If the true value of the day and the point of the revolution were part of the day I would not mind; however, it has just become one more day for war-promoting partying and propaganda for profit.
Thus the government of America gets a capital K -- a distinction from the America I grew up in and loved.
"Fireworks’ risks are real, officials warn" by Brian R. Ballou, Globe Staff | July 1, 2010
MILTON — With the Fourth of July approaching, officials warned yesterday of the dangers of fireworks, making their point in a demonstration featuring detonations and damaged dummies....
Tell that to the people we are dropping bombs and missiles on, as well as the war criminals ordering it.
Fireworks send about 3,000 children under 15 to emergency rooms each year in the United States, Dr. Amy Rezak, a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said in a statement.
Related: Israel and the Bomblets
I sit here and think of the millions killed in the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the missile slaughter in Pakistan, what Israel has done in Gaza, the hell that is Africa, and well, you know.... kids.
On a side note, I don't like the boom-booms, although it does give one a feel for what other peoples in distant lands are going through on a daily basis.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that in 2008, fireworks caused 22,500 fires, including 1,400 structure fires.
The fires caused an estimated $42 million in property damage.
Yup, also have to factor in that; then you can pay billions to war-looting contractors to not rebuild.
Related: A lot of pop expected at July 4 Spectacular
This 4th, no pomp amid circumstance
100 years of celebrating the Fourth of July at Esplanade
Md. collector’s assemblage of flags shows Old Glory’s many incarnations
I'm sorry, readers, am I mixing my analogies and metaphors and ruining the mood this morning?
Not that Amurkns would know it:
"Twenty-six percent of those surveyed did not know that the United States achieved its independence from Great Britain, according to the poll, conducted by the nonprofit Marist Institute for Public Opinion."
Yeah, that history degree was a waste, especially since they taught me lies.
"High temperatures, budget cuts affect some July 4th galas" by Associated Press | July 5, 2010
NEW YORK — Budget cuts have forced some communities to pull the plug on the pyrotechnics, but Fourth of July festivities were still big draws on what was a scorching day across much of the United States.
Temperatures were in the 90s nearly everywhere east of the Mississippi as well as in the Southwest....
Yeah, well, it is the MIDDLE of SUMMER fer crying out loud!
It is SUPPOSED to be HOT and 90!!
In Washington, the Obama family celebrated the holiday by hosting members of the military and their families for a barbecue, concert, and a view of fireworks on the South Lawn of the White House. It’s not just the country’s birthday, but also Malia Obama’s number 12....
Vice President Joe Biden is in Iraq for the holiday weekend, his second visit there this year, and he attended a citizenship ceremony yesterday at one of Saddam Hussein’s former hunting lodges....
Don't think that symbolism was not lost on Iraqis.
And how strange that today's printed paper would include this information that is stripped from the website:
BP to sponsor July 4 fireworks in Colo.
Something about drilling for natural gas there. Money for fireworks as the Gulf turns to goo, huh? Yeah, let's celebrate!
Yes, readers, I broke down today.
I'm at your service today and will be working hard the next few days to clear out a lot of things.
