Holidays and the Like

So a couple things today. It's the day after Independence Day and I'm in  Portland visiting with my folks for a 4-day weekend. It's pretty damn nice out. I got to actually sit back, relax, and watch fireworks, which is something I haven't gotten to do in 3 years. Despite the fact that I was an old man right afterward and went promptly to bed is another story completely.

While getting tanked and being belligerent is good and all, and there's probably no better day aside from Halloween to do it, Independence Day is actually an important part of our history as a nation that I believe many take for granted. Being a first generation American and child to immigrants from an oppressed, communist country, maybe I have a particular appreciation for it.

But Independence Day, aside from being an excellent movie starring Jeff Goldblum, is all about a time we came together as a nation and triumphed as the underdog. It was the birth of our future. Despite how tainted and twisted our government may have become since its origination (which, if you recall, wasn't perfect even after we won the damned war and had to be illegally revised in 1789 with the constitution/Bill of Rights), the U.S. of A. is still a symbol of freedom earned and fought for.

While none of us were alive during those first days, I think there's a mentality that has been passed down through the generations that lends to our pride. And while it may be the birth of my family's generation in the States, I can say that I feel the pride of being an American. It's something that no other country who was given their freedom can understand. It's something that you'll fight feverishly, and to the death for. Something that no one who's tasted it through their own hard work and sweat can understand. A reason, no matter how much shit I give them, I will always have respect for the French and Mexicans. We took what was ours by right and didn't wait for it to be handed to us like the jealous fucking Canadians.

I live in a country that I'm proud to serve. I live in a country where you won't be arrested for having a differing opinion than what the government files out. A country that will allow you to live within it and openly speak out against it and hate it (though it doesn't mean you're not an asshole for dogin it and you also have the right to get the fuck out) while making sure your basic human rights are preserved. Really, does it get any better than this? Fuck no. So are you a dick for talking about how miserable a country we have? Yes. But I'll gladly defend your right to say it.

In other news, I saw a man wearing a shirt today that read "World's Okayest Dad." I hope to be that man some day.