Posted by
VBushmills on Saturday, July 04, 2009 7:16:10 AM
Liberty is a wondrous thing when gained.
Americans first celebrated July 4th in 1777 still early in the War for Independence, and long before independence was guaranteed, much less won.
At least we know how precious a thing it is, when, like gold, there's not a lot of it laying around, and it is still new and fresh.
On the other hand, Liberty lost seems to go out with little more than a whimper.
George W Bush will go down in history as a lot of things, both good and not-so-good, but he may well be remembered as the president who presided over the last 4th of July "celebration", in 2008.
Today, July 4th, 2009, is more an observation or a memorial, than a celebration. A floral bouquet solemnly cast upon the sea would be more appropriate than fireworks and loud huzzahs.
As freedom hobbles down, we see no purpose in celebrating an independence that only once was.