I'm in Arizona. I have a disability. Independence Day for me is either ironic or a Springsteen song. America is like my family--there's both pride and shame. But there are ideals that come from that experiment that I do believe in, even though the way we live up to them is imperfect.

Independence Day for me is either ironic or a Springsteen song.

This is perfect erika.

I love that song, actually...it kills me every time.

So, despite all the stuff you noted, I'm still proud to be an American. Cause I know I may not have ever had the chance to speak up against those issues. I may not have ever gotten an education.

Great perspective- thank you for sharing it.

I guess I should note that I don't feel anti-American either. I certainly recognize that things are often worse in other countries and there are still many freedoms and possibilities here.

But my heart doesn't swell with pride when I see the flag, you know? I'm just too conscious of how that kind of patriotism, that sense of nationalism is a way to cover over deeper issues and manipulate people.

Co-signed!

I love America, in that I love the *idea* of America. We've strayed quite a bit from that. Those who saw me at the DC F2F might remember that, if you put me in front of certain DC monuments, I'll get all patriotically misty-eyed. Especially things like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.

But when I think too much about how short we are from that ideal, I get very sad and disheartened. So today, for me, is much more about food and friends. And fireworks.

I should say that I'm not in the 'these colors don't run' school of patriotism.

Every time I see the phrase "these colors don't run" I remember Commander Vimes in "Jingo" saying "Sure they do, if you get them wet."

I'm grateful more than proud. I don't think America is the best country, though I do think it's a good one; but mostly I am grateful for the opportunities and freedoms it has given me.

I remember Commander Vimes in "Jingo" saying "Sure they do, if you get them wet."

YES!!

I love me some Vimes/Pratchett.

I'm listening to Snuff today...for about the 15th time.

I have done ALL THE DISHES. And cleared and wiped my counter, and wiped the portion of the kitchen table not covered in papers, and cleaned the stovetop and sides, and wiped the portion of the refrigerator not covered in magnets. Now to change out of pjs (living large, y'all) and figure out what's next. My house has gotten really gross, and I know I'll feel better if I clean a bunch today, but my inner child is pouting about not having anything fun to do on a holiday and my inner demon is whispering that I'm a loser. I hear you both, okay? Moving on.

Don't listen! lalalala, you can't hear them. (my hands are metaphorically over your ears)

I actually have a dinner invitation that I'm not much interested in...and I really wish I had accomplished what you have so far, smonster.

I have a ton of cleaning to do but am noodling on the computer instead. I think I'll take a nap and then follow your lead...on the doing at least one thing...then we'll see where the energy is.