the 4th

so, today's the 4th of July. 229 years ago my country gained its independence. that's a good thing, i suppose, but you'll have to forgive me if i don't get all misty-eyed over the whole thing. call me cynical or jaded, but there's just as much, if not more, to be ashamed of in the history of this country as there is to be proud of. especially lately.
that being said, the day off from work sure is fine. we have some good friends coming over for a cookout. we're gonna drink some beer, grill up some hamburgers and frankfurters (why are both named after German cities?) and enjoy ourselves our companies.

and, in the spirit of the 4th, here's a little poem i wrote:

4th of july

this morning, a
formation of F-16s
from the
nearby air force base
flew directly
over my house,
at low altitude,
causing the house to
shake and jolt
me out of
bed at 11:23 am,
hungover and confused.

i initially thought an
asteroid
was falling out
of the sky and heading
directly for
my house,
which would
cause
tremendous amounts
of carnage and
destruction,
like in
the movies.

unfortunately, it was
only the first
in an endless day
of patriotic celebrations.

thankfully, the 4th
of july only
happens once a
year.

you know what's really funny? here in Utah we celebrate the 4th pretty much like everywhere else in America: fireworks, Stadiums of Fire (where such illustrious and broad-minded Americans as Sean Hannity have spoken), Freedom Festivals (yes, jingoistic bullshit like this actually exists), cookouts, more fireworks, etc. but, on the 24th of July we also celebrate something called Pioneer Day. and, it's even bigger. there's a humongous parade downtown, rodeos all over the state, more, even larger, displays of fireworks. plus, another day off from work. apparently, the celebration of the statehood of Utah is more important than the celebration of the nationhood of America. whatever.

another thing. what the fuck is the deal with all the celebrations and festivals being controlled and monopolized by country music performers? is this related to the same bullshit line about how the Midwestern and Southern American is supposedly more American than the rest of us? there are just as many embarrassed and ashamed people in the south and midwest. and just as many proud and patriotic people in rock-n-roll and hip-hop. yet one more reason why i can't seem to get worked into the requisite frothy giddiness over this holiday. give me thanksgiving and christmas and new year's any day of the week over the 4th of July.

on that note, enjoy yourself and drive safe.