When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We still have a few hours left, but it’s close enough for a Fourth of July post I think. Two-hundred and thirty-four years ago, an inspired group of Englishmen resolved to commit treason against the crown. God love ’em. As it turned out, they did have a better way. I sometimes wonder if I would have joined in their little rebellion. Loyalty is a trait that runs strong in me, so I’m not sure if I would have. But, I’m certainly glad they were successful. We have our warts, to be sure, but so far the U.S. has been a reasonably successful experiment and, I think, a net positive for the world.
Still, I have to admit, the well of feel-good, unthinking, rah, rah patriotism has been poisoned for me. I have witnessed too many attempts to leverage support for the U.S. generally into support for less than great policies. I don’t know if that’s just part of growing up or a bit peculiar to the times in which we live. I see flags or hear God Bless the U.S.A. and instead of being reflexively supportive, I stop and wonder what someone is trying to sell me. Be that as it may, I’m happy enough with the country to still give my 6 year old the cartoon version when I’m explaining the broad outlines of history. We’ll get to the warts later, but I want him to have a generally positive impression of the enterprise.
And, let’s face it, the 4th is a great holiday. Family, fireworks, grills, alcohol, warm weather. That’s living! Happy 4th of July everyone!
Thanks Doug. You express ideas in such a manner that I suspect many agree without comment. Perhaps you are the voice of the silent majority. Thanks for doing so.