July 4, 2010
Greets and Huggers. Posted the morning of July 4, 2010. I watched the History Channel series “American Revolution” last night. 234 years ago today, July 4, 1776, a few “wingnuts” signed a document that ultimately resulted in the death of 25,000 Americans, (the American Revolution) … and resulted in the birth of a radically new social experiment: our America. With a social order not based on birth or privilege, but based on the premise, a declaration, that each white, male, human life is created equal and “endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It took a civil war to include all male human life … and massive civil disobedience to include the female of our species … and still more massive civil disobedience to have our laws applied equally. But still, a premise, over the years, thousands of Americans have been willing to lay down their lives for. Many have … and many more, are willing to do so now. Then and now, family members, neighbors and friends … out there hoeing the row on our behalf. Keeping our garden, weed free. Keeping our garden safe. Perhaps, as we watch the fireworks displays this evening, we should be mindful of the fact shared by Fr Pete’s during his homily at Mass last night: he opined “the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air” didn’t invoke “Ooo’s” and “Aaahs” … like they do now. They invoked terror. There are parts of the world where they still do … but not here.
It is cool and raining as I sit here this Sunday morning, enjoying a cup of coffee and grateful for feeling safe in my home. Aware I have the means to defend myself and Susan against thugs intent on taking what I have, by violent means: I have the basic tools, firearms, to defend myself. One of many “unalienable rights”, so many have died for. We celebrate the 4th of July to honor the many heros/lives who have kept this social experiment alive … and mindful, that our America is an ongoing experiment which requires the attention and care of modern day “wingnuts”, another generation of patriots. We have many, our America is not wanting.
Huggers
KarlT