Off to Celebrate the Birth of a Nation

Columbus day, good day for some, not so good for others.

Rather than explode bombs this next week, can we think of something better to do to commemorate the slaughter of the natives, the stealing and deforestation of northamerica, and the rapid westward expansion of land- and resource-grubbing anglos who used the tears, blood, and backs of red, black and yellow people to build up the most powerful nation in the world?

So the 4th of July, Independence day. I like firecrackers about as much as my cat does. And he likes firecrackers less than baths or stitches being removed from his anus. The day we told the brits, "nuff is enough, Weeze flying solo now." I suppose there is some nobility in that. Freedom of religion, sure thing, speech... a must. But how much of what our country was founded on still pervades our days, still dictates how our people and our nation interact with the planet and its worldly inhabitants?


Not enough.

So this 4th, I'll enjoy a paid holiday as a public servant. I'll burn some fossil fuels on the highways like a good american. But I will also take some time to ride, race, and visit friends. I will do some things just because some one else wants me to. I will be kind to some animals. I will practice free speech, eat some free range chicken, and give some free love.

I'll leave the country... baja calls (so fun crossing the border these days), I'll enjoy america's pastime... tis such a beautiful sport, and I'll think about what it means to be independent.