Baseball-Chevrolet-and-Apple-Pie

Eh. One of out three or four isn't bad I guess. We are going to the Flying Squirrels baseball game tonight, to be followed by fireworks. We own three Toyotas, and although I like apple pie, it's not on the menu today. I don't remember the hot dog being part of that jingle but it seems to be in most of the images, so ¯\ _(ツ)_/¯.

When I stepped out on the porch this AM I noticed that I did not see a single American flag flying. Granted my sample size is about 10 houses in view from the porch, so I probably should not make any sweeping generalizations, however I am the minority in this neighborhood and I certainly would not blame any minority for being less than proud of America these days. I'm certainly not feeling particularly proud.

I was actually composing a very different blog post this AM when I stumbled into this from Popehat. Go read that post. Now. I'm not kidding, it's important.

First, I was not aware that of that particular stain in America's history. We seem to have a lot of stains in our past when it comes to dealing with non-white people. it's almost like racism is as American as baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet. Second, and more importantly, that post sapped my will to write the scathing declaration of independence* from Trumpistan that I had been mentally composing all morning. Fuck it, Trump and his merry band of racist fascists are not worth the effort. It will not change anything, and it probably won't even make me feel better.

The Founding Fathers were all here because their families had to leave England to make a better life for themselves. They did a lot wrong in founding this country, but they did a lot right too. We can still make a better life for all Americans by engaging in our communities and working to elect responsible leaders in November that will be the check and in our check and balance system.

The most patriotic thing you can do on this 4th of July is to commit to working to elect a Democratic majority to Congress in November. Get to it.

*Spelled independance if you are the USAF.