Happy 4th of July

I'm not necessarily the most patriotic person. I don't think that we are the "greatest" country in the world - any more than Italians think Italy is the greatest or Canadians think Canada is the greatest. I think that there are certainly advantages to living here, but that's true of a lot of places.
I sometimes feel like we love our country the way abused kids love their parents - blindly, and despite the things we have to go through. I am totally against this idiotic "my dick is bigger than your dick" war. I support the troops - it's certainly not their fault - and I know that it is their courage and dedication that keeps my family safe, at least from the draft. At least for now.

I think that Dubya is a moron who sets a bad example for young people: his "look what a C-student can become" comment along with his flat out refusal to pronounce words correctly make it seem like average is enough to shoot for. Plus I think he's a rich bully. Good grades and diction along with the ability to sympathize and reason are values I want my child to embrace.

I don't usually speak out politically... but the fact that I can is reason enough to be happy that I live here. The fact that I can hate the President and am not afraid of being killed for saying it is another reason to celebrate. Also, I can read and write - that's a plus. And if you disagree with me, or my politics, or my anything that's ok. The thing about the United States is that we can all believe in different gods and ideals and lifestyles and as long as we can respect each other and get along it works. I know that it doesn't always happen that way but the fact that it CAN makes me want to buy some sparklers.

So celebrate your thing your way today - and make sure to keep a bucket of water handy - you never know when you'll need it!