Here we are, even with all of the warts, blemishes and flaws we are celebrating the 236 th year of Independence as a nation. This grand experiment of democracy is still working. There have been many reasons to be discouraged about America in the last decade but I suppose that any generation could say the same thing at any point in the history of our country. There is something I want to share with you on this holiday: In the last two years since we started our fly shop business we have had to deal with many, many government agencies. We had local building permits, city licenses, state licenses and many federal agencies to work with. I have been pleasantly surprised with all of the responses we received. In EVERY case the government employees we have dealt with have been helpful, courteous, even encouraging to work with. The process of starting our business was never hampered or delayed in any way by the beauracrosy. Even when we made mistakes and had to ask for a "do over" we were treated with respect. I am thankful that I live in a nation that gives me the freedom to pursue my dreams. We have a lot to be thankful for. As I put out the stars and stripes this morning I am proud to be an American. I am grateful for those who have given their all to protect our freedom in the past, and continue to put themselves in harms way today for our continued freedom. Today I will try hard not to be discouraged by the vitriolic rhetoric that is now standard in our political system, Today I will enjoy the freedoms that I have, and two helpings of strawberry shortcake. Happy Independance Day. jesse
Amen Jesse. Since you are not a drinking man I will have an extra ale today with my steak, corn on the cob and baked beans. Our freedoms are so fragile yet we treat them so casually. They are much harder to retrieve than retain. Ive
Same to you Jesse, although I must admit that although in some ways the USA is better, in total it is not the same Great Country that it was when I was growing-up back in the '50s.
Jim, I share some of your sentiment as we all tend to remember the ideal. When pressed however, it's worth remembering there was environmental pollution run rampant that we just didn't recognize yet (acid rain, lead, waterways pollution, clear-cut logging, DDT, etc/etc), widespread discrimination against people of color and women that was taken for granted, deep poverty, etc/etc. I miss the days of rivers full of trout, salmon and native steelhead and a lot of other things about those days (manners, decorum, civility), but in a lot of ways this country is for the better. Time changes everything, nothing remains the same.
Here here! Safe and festive celebration today. Thanks to all who continue to make the USA the greatest nation on Earth.
Happy July 4th to all those south of the line, I have many friends in many states and I wish them all well.
Good thoughts, and well put. Every 4th I take some time to remember the sacrifice of my fallen brothers who unhesitatingly gave all so those who remain can have cause to celebrate our independence.
Not quite sure just how to take that, except to add that anyone who thinks there is a better country in which to live is welcome & encouraged to relocate,,,,on a permanent basis. Surrender your citizenship & your passport. Get the hell out & don't come back!
I'm not too happy about these tactics of surpressing votes. This is threatening everyone's freedom across the nation. Hope everyone had a good holiday: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/05/pennsylvania-voter-id-law_n_1652469.html
