice to make. Actually, I think every time, doing the right thing is the harder choice to make. For the thousands of people in Iran and around the world who are voicing their objection to Ahmedinejad's blatant refusal of a democratic process, the harder choice to make was putting themselves and their families at risk while protesting in favor of the democratic process. These people inspire me to remember that choices about governance are so hard - is Moussavi the better choice? who knows? The point these people are making is that democratic process needs to determine the outcome, not the strong hand of a corrupt leader.

Below I am posting a YouTube video of Johnny Cash talking/singing about the American flag. The premise is simple, humble: an old flag has become tattered, shabby, old. But each wear and tear represents a triumph of right over blind might, of freedom over oppression. On a more personal level, I appreciate the fact that at the beginning of the clip, Johnny Cash says that he is heading out to Romania soon. I wonder when this was... I think probably the 70s, a "golden" period, if you will, of communism in Romania. Anyhoo... Johnny Cash says that regardless of where he goes abroad, as much as he enjoys it, he is always happy to be back in the States. I have to say, that I totally feel him on that. I remember flying back to California after being abroad for a couple of months at a time, and there was a feeling of relief almost at hovering over the Los Angeles freeways before landing at LAX. A feeling akin to a huge breath being released, knowing that there will definitely be more breaths to come. If that makes sense...



I would also like to share, in honor of Independence Day, the following video of Rodney Atkins' "It's America." I have a few bones to pick with this song. It's so manipulative in its pride, but it means well and is harmless. I just think it is patriotism at is silliest - being proud of empty symbols like fireflies and Chevys... But, it's also the catchiest damn song, and it kinda makes me smile when singing along... so, here you go. In honor of our great country's struggle over time to continue to grow and mature and hold on to the founding values of liberty, freedom, personal and community honor, and a stubborn refusal to back down in the face of bigger, scarier foes, I give you Rodney.


As for me, I'll be flying my American flag on our tent this weekend!