LOST PROMISES--the cynic
It is that time of year when the multitude of crosses implying belief in a benevolent creator are joined by a mass of flags placed on porches, telephone poles, lawns, in shop displays, car lots, flower pots, garden plots, and other spots. Both symbolize ideals that appeal more to the emotions than to common sense. Patriotism turns to nationalism. Belief in a religion fosters a disdain for those of a differing religion. The symbols (form) supercede--- I started to use the word, "trump" here but gagged as it formed--- the substance.
And so long ago the great fathers pronounced, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." But their lofty words did not free slaves, or cease the predations upon the Native Americans. It had no lift for the female gender.
Can we form a more perfect union? Perhaps we are asking too much of ourselves.
So let us luxuriate our misperceived exceptionalism and in the delusions we so eagerly embrace. Let us picnic, drink, party, shoot off fireworks, and, in some cases, shoot each other.
Happy Birthday!
LOST PROMISES--the cynic
It is that time of year when the multitude of crosses implying belief in a benevolent creator are joined by a mass of flags placed on porches, telephone poles, lawns, in shop displays, car lots, flower pots, garden plots, and other spots. Both symbolize ideals that appeal more to the emotions than to common sense. Patriotism turns to nationalism. Belief in a religion fosters a disdain for those of a differing religion. The symbols (form) supercede--- I started to use the word, "trump" here but gagged as it formed--- the substance.
And so long ago the great fathers pronounced, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." But their lofty words did not free slaves, or cease the predations upon the Native Americans. It had no lift for the female gender.
Can we form a more perfect union? Perhaps we are asking too much of ourselves.
So let us luxuriate our misperceived exceptionalism and in the delusions we so eagerly embrace. Let us picnic, drink, party, shoot off fireworks, and, in some cases, shoot each other.
Happy Birthday!