Y'know, I am tired of people referring to this holiday as the "4th of July"....That is, indeed, the date....It is Independence Day, you friggin' morons! Do you wish someone a "Merry Dec 25th"?

But the holiday, the event that we are supposed to remember, the significance of the date, is that of the Declaration of Independence. That is the date where the leaders of the fledgling country which would one day become the United States as we know it chose to sign the Declaration and declare themselves no longer the subjects of the King. The date wherein they pledged their "Lives, Fortunes, and Sacred Honor." The day that they basically told the king to stick it up his ass, as they were no longer subject to his authority or his laws.

This isn't a day for fireworks, nor one for barbecues, or 5K footraces, nor special sales at the outlet mall, nor just a paid day off (or double time or whatever for those who have to work). This is a day commemorating the courage, strength and just plain guts of those folks who Declared their INDEPENDENCE from any other authority.

I'd like to force every person in this country to take the time to READ the full text of the declaration. Force them to understand the reasons that the people decided to remove themselves from the authority of the king of England and his rules, laws and taxes. But  can't and won't. If they choose to do so, then they can. Most won't. Most don't care.

However, I wonder what the signers of the declaration would think of us today. Would they spit upon us for allowing our government to do the very things which made them decide to throw off the yoke of oppression which the King had placed upon them? I think they would indeed find us lacking and make their displeasure known in such a manner.

Here are some of the things which they point out in the Declaration:

HE has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.
HE has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

FOR imposing Taxes on us without our Consent

Read the whole list of complaints.


How many are applicable to the government we have today? Both the President and Congress?


I'm not calling for another revolution, but I wouldn't necessarily be disappointed if there was one, either.


But take the time today, in between your barbecue, and your parade and your fireworks, and your trip to the mall. Take just 5 minutes and think about what this day really is for, what all the celebrations are actually celebrating. Take the time to thank those folks who had the balls to stand up to a king, and pledge their lives, fortunes and honor. Some actually gave their lives and their fortunes to the cause. 


Now go enjoy your day off.