Birthday
In which Human has to explain
Good 4th of July, humans!
Transcript:
Rat: — What are these height markings, Human? Do you have children we don’t know about?
Human: — Oh no, it is my government’s birthday.
Human: — Another year has passed, and it has grown again!
A nation and its government are twins, born of the same day; but they’re obviously not identical twins.
For a deeper look into the distinction, I once again pass the microphone to Stone Bryson:
[edited] I fondly remember the bicentennial and the mood of those days. My mid-Ohio life was good and most people I knew were doing well with no real despair and plenty of leisure time a given. Sure there were problems, but with a new presidential election coming, the war ended, and new technologies that were emerging everywhere, there was a distinct optimism in the air. Government was a mere nuisance and not in every aspect of our lives. The celebrations did not seem forced or a pretense, people, by and large, were a happy bunch. Politics was put aside for conversations with those who were eager to know your opinion and not worn on the sleeve. It was as though we had all rediscovered our heritage and were proud of it. Some things have remained constant, while other things - oh my, how they have changed.
Wishing everyone a joyous Independence Day!
I've been planning a 4th of July post. This is the best one I've seen...