Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy Fourth!


I love the Fourth of July. Not just because I have a big party and blast Springsteen from the porch speakers and we watch the fireworks from my front yard.

No, it's much more than that. I am unabashedly patriotic (in my dyed-in-the-wool liberal democrat way). I love what the day represents--fighting for what we believe in. Standing up for our rights. Saying, no way, we're not gonna put up with unfairness.

I love that over 200 years ago, men were willing to die to create a new democracy, a democracy that has withstood wars and impeachments and terrorism and bungled elections. A government that often works in spite of itself.

And I hope that in 2010 we haven't become blase to the freedoms we have that others around the world can only dream about.

So, as you celebrate today, maybe take a moment to appreciate what we have and say a little prayer for all those who don't.

(This was originally posted in 2008. I still feel like it's appropriate.)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said, Judy! Hope it's a wonderful 4th for you and yours!!

Anonymous said...

ROCK ON JUDAAAAY!!!!!

Amy MacKinnon said...

Well said, Judy. I count among my many blessing being born an American.

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Thanks, Kristen--hope your LA 4th was great as well!

Kristy--Whoo-hoo. Thanks, babe.

Amy, Me too--it's good to remind ourselves sometimes, isn't it?

Daisy said...

Isn't our U.S.A. great? Our first Congress new what they were getting into: remember Ben Franklin? "We must all hang together or we will all hang separately."

Katie said...

just read the wednesday sisters...it was fantastic! i'm sure it's even more relatable for you, since you have children and books being published and i have (thank god to the first one) neither of those things.

any other good recommendations?