Happy Independence Day To Those Who Celebrate It
Sorry, but there doesn't seem to be much to celebrate this July 4th
When and if fascism comes to America it will not be labeled “made in Germany;” it will not be marked with a swastika; it will not even be called fascism; it will be called, of course, “Americanism.”s
Halford E. Luccock, 1938
There will be no parades, fireworks, or any other observance of Independence Day for me today. I know what the calendar says, but it doesn’t feel as if there’s much to celebrate this July 4th. For me, Independence Day has always been about celebrating our rights and freedoms as an American. Even as a kid in northern Minnesota, I knew that was a special thing.
Now, though, I see a country being dragged backward by a small minority- the American Taliban- who believe God is on their side and has bestowed upon them the right to rule America. Funny how God’s will meshes with their narrow, intolerant agenda, isn’t it? And how the American Taliban assume God’s will and their belief system to be one and the same.
With a corrupt and dishonest Supreme Court rolling back women’s rights and soon perhaps other personal privacy rights, there isn’t much to celebrate this year, at least from where I sit. If you plan to celebrate today, then good on you. Have fun and enjoy the day with friends and family. Just remember that this may be the calm before the storm.
Eat, drink, and be merry, for we will pick up our swords again tomorrow.