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.)
