The American Experiment turns 247 this year, but doesn’t look a day over 230.
We’re just 3 years from our national Semiquincentennial, allowing 3 years to try and find something easier to pronounce.
And just 2 years away from our government announcing a $3 Billion initiative to develop a ‘clever, patriotic name’ for our 250th birthday, though they’ll eventually choose the name a 4th grader from Dunedin, FL blurts out at recess.
But save for the occasional bit of Rhode Island arthritis and Kansas’ trick knee, the country remains in great shape.
And today we’ll celebrate the Declaration of Independence with beach, BBQ, fireworks and festivities.
But in a little known bit of history, while we declared our independence on July 4, 1776, we weren’t fully free until 1796, when we finished paying off the mortgage held by the Brits.
There will be lots of American flags flying this weekend, a quiet patriotic gesture reaffirming our appreciation for the “land that I love”.
For me, a cold IPA is quietly patriotic.
And this will be a 4 day weekend for most of the country, a salute to American ingenuity: “All you have to do is take Monday off, and it’s 4 days!”
But perhaps the most patriotic act is to take a few minutes to read the Bill of Rights – your assignment for today.
I just did -perhaps for the first time as a ‘semi-functioning adult’ – and feel gobsmacked. Now I know what my Mother meant by “James Madison was a visionary bad ass”.
And then take a few more minutes to review a full chronological listing of the 17 additional amendments, giving a feel for historical changes, enabling the country’s continuing evolution. Proof we’ve adapted to changing circumstances.
With that as preamble, spend some moments in quiet contemplation of our national origins, and the amazing design job our Founding Fathers did.
Admire the courage it took to break free from England, moving forward as an independent country. And unlike today’s recent college graduates, not asking to move back into England’s basement 6 months later.
Find a renewed appreciation of the planned tension between the 3 branches of government – alarmingly, a recent study indicating “kids today” (shakes fist angrily!) believe the NFL is the third branch – on full display with recent Supreme Court decisions.
We’ve come a long way, surviving and thriving longer than the world thought possible.
So today we celebrate living in the greatest country in the history of the world – for me, the best part of international travel returning home.
And while it’s abundantly clear we have a lot left to work on – we remain committed to the effort.
Unfortunately, there are ‘renowned scholars’ and foundations devoted to keeping us focused on our past mistakes: Attempting to make us doubt ourselves, despise our country, even hate/shame the parents who raised us, and those who came before us.
Don’t believe them. Don’t ignore the progress we’ve made.
Anti-Americanism is a modern whoopie cushion – sit down, the cruel joke’s on you.
As my Mother said, “It begins as a cause, becomes a movement, and then a racket”.
‘Social change warriors’, in service of the redistribution of wealth.
And, 3 or 4 houses later, succeeding in redistributing wealth to themselves.
So, while there are naysayers who accuse our experiment of being ‘broken’ – insert screed here – today I’ll tune that out, celebrating all the U.S. is, and will become.
While all countries have their issues, I prefer our ability to deal with ours.
Happy Independence Day!
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TO ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR IT WITH THE FOLLOWING PATRIOTIC SONGS (FIND YOUR OWN DAMN LYRICS!):
Ragged Old Flag Johnny Cash
U.S. Blues Grateful Dead
Your Flag Decal won’t get you into heaven anymore John Prine
This Ain’t No rag it’s a flag Charlie Daniels
You’re a Grand Old Flag George M. Cohan
When you ask kids about George Washington they tell you – He was a slave holder, the face on the dollar bill, and had bad teeth. They neglect to mention that thank to his leadership we won the revolutionary war, and astoundingly, he declined the opportunity to become king. He relinquished power and ended his days as a farmer at Mount Vernon . He set a precedence that sets this country apart. From time to time we have fools and senile leaders, but only for 4-8 yrs, thankfully.
I never forget that I was born elsewhere, but weeks go by where I forget I’m an immigrant . That is the strength of this country. We are a blended society where we come together even stronger as Americans.
In spite of all the naysayers, revisionists, and anti Americans who love to keep us focused on our past mistakes, this is a country that is forever changing, adapting, and committed to freedom. Cultural pioneers.
Happy fourth Jim!