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Happy 4th of July!
Saturday, July 4th, 2009 12:12 pmTo all my American friends, a happy 4th of July!
Every year on the 4th, I listen to NPR's recording of the Declaration of Independence (available here, streaming or downloadable). It's both uplifting and scrappy: the beautiful passages about the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness juxtaposed against the laundry list of wrongs against the colonies by the King. The writing is at once old-fashioned and modern (the word "usurpations" isn't used so much anymore, but makes total sense in context) and undeniably stirring. NPR also makes wise use of the voices of their contributors of all races, religions, and backgrounds. It's one of the most patriotic things that I can think of doing today, and I am proud to be able to do it. This year, I am especially thankful and proud that I live in a country where I am free to meet with more than three people on the street and not fear for my life and safety; that I can vote and my vote will be counted; and that despite great economic uncertainty, there is still an air of optimism and determination. I often wonder what Jefferson and the other contributors to the Declaration would make of the country now. Today I am thinking that they would impressed and pleased by the legacy of their words and the nation's ongoing progress.
Every year on the 4th, I listen to NPR's recording of the Declaration of Independence (available here, streaming or downloadable). It's both uplifting and scrappy: the beautiful passages about the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness juxtaposed against the laundry list of wrongs against the colonies by the King. The writing is at once old-fashioned and modern (the word "usurpations" isn't used so much anymore, but makes total sense in context) and undeniably stirring. NPR also makes wise use of the voices of their contributors of all races, religions, and backgrounds. It's one of the most patriotic things that I can think of doing today, and I am proud to be able to do it. This year, I am especially thankful and proud that I live in a country where I am free to meet with more than three people on the street and not fear for my life and safety; that I can vote and my vote will be counted; and that despite great economic uncertainty, there is still an air of optimism and determination. I often wonder what Jefferson and the other contributors to the Declaration would make of the country now. Today I am thinking that they would impressed and pleased by the legacy of their words and the nation's ongoing progress.
