Fireworks heard but not seen

We just watched our "dueling barges" fireworks presentation - a top 5 in the country (N'awlins goes all out).  We're a few blocks from the river so we can see it ok from our porch, perfectly if we climb on the roof.   Plus all the chatter from people shooting off their personal stash, and idiots unloading their pistols in the air (at least one person gets shot every year from falling bullets), it's quite a noisy day. 

I'd like to remember all the people that wanted freedom from religious persecution - the founders that had the foresight to put the needs of a country ahead of the needs of an oppressive monarchy or needs of any minority ruling class of aristocrats to give everyone a chance to play on a level field.  Even though it took many years, and we're still fighting secessionists trying to split the country up and religious fanatical terrorists, we're making progress.  

Old racists are dying off, and the youth are more informed through the magic of the world wide interwebs.  The world is becoming more international and cultures are melting into one another.  That's what the United States is about - setting a framework were you can be who you are, respect your cultural roots without unreasonable bias, and thrive. 

And thanks to all the service members that sacrificed, voluntary and involuntary through the draft, to do what they were instructed to do, overall, for the greater good.  We've gone through some dark times but we've pulled through. 

But the 4th of July isn't about fighting, it's about the declaration of freedom. About our collective good, and the individual's right to do whatever the hell he wants, without hurting someone else.   

Thanks hapster!  I was getting a little teary eyed...

A significant portion of the famous named patriot rebels ended the revolution impoverished, their property looted or burned, their families scattered or dead, and yet they stayed the course.  It is an enduring debt that is becoming more forgotten as each July rolls around.  The ignorance of history in our youth is astounding.

Sorry for the sideways pic.

nolaegghead said:

Old racists are dying off, and the youth are more informed through the magic of the world wide interwebs.  The world is becoming more international and cultures are melting into one another.  That's what the United States is about - setting a framework were you can be who you are, respect your cultural roots without unreasonable bias, and thrive.  

This is the most spot-on thing I've read all summer.  Thank you.