Another Independence Day has come and gone, yet another chance to celebrate this great nation of ours. The 230th chance to celebrate, actually, if you believe the history books. But of course, there are more important hairs to split than dates, even though this anniversary is somewhat auspicious. Didn’t hear too many news reports on our big 2-3-0. I guess I’ll leave the significance of that one to the numerologists and conspiracy buffs.
Anyway, since I pressed the question, just what hairs are more important? What issues of the day can overshadow the proud patriotism I should be feeling on this, our 230th year to remember? If you are a regular reader of this blog — if any actually exist — or if you have ever had the opportunity to hear me rant live and in person, you well know how I feel about nationalism, governments and our special American brand of both. That is to say, I don’t like ‘em. I could run through the top 10 or so reasons I’m not too happy with Uncle Sam, but it’s late and I do enough ranting during daylight hours. Of course, I do have a few issues of the day that I’ve been meaning to share herein, and I make a solemn oath to address them here soon. For now, let’s just assume you understand my utter lack of enthusiasm for the holiday known affectionately as the Fourth of July. And with that understanding, I bring you…
LSG’s Agonizing Attempt To Feel Patriotic About Anything American This Independence Day
I thought I would start my day by attending a rally of like-minded individuals celebrating our inalienable rights granted us as American citizens. Lo and behold, Berkeley has traditionally been host to an annual flag-burning demonstration which seemed perfect. Since we so narrowly lost this right just recently at the hands of Congress, I showed up expecting hordes of First Amendment advocates. Two high school stoners staring balefully at a smoldering flag in a trash can are what I got instead.
When it was time to break up the demonstration, a park employee doused the flames and Stoner #1 dutifully returned the trash can to its proper location. How’s that for civic responsibility?
Somewhat disappointed by the lackluster rally, I decided to grab a beer in the sunny patio at Lanesplitter and continue reading what could be considered some of the most Anti-American literature ever written — The Illuminatus! Trilogy by Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea. Lest I misrepresent the authors, or place more importance upon America than deserved, in said book RAW and Shea manage to desecrate nearly every modern (and ancient) institution know to humanity. A rip-roaring good read and fitting for my peculiar feelings of patriotism yesterday.
Upon returning from my bike tour of East Bay Independence Day celebrations, I felt oddly unfulfilled, in large part due to the relative calm which I had experienced throughout Oakland and Berkeley. I craved some human contact, some feedback, direct or otherwise, about the personal celebrations of others. So, I hopped back on the bike, caught the BART train to San Francisco and dropped in on an impromptu BBQ at my friend Evan and Brian’s. There I ate some meat and felt damn patriotic. Finally.
And what would a birthday celebration be without a cake? This lovely layer number, white, austere and unfinished on the outside, deep, dark, rich chocolate on the inside, felt like a fitting tribute to America the beautiful.
The fireworks that followed paled in comparison. I will say, though, that on a rooftop high in Portrero Hill, the surprising number of explosions all around from professionals and amateurs alike seemed an eery depiction of what your average night in Baghdad must be like these days. On second though, maybe fireworks are a fitting tribute to the Good Ole U.S. of A after all.
And there you have it. My 32nd celebration of our nations’ birth. 230 years of haves and have-nots, freedom to pursue ignorance, and diminishing returns on bloody investments in “liberty”. But are things any better anywhere else? Maybe, maybe not. How about we agree that what we have here is unique and to be appreciated for that reason alone? And that is about the most patriotic statement you will wrench from me today. Hooray for the Red, White & Blue!
Filed under: U.S. of A.
