By Jack Kelly

 Alas, fireworks and cheeseburgers are here!  The 4th of July is upon us and it is time to wave that flag and celebrate our independence and the awesomeness that we are as a collective nation.  For many, the 4th of July is nothing more than an excuse to get wacky and crazy while we universally embrace our fascination with exploding objects.  Like any modern holiday, the true meaning of the 4th has been devoured by corporatism and American apathy towards all things collectively important.  Ya, everybody gives our troops, both past and present, an enthusiastic thumbs up, but it just seems hollow.  I do not wish to make any overt political statements or accuse one another of not caring about our country, but let’s face it; we just don’t give a f#(|{ about anything anymore.

I know, its an abrasive statement and it’s possible, I am wrong.  However, the  contrary evidence surrounds us.  The very thing the 4th celebrates, has been either lost or carefully discarded as to not offend anyone who wishes to watch exploding plastic in peace.  Discussion of important topics are shunned to obscurity faster than an invitation from Tom Cruise to attend a scientology mating conference.  We are a society that fears topics of relevance, in direct conflict with the ideals of the 4th.  We celebrate our soldiers, but never engage in discussion of actually policy that may improve their lives.  Our political discussion are wrought with rhetorical fallacies’ perpetuated by profiteers on cable TV.

We are as divided as ever and yet at the same time, closer than at any point in our history, philosophical speaking. We are alike, because over 80% of us believe America is on the wrong track and declining, but what unites us is our dissatisfaction with one another on how to put America on the proper course.  At least 40% of the country despises our President and another 45% or so, find him impressive. Want to ruin a 4th of July party just state “I love Obama” and watch the madness ensue.  half the room will hate you for it, and the other will find you heroic. And yet, we celebrate the 4th.

So why are we not allowed to discuss the problems we face as a nation, like our founding fathers did?  I mean after all, isn’t that what this thing is about?  Something they did a couple hundred years ago?  Imagine, only if you deem it polite and proper, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were about to discuss amendments to the Declaration of Independence but, decided to discuss the importance of the Situation’s sobriety while filming the latest season of the Jersey Shore instead; for the sole purpose of not being rude or creating an uncomfortable atmosphere? (Well, it is quite possible Snookie may have distracted Franklin, but that is another topic entirely, but why digress?)

Let us continue with the awkwardness, shall we?

So again, why do we choose to ignore such important aspects of our culture for which we cannot afford too?  Have we simply succumbed to the inevitable dispersing of our nation, so we just ignore it hoping it shall pass?  Is ignorance truly a blissful state we are better suited for, at least from a physiological point of you?  Are the problems our country face, so diverse and confusing as to render us average citizens just slick oil running a broken down machine for which the spare parts have been destroyed or over used?

Whoever shall know, is not speaking and if they are, cannot be heard over the objections of politeness.  Just recently, a truly landmark decision about health care was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. And an alarming number of people were unaware it even happened and of the one’s who are aware, 15% believe the law was overturned, thus it was unconstitutional; only it wasn’t!?!

Jeezuss!!

So, have I offended the unoffendable?  Or have I slightly disrupted the cook?  Who knows!  Most likely, neither has happened, except a brief interruption from the discussion of Tom and Katie Holmes and the latest voyeuristic woman who has succumbed to the impressively disturbing qualities of Christian Grey.

I guess when you collectively believe in the manifest destiny of America, you loose the purpose for discussing it.  So screw it, why should I ruin the party? Happy 4th of July baby and light me up a firework and let us just hope that sometime in the near future, the fireworks I hold, are not being pointed at someone because we let this thing go and we need to recapture it again.