Independence Day. No, not a celebration of the world’s liberation from alien invaders. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a reality that isn’t as ridiculous in the current social climate.
The 4th of July has always been a favorite within the holiday lineup around here. Aside from the ultimate summertime theme that seems to encompass 3 mid-year months as opposed to a single day; the importance of the date itself has never felt so understated. Instead, political patriotism seems to take the form of picking and choosing American symbolism to hide behind.
Everything is fair game. Hot dogs are not organic enough. Red, White and Blue flags aren’t racist enough. It all reflects upon the polar-opposite discourse we find ourselves in within the borders of these 50 united states. It causes one side to long for a roadmap toward an unattainable foreign style of government with historic proof of failure; while the other side digs in deep with the separatist mentality that once turned an entire respectable country into a genocidal psychopaths.
It’s a country full of extremes. But that’s America, isn’t it. “Have an extreme voice or GTFO.” “If you don’t buy in, stop cryin’.”
The middle ground is non-existent. Hate is en vogue, from both sides of the road.
Its an an amazing predicament. One that invokes the words of a My Morning Jacket song that is nothing more than a rock anthem with designs on becoming a more legitimate national anthem:
“I’m amazed at a quiet ocean I'm amazed at your warm devotion I'm amazed at what the people sayin' I'm amazed by a divided nation
Like the rhythm of the earth I get disrupted
I'm amazed at all that has been I'm amazed at all that will be I'm amazed at the TV stations I'm amazed what they want me to believe
After all is said and done, where is the justice?
I'm amazed at the evolution I'm amazed at the lack of faith I'm amazed at the love we rejecting I'm amazed that we accept in its place
Like the rhythm of the earthAnd the middle of the ages Like the rhythm, I get disrupted”
The amazement is real, and also stronger than ever. And for this 4th, all I wish to do is to be independent of the burgeoning amazement that is cast upon me as an observer.
Leave me to my roost, and let the fireworks pop. This place can inherit greatness once again, until then I will seek freedom from the fray.
t.DC
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