Let's Play Capture The Flag...

Well, it's finally here...my least favorite 'Holiday' of the year...The 4th of July. It's my least favorite holiday, not because I don't cherish my freedom as an American citizen, or don't appreciate the abundance of opportunity that living in this country accords...well...some of us anyway. The reason I dislike the 4th of July is due to the fact that I totally feel most Americans have lost the true meaning, understanding, and appreciation behind the purpose of this holiday...Celebration of our freedom.

Since the unfortunate events of 9/11, we've seen an overwhelming increase in the amount of 'reactionary' patriotism we show as Americans...and rightfully so...to a certain extent. But I've got a different take on things, and one that I know I share politically with many others.

Firstly...no political party in this country owns the American Flag and the ideals for which it represents. The Republicans busted out their flag lapel pins years ago, almost in a game of 'capture of the flag'...telling the 'Sheep' that "We are the Party that represents patriotism and the appreciation of American freedom"...They basically sent the message to the 'Sheep' that "If you don't support us, you're on the side of the terrorists"...Sorry to break up the fun, but you guys don't own or control the flag...Despite the fact that Barack Obama unfortunately gave in to the heat and decided to sport his lapel pin, I think he's done a great job on the campaign trail to tell people that Democrats are just as patriotic and the Republicans, and despite what they say...No party owns the flag....It's as easy as that. "Botic" is not more patriotic than Obama due to the fact he spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton...It's a ridiculous and unfounded assertion. The fact I'm a Democrat and you're a part of the 'Sheep' Party...DOES NOT MAKE YOU MORE PATRIOTIC THAN ME...

Secondly...showing your patriotism in this country should not be an exercise in belligerence...Littering your front yard with flags or using them as drapes, curtains, or window coverings, does not make you more patriotic than your neighbor...despite what this guy thinks...And just because you decided to 'ink' your arm, shoulder, neck, back, or face with a bald eagle and the trademark phrase 'these colors don't run'...again DOES NOT MAKE YOU MORE PATRIOTIC THAN ME...



Thirdly...can we all stop with the ridiculous magnetic ribbons on the back of our cars? Is this fad finally coming to an end? Don't get me wrong...I totally embrace standing up for what we believe in, but putting a magnetic ribbon on the back of your sled...DOES NOT MAKE YOU MORE PATRIOTIC THAN ME...C'mon people, are you really that dumb? Companies that arrange for the manufacture and production of these magnets are in most cases doing nothing but capitalizing on some sort of American tragedy...Like 9/11...And where are these magnets made in most instances?....In China...like everything else...Nothing more patriotic than that, right 'Sheep'? Pull your head out of your ass...I've seen vehicles with so many magnets on the back, you couldn't tell what the guy stood for...besides a wrecked paint job after you peel those things off a couple years down the road...Again, your statement of patriotism on 4 wheels...DOES NOT MAKE YOU MORE PATRIOTIC THAN ME...



And finally...I truly hope and pray that some day I will live in an America that's free from the neighborhood "Redneck Fireworks Show"...Now don't get me wrong...sparklers, snakes, and screaming tanks are great when you're a kid...NOT IN ADULTHOOD...Just like the Republicans have stolen the flag over the past decade, the Redneck/'Sheep' have made it their personal mission to inflict their own form of terrorism on peaceful neighborhoods across America...Again...M-80's, Roman Candles, and Bottle Rockets...DO NOT MAKE YOU MORE PATRIOTIC THAN ME...One of the 'rights' I enjoy as an American is the 'Right of Privacy'...I don't think our Founding Fathers envisioned some Redneck with a bottle of Miller Lite in one hand and a stick of TNT in the other, about to blow his face off...as the way to celebrate our freedom...Please 'Sheep' I beg you...enough with the illegal home fireworks...Take your kids to the park for a professional display and respect your neighbors right to privacy, peace, and quiet...



So do me a favor this July 4th...stop and think about what the true meaning behind this holiday is...celebration of freedom. Don't go to Old Navy for a $5 Flag T-shirt...Gather up the family, enjoy each other's company...cook some great food, enjoy a cold beer...and remember..."Freedom Isn't Free Man"...Somebody got some ear plugs? It's going to be a very long day...and night.