We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --(Declaration of Independence)
Why is it more difficult each year to celebrate the holiday? As my friend Fran says, "I do not feel unpatriotic, I feel 'apatriotic'."
Today I'll let Leonard Cohen speak for me with his song "Democracy".
It's coming through a hole in the air,Just in time to celebrate the Fourth of July.
from those nights in Tiananmen Square.
It's coming from the feel
that this ain't exactly real,
or it's real, but it ain't exactly there.
From the wars against disorder,
from the sirens night and day,
from the fires of the homeless,
from the ashes of the gay:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
Something appropriate of marking US Independence Day by posting a Canadian artist.
ReplyDeleteLeonard is my second favorite Canadian - after you, Malcolm, and he's singing about us.
DeleteWhat about Tim?
ReplyDeleteAlas - I'm caught out. I confess: I say that to all my Canadian friends.
DeleteI, too, am weary/wary of 'patriotism'... because that statement of independence, declaring separation from the British, is also a male fantasy of being the sole authors of their story, as if no one else contributed to their 'success' ... as if dependence on anyone for anything is weakness and failure. A truth is that we are all dependent upon one another, rely on one another is a thousand thousand small ways every day and 'dependence' is not a dirty word, just a fact of happy and successful existence for human beings. Flag waving delusions aside, the consent of the governed still matters, will likely always matter & that's a thing the far right seems to have forgotten but will likely be rudely reminded of in the next few years as their draconian measures lose them the 'right' to rule as if election had somehow made them kings.
ReplyDeleteMarthe, I didn't have rah-rah school spirit, either. In fact, I've never quite understood school spirit.
Delete"...the consent of the governed" has been honored in the breach along with the observance throughout our country's history.
I confess, I'm quite different. In my 20s, 30s, and much of my 40s, I positively LOATHED expressions of patriotism by 'Merkans.
ReplyDeleteNow I see the SCOTUS decisions on marriage, Prez O's statements on this, and actions on climate change, and see my fellow Californians GETTING MARRIED (!!!) and I can't help waving a flag (and not just the rainbow one ;-/). A little. Just today.
My parade is rather small and ragged, but I am pleased about the recent decisions on marriage, though I am still very concerned about voting rights. We take the good with the bad.
DeleteThe Declaration of Independence is an ideal that has never yet in the history of the country been realized, but I like that it is there - sort of like Jesus' words to be perfect, as the heavenly Father is perfect.