4th of July!  If you are an American, it’s a very special day.  We are all supposed to demonstrate patriotic behavior; the dictionary defines this as feeling, expressing, or inspired by love for one’s country.  That sounds wonderful doesn’t it?

The problem is that if often is overly imbued by some- to the tune of jingoistic- the extreme  demonstration of patriotism, so as to be termed belligerent, bordering on chauvinistic.

I am a child of the 60’s.  I was involved in anti-war demonstrations, civil rights crusades (with a completely different concept of the crusades done by jingoistic, “patriotic” elements of our society, who are reviving the original definition of Crusade as the Christian eradication of Muslim infidels [amazing juxtaposition for that last noun]), equal rights for all, etc.  And, I still proudly- and vociferously- espouse those ideals!

I believe that America must be a shining beacon for the world.  That means showing the world that we believe and practice those ideals espoused in our credo- which is NOT the Pledge of Allegiance, but our founding documents – the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.  And, admitting our errors when we make them (Blacks are only 3/5 of a person; Women lack the right to vote; among many others- including the convenient forgetfulness that Religion has no place in government!)

So, let’s go wave the flags!  Let’s set off our fireworks to celebrate!  But, let’s work together- and diligently- to insure that America- and to the principles upon which it stands- shall continue its experiment in providing democracy and freedom for all its citizens.

Oh, and Happy 20th birthday to my son!

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