Perhaps fireworks and barbecues should be replaced by a memorial service for the freedoms we know longer have. From Eric Peters at ericpetersautos.com:
The Farce of July is almost here again. That is its proper name – because it is farcical to “celebrate” what has been lost – and pathetic to pretend it hasn’t been lost. Even to the extent, in most states, of being allowed to celebrate what has been lost – with fireworks that have been banned.
The banning of fireworks – real ones, not the gay ones that spew forth a showy but meaningless show of sparks as opposed to the ones that explode and fly (and sometimes, both) – being a kind of leitmotif of our lack of independence.
What are we still permitted to do?
Without prior permission, that is?
And without being told it must be done this way and not that way?
The answer, of course is one we already know. It is – hardly anything. Even to the extent of having to beg permission – the evasive term used is “obtain a permit” – to build something on land we bought (and pay endless taxes on to prevent it being seized from us). It is interesting to imagine George Washington rising from his tomb at Mount Vernon and his reaction at being told he had better get a permit before he adds a new outbuilding. At being told he needs license to ride his horse – which must be registered – and that he had better “buckle up” for “safety.”
