[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.
As an old man, descended of Apache and European immigrants, war veterans and criminals I love America. This quote reflects something of my feelings towards .gov:
“The government of my country snubs honest simplicity, but fondles artistic villainy, and I think I might have developed into a very capable pickpocket if I had remained in the public service a year or two.”
[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...
Thanks for the link to the Stone Bryson essay. I've seen memes that express a similar sentiment: "Love my country, hate my government."
As an old man, descended of Apache and European immigrants, war veterans and criminals I love America. This quote reflects something of my feelings towards .gov:
“The government of my country snubs honest simplicity, but fondles artistic villainy, and I think I might have developed into a very capable pickpocket if I had remained in the public service a year or two.”
-Mark Twain, Roughing It
I, too, wish and pray for America the Beautiful.
But without government who would tax us to death?
Every year, it just... keeps... growing 😉
And thank you, for the gracious mention - appreciate ya... 🫡