Well you know what, even though I don't really celebrate, I know that Black folk have truly been among the most patriotic and have given blood, sweat and tears to a country that doesn't value us. And we are part of America no matter what the unreconstructed with outsized power will.
I'm working a 12 overnight at the hospital tonight, might be a good time to watch the adaptation of Angels, which I've never seen. I just answer phones at the switchboard and at night there is a lot of downtime.
I had not read the open letter of Douglass'. Reading it is enough to make my own self tighten up and take shallow breaths.
"One in whom I had confided, and one who had promised me assistance, appalled by fear at the trial hour, deserted me, thus leaving the responsibility of success or failure solely with myself. You, sir, can never know my feelings."
I have dogs, I have come to hate the fourth of July. We live close enough to hear fireworks from a certain mouse house, the dogs don't care about them. But the big booms right across the street, bought in Mexico or Nevada scare the shit out them. For the last ten years at least, we have closed all the windows and doors and ran the ac all night and it still sounds like a war zone.
When asked by a bystander, Elizabeth Willing Powel, at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, whether the new nation had a republic or a monarchy, Benjamin Franklin replied tartly: "A republic, if you can keep it."
Thanks for this thoughtful Independence Day post. American history is fascinating - the real American history, not the fake one that trump and others of his ilk are trying to foist upon us. Not all American history is pretty, great, uplifting, or good. The Founding Fathers were far from perfect, as we all are, but they did set up a good foundation for the nation, and it's up to all Americans to build on it. Frederick Douglass was one such American, who strove for "...a more perfect union." Considering who is president right now, we are in a "two steps backwards" time, but I have confidence that we will start moving forward again, and get closer to the "more perfect union."
I am not sure what I will do tomorrow, other than staying inside, as it will be hot and humid. So no cookouts for me! I'll grill my burger inside on my Foreman grill. Spartanburg is planning a fireworks display at the stadium for the new minor league team, The Spartanburgers, at 9:30 PM, which is the perfect time for fireworks in July. I may be able to see them from my front porch, so I may step outside to watch. The heat and humidity won't be so bad then.
Angels gets more heartbreaking and poignant every time I re-watch it.
Well you know what, even though I don't really celebrate, I know that Black folk have truly been among the most patriotic and have given blood, sweat and tears to a country that doesn't value us. And we are part of America no matter what the unreconstructed with outsized power will.
Great post.
I'm working a 12 overnight at the hospital tonight, might be a good time to watch the adaptation of Angels, which I've never seen. I just answer phones at the switchboard and at night there is a lot of downtime.
I had not read the open letter of Douglass'. Reading it is enough to make my own self tighten up and take shallow breaths.
"One in whom I had confided, and one who had promised me assistance, appalled by fear at the trial hour, deserted me, thus leaving the responsibility of success or failure solely with myself. You, sir, can never know my feelings."
Damn.
Stay safe everyone. Stay hydrated, be kind.
I watch 1776 & Yankee Doodle Dandy because I love musicals. I read Douglas & DuBois. This year I will also be participating in Kareoke Therapy
I have dogs, I have come to hate the fourth of July. We live close enough to hear fireworks from a certain mouse house, the dogs don't care about them. But the big booms right across the street, bought in Mexico or Nevada scare the shit out them. For the last ten years at least, we have closed all the windows and doors and ran the ac all night and it still sounds like a war zone.
When asked by a bystander, Elizabeth Willing Powel, at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, whether the new nation had a republic or a monarchy, Benjamin Franklin replied tartly: "A republic, if you can keep it."
Thanks for this thoughtful Independence Day post. American history is fascinating - the real American history, not the fake one that trump and others of his ilk are trying to foist upon us. Not all American history is pretty, great, uplifting, or good. The Founding Fathers were far from perfect, as we all are, but they did set up a good foundation for the nation, and it's up to all Americans to build on it. Frederick Douglass was one such American, who strove for "...a more perfect union." Considering who is president right now, we are in a "two steps backwards" time, but I have confidence that we will start moving forward again, and get closer to the "more perfect union."
I am not sure what I will do tomorrow, other than staying inside, as it will be hot and humid. So no cookouts for me! I'll grill my burger inside on my Foreman grill. Spartanburg is planning a fireworks display at the stadium for the new minor league team, The Spartanburgers, at 9:30 PM, which is the perfect time for fireworks in July. I may be able to see them from my front porch, so I may step outside to watch. The heat and humidity won't be so bad then.
I love the idea of only seeing fireworks once a year. Have fun and enjoy!