Something to think about on the 4th

http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=154116&cid=12971061

Hmm. Well the US is not my native country so I don't really know what it's like to celebrate independence day as an American.

I din't know that was happening. It was interesting to know anyway...

I don't watch parades in the Fourth of July. In 2002 I celebrated (Not as an American but a person who has lived in the US for about half of his life.) it in Germany, in 2003, I did in Disney World in Florida (A great way to say good bye to the US. I moved back to Japan the next month...), 2004 Nothing special... and this year recently at the American Pavilion at the EXPO. Pretty cool. Not really a special event since nations are celebrated in specific days at the EXPO (US was June 20th or somewhere near.)

Kind of off topic, but anyway, I never knew something like that was happening. I wonder why it has to be like that. Like the person who wrote the explanation said, July 4th is the day the declaration of Independence was sent to the British. (Wait a minute, shouldn't independence day be the day the colonies won the war?) It's not really a day to show how "strong" the US is (or whatever the parade was trying to tell.)

Well, I'm sure greatful for the people who fought for independence (Especially Benjamin Franklin 'cause I became a fan of him since the EXPO :D )

Disney's an American company, and My favorite non-Disney movie's a movie from this country too. (Drat, I sound like those people who really love America. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I guess I'm being inspired by them...)

(Especially Benjamin Franklin 'cause I became a fan of him since the EXPO :D )

So how was the Expo? What all did you do and see?

I'll answer that question in the "Two Personal Announcements..." section. :D

It is shameful that something like that could happen to someone, and I agree entirely with that person's point of view. Though the victory of the War of Independance does come to mind it is more about the American people and their way of life that we celebrate Independance Day.

I would like to write something long and eloquent about it but that's just it. Being that I serve, that should say something. I do believe that soldiers are the ones that gave us the freedom we have today, but it is the citizen that chooses to become the soldier and make that decesion.

Mmm, it is very ufortunate to be missunderstood. I think I have an inbetween oppinion.

The signing and sending of the Declaration of Independence signified a change in the colonies that wasn't as drastic as it at first seemed because it was done in response to a tightening of reigns that were already being held without much pain to the colonists. It became crucial when many people began to realize how wrong it was that these tyrannical movements were being made against us, and that British parliament was doing little or nothing to help. At that point it was beyond a call to separate; it became a need to stand alone when we had already been abandoned. The King wanted profit, not people, and that is where independence became an issue.

This is true, independance was declared and celebrated before the war begun, though we knew it was imminent. We obviously knew the odds were against us, and it was conviction and a desire for the pursuit of justice and true freedom that we were celebrating. It was honor and integrity we were upholding. Independence day was about the people.

Today, Independence day is celebrated, just as it has always been celebrated. The themes have changed. Rockets fly, the flag waves, and people place hands over their hearts as words written by inspired patriots ring forth with crystal clarity. Those words, I believe, while rehearsed for excellent performance, incite pride in the hearts of Americans every time they are heard, every time they are sung.

When troups march down the streets of cities and towns, backed by artillery and machines of war, perhaps it is a show of strength that glares haughtily. I believe we live in a nation that is so very used to and accepting of its priveleges that it sometimes has trouble distinguishing between an empty showing and the heartiness of patriotism. Truly, many people watch the rolling tank and think, "We really are superior. We truly are mighty!" But there are others, and a great many so, who see the tank and think, "How much will my country, my brothers and my fathers go to to protect freedoms I have yet to earn?"

This young man (young man? ... I'm young, too... oh, well) is right, but he is also wrong. It is true, wars did not make the United States great. The men who fought them did. I'm joining the Air Force soon, and I'll be inlisting on a two-year stint. Of course, "going to" isn't a phrase depicting experience, so I can't claim it as my credentials. I'm just another American, and a patriot.

In the end, he was right to question the motives and hearts of those around him, but he went about it in the wrong way, and I think he probably did it for the wrong reason. People get offended both when the accusation is true and it stings, and also when someone makes assumptions as to the condition of their hearts when one cannot tell that about another.

I appreciate him for knowing what Independence day is about and wanting to know others celebrate it for the right reasons. My words to him would be; others cannot dictate how you celebrate what your country has given you through sacrifice, but neither should you try to lecture them on what you perceive to be a flaw that may not even exist. Remember; our nation had to do a lot of fighting to exist, and in cases where the fighting was to protect American ideals and borders, sometimes a show of force and strength was the symbol our nation needed to know fighting for what we know to be right was and is still possible. A little hope goes a long way.

Nothing to add, except thank you Tortillian for that insightful reply.

That's how I feel anyway, and I appreciate your thanks.

Still, don't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong or displaying bad character. :)

i believe that it was wrong for them to be put off like that but people often forget we fought those battles so everyone had the right to speak.