I’m Banning the 4th of July
Sorry But Not Sorry
Yes, you read the title correctly. I’m banning America’s favorite holiday, the 4th of July. I’m not celebrating with the masses in the town squares. Instead, I’ll don a black dress and dark sunglasses, insert my ear protectors, and draw the blinds to my house.
Ahhhhh… there you go. Out of sight, out of mind.
I’m not big on holidays overall, but the 4th of July has never ranked very high on my list. Besides the fact that in my state people blow up the neighborhood and frighten the shit out of the birds and pets at least two weeks before the famed celebration, I’m also not very patriotic.
Patriotism always felt a lot like propaganda to me.
It’s a very special type of propaganda designed to make citizens step up to the plate without question whenever the government needs their assistance. Because, you know, we were born in the greatest country in the world.
And which country is the greatest country in the world?
It’s hard to know, because every country makes that claim. Germans do it, Spaniards do it, the Chinese do it, and even Canadians do it. Let’s do it. Let’s claim to be the greatest country in the world.
But this year is a bit different.
This year Americans are clearly losing their grip on democracy while theocracy gets a stranglehold on our daily lives. Just step outside and take a deep breath. Do you smell the stench of a rotting government? Are you having trouble sleeping at night? Yeah, the stench will do that to you. I suppose we can grow accustomed to the smell, many already have, but the rest of us are still holding our noses while we say the pledge.
Actually, I refused long ago to pledge my devotion and unquestioning loyalty to any country, but I reckon I’m unusual.
I refuse to exhibit fake pride this year. I’m pissed about the recent turn of events. Things don’t look very promising. I’m surrounded on all sides by people who want something very different than I do from American life.
Recent events have done nothing to make me feel better.
So, this year, I am banning the 4th of July. It’s ok. You can start your bonfires and fireworks. I know most will. I’m going to draw the blinds and smoke a little pot. It’s been a long hard couple of years and frankly, I’m not in the mood for the loudest and most insincere celebration of the year.
Let’s see where we are by this time next year.
Teresa Roberts is a retired educator, author, world traveler, and professional myth buster. You can find her books on Amazon.
