What IWS Fans Are Saying

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Liberty Is In the Eye of the Beholder

It’s almost the Fourth of July, kids.

The day on which we Americans celebrate our greatness as a nation with cookouts, parades, and fireworks.


 
And look how far we have evolved in these past 235 years after rolling back the oppression initially placed upon by British rule...

In 1773, the British felt our wrath after they taxed our tea. Today? Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and others of their obesity inducing ilk feel our wrath as we tax the hell out of sugary drinks.

Years after slavery had been abolished in other western nations including Britain, founding father John Quincy Adams lay down the law and a mere thirty years later, his echoes helped to abolish slavery in this nation.

While European countries were violently and greedily colonizing Africa and Asia, America stood firm in her dedication to individualism and liberty by helping ill-informed and less knowledgeable Native American groups find their footing in our great society.

In the 1900’s we helped to defeat the Kaiser and his Jerrys. We built skyscrapers, railroads, and automobiles. We were not only defining the future…we were shaping it, and making it.

During World War II, while Hitler was busy gassing Jews, we as Americans, treated our Japanese citizens with respectful silence, as we fed them three squares a day in well-apportioned and well-secured housing.

During the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s while the Soviet Union and China were attempting to spread their vile form of godless authority, we were defending freedom by bombing Cambodia, propping up well-meaning dictators in Latin America, the Middle East, and southwest Asia.

Democracy is a hard road to hoe, but it comes with distinct definitions which only we as Americans can understand and navigate.

Today in America our government is no less bold nor courageous than when Patrick Henry thunderously pounded upon an old oak table and demanded his liberty, or when Nathan Hale regretted that he had but one live to give to this country.

No indeed…

America is guided by individuals who continue her greatness by debating such issues as, can rape victims have an abortion…can two guys or two women marry…is it legal to burn Chinese made American flags?

Heady stuff my friends, and this 4th of July, after I watch the explosions of celebratory colors in the skies, I will rest assured that our greatness and liberties are in good hands…

As I navigate my way home through the DUI Checkpoints that the government has set up.

Cheers!!

Matt-Man
neshobadude@yahoo.com
MattManTwitter

17 comments:

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

I never stop at those DUI checkpoints...

I'm With Stupid said...

You're lack of belief in American Exceptionalism is very disturbing. America was born of purity and innocence as a great Fundamentalist Christian nation where EVERY man and woman were equal. More or less.

-Jay

I'm With Stupid said...

Vinny: Aren't DUI Checkpoints in your area referred to as, Truck Stops?

Jay: Lack of belief!? I am exalting our greatness, and my exaltation in America's greatness is echoed ten fold whenever Michele Bachmann and/or Sean Hannity speak. What, are you crazy?

Matt-Man

desert rat said...

Oh, this one was brilliant! If only our government would quit diverting us from real issues with the red herrings of same sex marriage, reproductive choice, and the war on terrorism, and focus on stuff like the alarming quantity of high fructose corn syrup that is in EVERYTHING, auto manufacturers insistence on producing EXTREMELY LARGE gas guzzling vehicles that people feel the need in which to commute, *health care* - seriously - an educational system that is no longer competitive, and aging politicians' bad comb-overs.

A girl can dream.

I've been to Manzanar - it was disturbing.

I think I'm having grilled turkey dogs on the 4th.

desert rat said...

Did I mention that buying out-of-season produce imported from Chile is ridiculous? That's another waste of fossil fuels, right there. Buy local, people, buy local.

Oh, shit, I kind of forgot where I was for a minute.

I'm With Stupid said...

Rat: As smart your comment was, and as hot as you are, and man...you ARE HOT...I was disturbed to find that you are having TURKEY Dogs on the 4th. That's un-American dammit!! Cheers!!

Matt-Man

I'm With Stupid said...

Rat: You're comment is so hot that I'm going to slam a 20 oz Pepsi and chow down on a bag of tortilla chips. But, don't worry, I'll also have a salad. Covered w/ veggies imported from Mexico that I bought at the Walmarts. ;-)

-Jay

desert rat said...

I'ma have to slap you two. [Hate. Walmart.]

Okay, the turkey dogs ARE Ball Park Franks, which I think makes it clearly American - I'm just embracing the diversity amongst wieners (feel free to quote me on that). I might even let my turkey wiener fraternize with a beef wiener - we'll see how it goes.

Hell yes, I'm hot - it's like 115 degrees here! I burned my hands on the steering wheel - clearly it's time to break out my oven-driving mitts!

desert rat said...

Oh, and I don't think we have DUI checkpoints - and if we do, they're just incidental to the "illegal alien" checkpoints. I've thought about faking an accent when I go through one of them, but with the extreme *competence* of our security authority, I likely WOULD get hauled away.

Mike said...

"..embracing .. wieners"

These words are now stuck in my head. What was the post about anyway.

Constitutional Insurgent said...

The insipid state of American intellectual curiosity is why there's a distinct difference between the "4th of July" and "Independence Day".

desert rat said...

@TCI: after I have my turkey wiener, I shall loudly and proudly sing - on key and hitting the high notes - the Star Spangled Banner - but only the first part. The original poem is rather lengthy. I'll be sure to invite everyone else to sing WITH me, and I won't bastardize the song in any way. Amen.

Jay said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jay said...

Rat: Next time you stop at an illegal alien checkpoint, speak to the cop with a British accent. He'll let you go on your way.

Mike: As it should be.

TCI: Very true. And welcome!

Rat: If you want, you can call into the show on Monday and sing the Anthem on air. That would be awesome.

-Jay

I'm With Stupid said...

What a nice battery of comments. IWS readers are so damn smart, and in some instances, sexy. Cheers All!!

Matt-Man

I'm With Stupid said...

Beth: You are damn right and I am glad you whole-heartedly pretend to recognize that fact. Go M-Bach!! Cheers Schmoop!!

Matt-Man

Beth said...

Matt: I do what I can.