Independance Day 2009

233.

If you consider it merely as a number, it doesn't sound all that sensational. Two Hundred Thirty Three. In dollars, my motorcycle's rear tire costs more. It's an even and two odds. Its sum is eight, when all the numbers are added together. It's not a nicely rounded number, nor is it particularly memorable.

But what 233 to a nation represents is an exciting tale, one of wisdom that rose from tyranny, war, unbridled rage, cunning, and a little document called the Declaration of Independence. It's like nothing that came before it in history.

The United States of America turns 233 years old today. As a nation we started as a New World outpost, hoping for more say in how things were done. And we got it, for better or for worse. Unlike other stories of independence in the New World, America's carries the stability not seen elsewhere. No bloody military Coup d'états. No ribbon of wholesale corruption running from the highest office to the lowest servant. Innocent, until proven guilty. Then there is the freedom. Freedom of choice, freedom of dissent, freedom from a caste system. Freedom like this still tastes sweet.

There is much in America that is taken for granted, and I for one I thank God every day for being here and being from here. But I know America isn't a perfect place. Just so you know, I am no blind patriot who bathes in Red, White, and Blue. I am an American, flawed like my country but willing to do right when put to the test. There are things about America that drive me crazy, things that I wish never happened. It makes me mad that children can starve in a country with so many resources. It boggles my mind that big cities grow and get sleazy, while small towns wither and die. It makes me sad that some find pleasure in sowing violence or greed, rather than strengthening or serving a community.

But in the face of this adversity, we can try to do something about it. Being an American isn't all about hot dogs and apple pie, or pining for the good old days. It's about using what we learned in the good old days to make the new days better. It's about finding a better way, even if the way we have now is the only way it's been done. It's about taking the worst parts of a problem, and making them part of a solution. It's about finding value in the unofficial Marine Corps motto: "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome." It's about rolling up our sleeves and helping a neighbor without expecting anything in return, whether that neighbor is across the street or across the world. And it's about being grateful for the freedom we possess, either by naturalization or birthright, which allows citizens to speak their minds without fear of reprisal.

My favorite movie quote about being a US Citizen is from the movie The American President:

"America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship...you gotta want it bad because it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend your life opposing at the top of yours."

The quote is right. Free speech doesn't include the notion that someone will share your world view, but in the grand scheme we must all respect the freedom our opposition has to express their beliefs. And I'll add this to the mix: "...so long as your expression of belief is respectful." That's why being American is tough; it's part hard work, part tolerance, part dissent, part happiness, and a whole bunch of pride. The latter stems not from being part of something that is perfect, but rather from being part of something that is more like a patchwork quilt - sewn together with fabric and thread from many sources. My family has been in the country since before it was a country, and I feel equal kinship with other citizens who have been here only a short time. We are all equal; by rights, by law, by respect. In practice we still have strides to make in this department, but we are farther along than ever.

Whether you agree or not with American politics or policy, this country is unique, amazing, exciting, diverse, and in my opinion a great place to be from. Today we celebrate independence. My hope is that spirit will continue for each of you throughout the year.

Happy Independence Day!

NOTE: The above photograph was taken in Peshastin WA - June 29, 2009. Canon AE-1 with 135mm lens and Fuji 400-speed film. Evening light - 5:30pm facing east.