What does the 4th of July mean to me? I guess several things. Our founding Fathers did make a difference. Could we be the Founding Fathers to our pp's.? I know some of the post that I have read - quite a few of you have made a difference and change the course of life for quite a few pp's. Also for me there is freedom for so many of us, but so many are still lock up in chains or cells, or in their own minds. So I put peace around the world, lift the attitudes, hate, and hurt and but blessings around each situation that each person will set themselves free, if only in their mind and make this country more free than it has even been. And it starts with a thought.

I wish to extend a Happy 4th of July to all in the United States. Across the seas and in Canada, I wish you love and wisdom. No, let me see here the one person who is 99 and think there are a few you each have alot of wisdom. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Dave, I don't want to leave you out, cause you are still a young puppy. Erehon - I hand you a beautiful purple tip iris. AUK - good job!!!! Just to name a few. I would name more but I would be hear forever and gosh I must stick to the topic LOL Warmest Regards, Fran

Thanks Fran. You are such a sweet person.
Hope you and everyone else in the US have a happy 4th of July!
Jessica

Hi Fran, Wishing you and the rest of the U.S a happy 4th if July!!!!!!!!
xoxoxo

To me the fourth of July is kind of a contradiction. On the one hand, its a holiday where we celebrate our nation and our beginnings as a nation, on the other, it sybolizes the hypocrisy that has been an integral part of our country from the very start. Seeking religious freedom while practicing religious persecution, proclaiming freedom for all while specifically excluding the majority of people from the definition of "all," championing the name of "democracy" while spreading U.S. imperialism around the globe, tolerance and enthusiasm for Christians who preach hate- and on and on.

So, to me, the Fourth of July symbolizes the idea that it is OK to be proud of who we are,
not just collectively but as individuals as well, as long as we understand that the work is never done, we all fall short of the grace
of God, or whoever/whatever, no one holds the
moral high ground, and nothing is either as simple as black or white, or quite what it seems.

Happy Fourth! Yes I am a leftist patriot! We are going down to the fireworks tonight, it is guaranteed to be an absolute mob scene, but it's all part of the fun.

Westside: thanks for your thoughts. It gave me some more think about. Kell and Jessica: Love to both of you. sincerely, Fran

Good post Westside, its all too easy to get caught up in the celbrations of a holiday without necessarily understanding it fully which you obviously haven't.

I would question now who has independance tho the citizens of the US or it's government????...

I'm not going to get political here. I just am grateful to live in the greatest country in the world!

Rain may cancel tonights Fireworks at the local Golf Course,which is down the block and it forecast for the big City Wide.

I think the 4th is a time to Remember the Geniuses who created this country.I'm listening to a wonderful book at work about George Washington. It's a time to remember who we are ? What the founding fathers wanted for us, the road map they laid at our feet. A Day to marvel at Franklin,Adams,Jefferson and so many more.

What they set out to do is incomplete,and it is a call to us to complete the mission.

westside, Your post was wonderful. I'm a Leftist Patriot as well. Or as an author I saw on CSpan described "The Partly Cloud Patriot".I think that is me.

Anybody was watched Live 8 Yesterday heard the pharse a couple of time "Declaration of Interdependence. " I like that idea as well.

Actually can't wait to get to work on Tuesday to find out how Washington got out of the Revolutionary War.... Don't spoil the ending for me

Hmmm, what does the 4th of July mean to me, let's see...it means I get to legally play with gun powder and explosives till my lil' heart's content, kind of makes me misty-eyed just thinkng about it, hold on, I need a sec to compose myself............okay, it also means blown-off body parts (fingers, arms, eyes, toes, an ocassional head or two, and etc.), chared roof tops, burning lawns, singed hair and so forth. So, if you should happen to feel an earth shattering kaboom, and see an enormous mushroom cloud rising from the midwest (Kansas), think nothing of it, it's just me liting off this gigantic firecraker I stubbled across this year at the military surplus auction, and I'm saving the really "BIG" stuff for night, lol.

Now, as for me being a patriot, let's just say..."don't come to my back yard and muddy the waters in my pond!" I'm a proud military brat who's ancestors fought in every war this country's seen, and to quote George Patton, "Americans, we love a good fight." I'm proud of where I live, even though I've been imprisoned here, but that was of my doing and not America's. So yes, I'm very proud to say I'm from America, and if someone happens to dislike me for that, then too bad. Have a safe and happy 4th everyone, and take care!

Plutonium Plastercat

There is a time to make change....and there is a time to celebrate the changes that have already been made.

So to my American friends...I wish you well in celebrating the changes already made this 4th of July.

It warms me to know that there are Social Democrats among you.

Just my 'Social Democrat' thoughts

Tom