Elegy

[trinityofone]

I used to love the Fourth of July. It was probably my favorite non-presents holiday. I used to get all dressed up in an extravagant red, white & blue outfit--I'd even wear RW&B hair-ribbons in my ponytail. My parents would give us sparklers and we'd pack a big picnic and take it over to this huge, empty field at Middlebury College where there would be a free concert (I always liked the 1812 Overture) and then fireworks during the final number. It was wonderful: the food, the music, the atmosphere, the company. But even more than that, it was wonderful to believe. It was wonderful to believe in America--and I did. I did so strongly, and for so long. I believed that we were truly the best nation on earth, one with a history of human and civil rights, a precious, pure, bastion of freedom.

Now it makes me sick to hear that word. It's been turned into a false thing, and it's just one of many that this administration has turned in on itself. When I think back and realize that it's been less than five years--less than five years--since I believed in and trusted and even, yes, loved my country...I am flabbergasted. So much has changed in so little time. And admittedly, part of my changing feelings may be the price of growing up, but even as an adult, I would have liked to have had this one day to still believe. Instead the lies sting me, and what we've become burns me, all the worse.

So Happy Birthday, America. I hope I can someday believe in you again. But I fear that day may be a long time coming.

ETA: From jetspeaks, too appropriate:

You Are 40% American

America: You don't love it or want to leave it. But you wouldn't mind giving it an extreme make over. On the 4th of July, you'll fly a freak flag instead... And give Uncle Sam a sucker punch!

How American Are You?

Comments

[jetspeaks.livejournal.com]

At least the day itself commemorates something with meaning, even if your faith in your country has slid.
Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet - many of my friends call it Invasion Day in half-jest.
I'm sorry it makes you sad. :(

[dizzyditz.livejournal.com]

Anna, you probably won´t ever read this comment, but if you do, you really WANT to steal one of this person´s icons.

http://www.livejournal.com/allpics.bml?user=___lostdreams

Btw - how come I don´t get to read the book¿? How are you? More questions....