Some thoughts on our Independence Day

The fight isn't over yet

Hometown spirit

My girlfriend, Heather, and I attended our little hometown July 4th parade this morning. I wasn’t sure what to expect with all of the crazy going on in our world at the moment. What I saw were eager kids, anxious toddler parents, hometown spirit, and a diversifying community with several entrants dedicated to welcoming and supporting the LGTBQ community.

Probably the most fascinating aspect was the third to last entrant was a group of anti-abortion marchers decked out with dozens of full size flags in formation. They carried signs attacking Planned Parenthood and talking about ‘murder.’ The crowd went absolutely silent. No one booed. No one reacted at all for the most part. They just quietly watched these horrible people march by followed by a State Trooper.

The only entry in the parade that had police escort.

There was also a group behind them talking about opposing chemtrails over our state but…I just….yeah…that was something. But, it’s also so very American. We are a diverse tapestry of crazies.

After thoughts

We went to lunch and a man came in with his family wearing a shirt with a U.S. flag on it adorned with a bullet saying “Just the tip. I promise.” It made me sick to my stomach to think there are so many in our country so eager for a “civil war” or horny for violence. That there are soft people who would wear that on our Independence Day.

I am an old soldier. I’ve been out of uniform for almost 14 years now. But, my old ass could take Mr. XXL Neck Beard in about 1.5 seconds in a gunfight. I often find that those who like to threaten violence and talk about their eagerness for it have no understanding of what will happen when it comes.

After seeing the wonderful bonding of my town it was jarring to see someone so eager for violence who has never experienced once in their sad short life. But, that’s his right to tell the world what a scared little man he is.

Tomorrow

So, we take a moment to celebrate our nation. We watch the fireworks and hear our inspiring National Anthem. Salute the flag. Eat a hot dog. Tomorrow we get back to work because our mission is not done. Our battle for the soul of our nation continues.

It is not hopeless but its not without hopelessness.

It is not lost but it might mean losses.

It is not easy but it’s not impossible.

After all, we are Americans. People have been counting us out for our entire history. We love being the scrappy underdog. So, let’s show those who will take our country down into the depths of authoritarianism that this old dog still has some fight in it.

Enjoy this Independence Day and I’ll tell you how I am in the fight more this week and I hope you’ll join the fight for our future.

Fred