Happy In(ter)dependence Day!

I was born and raised in Massachusetts, where this whole independence thing actually started. For that matter, actual hostilities started well before July 4, 1776, in April of 1775, and didn't end until 1783. If you skim through the description here, you'll note that

"thanks to a rather elaborate colonial intelligence network, led by the Sons of Liberty, the Patriots were aware that their supplies were at risk, and were able to move them to different locations long before the British began to move. Also, thanks to the daring rides of a few brave men, the colonial militia knew that an engagement with the British Army was imminent."

bald eagle, perched

Photo by J. Harrington

Our nation of "independent" free spirits owes its existence to the interdependence of groups of patriots and to the fact that patriots from 13 separate colonies worked out their differences to form a Continental Congress, our initial national government. I bring this to your attention because I'm tired of the inaccuracies perpetrated by those who would have us believe that "they did it all themselves" and the government is always an evil enemy. In these United States. the last time I checked, the government was and is us'ns. This is a good time to remember that. Now, let's see if we can, collectively, convince the major and minor political parties that we're stronger together and no one (and that includes yours truly) has a direct line to all and only the right answers.

Enjoy the holiday weekend. Use some of your time off (if you have it) to study your history and take a look at what global capitalism has done for to Greece, one of the birthplaces of democracy, along with Concord and Lexington in Massachusetts.

"Concord Hymn" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.

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