Independence Day

Today marks the day we celebrate our country's independence. In more simpler terms, this means it's Barbecue Day. This holiday along with others that hint at war efforts, patriotism, and American nationalism can be interchangeable with three letters: B-B-Q! Of course, along with the copious amounts of families gathering to incinerate their food via charcoal or propane, we also have the increased sale of beer, wine coolers, and cheap fireworks. If you're from New England, then you're well aware of the legalities that face you in acquiring genuine, Francis Scott Key-type fireworks. The kind of fireworks that would "give proof through the night" and not the ones that you get at your local supermarket and the only way to get any excitement is to put a match to the whole box itself and watch chaos ensue.

Nationalism is a great thing to possess. It's not arrogant to think one's country is better than another. Think of the the microcosm of a suburban neighborhood where if one neighbor's garden is better than the other's? That neighbor either sabotages that one's garden or buckle down and improve theirs. In the best case scenario, they'll share tips to improve both of them and that will create a harmony that benefits almost everyone on the street because now everyone's property value has increased on account of their bickering. This is why we have laws against monopolization and encourage competition. The people can only benefit.

That flare and competition should actually promote better health care, less poverty, better economy, better education, etc., but that is not the case. Instead we are presented with a "holier than thou" kind of attitude that is justified in the name of Jesus himself. If we were to revert back to the time of Aristotelean democracies we'd find that we were saying that our provinces were governed by Apollo or Zeus himself. Righteousness to those that support us, and blasphemy and martyrdom to those that oppose.

Now this would be completely justifiable and wholly sanctimonious if we were not hypocritical of ourselves. Our own fallible dependencies allow us to bend or flex the religious laws that we so piously put upon ourselves. Alas, but when it comes to business and the future of the American economy, we are allowed to seep through under the guise of patriotism and God. Is it any wonder why some consider G.W. Bush a saint? He promotes his duties as if they were whispered down to him by God himself. Our modern day 'Joan of Arc' is feigning his way into this history books. Despite his indirectness and not as blatant (although YouTube.com might prove me wrong) about him being a conduit to the One Almighty, there are tiny disappointments we find about him that only strengthen his "humanity": His ability to golf during a crisis, his consistent lack in ability to publicly speak, his misuse of the English language, etc. We only find that this list goes on and on.

We've already considered that the winner of the Democratic primary (Barack Obama) will determine who the favorite is for this upcoming presidential election, but we cannot call it quits. Hilary might still go for the Independent vote and McCain, despite his inadequacies, can still garner a significant amount of votes. Which is a result of the people's indecision and uncertainty.

Today we face a harsh future. Our declining economy, rise in gas prices, and changing global market is starting to become a definite reality, as opposed to a distant future "in a galaxy far, far, away." No one knows what to make of the situation and what it will take to make it better. One can only hope that this Independence Day marks a valid change in the American perspective. Young and old alike will unite, take sides, and argue about the future of this country unlike any other time before. We've all learned our lesson the last presidential election; talk is cheap. We need to act.

So when you sip on your domestic lagers and chow on some baby back ribs, think of the struggles that people had to make to create this country and the liberties that we enjoy today. Realize that many other countries cannot and are unable to have the means to even hold an honest vote (see Africa) or even create a popular revolution. Although capitalism and a global free-market can be a positive force, don't let it's negatives get you down. We have to be able to adapt to change. If one we're to ask about hybrid cars 3 years ago, you would be laughed at with mud screeching at your face by a hipster in a Hummer. Now, hybrid cars from Toyota and Honda, as well as many other low mileage cars (including a one passenger car) are reveling in record sales. In fact, I've seen sites that exclusively take part in belittling the domestic Hummer (fuh2.com and hummerh8.com are just some of the many).

So take part in what little time humanity has on this earth because nothing lasts forever. We won't be able to terra-form Mars or the Moon or any of those wild science fiction ideas until we embrace the change. Those that indulge in the now, have to look at their children. If not theirs, than their nephews, godchildren, or stepchildren. It may not be their generation that suffers, but you're instilling an apathetic mentality that can only be contagious and cannibalistic in the end. Everyone gets mad when you're idea or you're way of thinking becomes outdated, those that get left behind are the ones that aren't will to adapt. It's socio-economic Darwinism at it's best.

At the end of the day, when you're putting a nice cold bag of frozen peas on the thumb you nearly blew off from the fireworks you 'obtained' from your cousin in Virginia, the prodigal son of a brother you have is still hankering you to invest in his next best idea, and the kids are all tucked in, and the wife is beckoning you to bed, despite the fact that the fireworks in that department have all but long since died, you can remember that there is still something out there that's bigger than you. If it's anything that an "Inconvient Truth" taught us, besides it's pretentiousness, is that a small part goes a long way. Think about that in your daily trivial pursuits. Scratch them and you'll find there's more beneath the surface.