for the 4th...

The day has only barely dawned and I've already read several fabulous Independence Day posts. You bloggers really know how to celebrate this great (and corrupt) nation of ours! My favorite, so far, is found at 37 Days. Patricia, discusses "Interdependence Day":

"History books focus on the people who were in power as if all change comes from those in positions of authority. The truth is that ordinary citizens created much of what we love about America...At this celebration, let's give thanks for the ordinary and extraordinary Americans whose struggles brought about those changes. Let's give a toast:

* To the waves of immigrants from all parts of the world who struggled to accept each other and find a place in this country.
* To the escaped slaves and their allies, particularly Quakers, evangelical Christians, and freedom-loving secularists, who built the Underground Railroad and helped countless people to freedom.
* To the African Americans and allies who went to prison, lost their livelihoods, and were savagely beaten in the struggle for civil rights.
* To the women who risked family, job security, and their own constructed identities to shift our collective consciousness about men and women and raise awareness of the effects of patriarchy.
* To all those who risk scorn and violence and often lost connection to their families to lead the struggle for the acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer people.
* To those who continue to work for equal access for people with disabilities.
* To all of the innovators and artists who have brought so much beauty and usefulness into our lives.


"All that we celebrate today in America involved struggles to overcome entrenched ways of thinking.... Today we celebrate the moments when the United States and the American people have acted not only from self-interest but also from genuine caring... We are proud of our country. We love its physical beauty. Many of us come from immigrant families who found refuge here when there were few other societies on the planet that would welcome our ancestors. Let us once again commit to overcoming the fear of the other and cultivating a spirit of generosity and love toward the stranger."

I am not a patriot. I have not been able to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance for nearly a decade. Rather, I pledge daily to serve all of humanity and I don't wrap my fervor in the banner of any particular color or pattern. I celebrate those who have been willing to fight for greater opportunities for everyone, with liberty and justice for all.