You might be asking why Independence Day is my favorite holiday. It wasn't always. Ask any kid what his/her favorite holiday is and they will probably tell you it's one where he/she can gorge on candy or get tons of presents. I was a normal kid, but the 4th of July has always had a special place in my heart. There is nothing negative associated with the holiday for me. I look back and mostly see nothing but hot days, fireworks, music, and fun.
Now there is a deeper significance to it. Something I never took into consideration when I was a kid. Love for my country. So what does being a patriot mean to me? It means not only love for my country but for the people who live here. Love for the constitution written by men with vision, inspiration, and even genius. Love for all the beautiful land that I have seen and the parts that I have yet to see.
Now I'm not going to sit here and boast about America being greater than all other nations. I've come to realize that almost every person in the world loves their home more than any other. To me America is the best place on earth, because it's where I was born. If I was forced to be somewhere else for any amount of time I would literally kiss the ground when I got back. I just love my country that much.
So is there anything that I feel could use improvement in this great country? YES! There are many things that I think would make this country greater. The number one thing is to end the bickering, mudslinging, and flat out hatred. I don't care what side of a debate you are on if you have to stoop to name calling, lies, and character defamation you do not deserve to be in office. This constant war of words is exhausting! This doesn't just go for politicians. I know most people have heard their mothers say, "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all." Listen to your mothers, and respectfully debate an issue. If you can't then SHUT UP! I believe words are power. Use that power wisely.
*clears throat* So I took some pictures tonight. They are just not as good as last year. I tried to use my tripod. I need a better one. It's just too wobbly. Wobble is a photographer's worst enemy. I was waging a war with wobble, and the wobble won. <---- alliteration hee hee! Anywho, here are the pretties.
10 comments:
I am so glad you enjoyed your day and the pics are lovely.
Take care.
Yvonne.
I think they are absolutely fantastic. Like them more than last year's (which you know I like a lot), because there is a lot more variety in this lot.
I think these photos are at least as gorgeous as the ones you shot last year (perhaps you are just getting more critical because of you class?)
And I understand how you feel about your country. I feel the same way about mine. Even though we have our differences, it is interesting to me that you and I seem to share some ideas about what is great about the US too :)
@ Yvonne- Thanks. :-)
@ Natasha- Joris said that he liked them better too. I might just be being over critical.
@ Mari- I'm not attending the class until the end of August. Perhaps I just am preparing. I think that you and I could find that we share many of the same ideas.
Nice fireworks pics. I was wishing I had gotten out my camera last night.
As far as the favorite holiday, I was thinking about this last night. I think Thanksgiving still ranks as my favorite, but maybe the 4th comes in at a close second. They are both big family days for me, but I think I like the Thanksgiving meal and leftovers more than the cook out stuff. We always have carne asada on the fourth and it's really good. I do like the patriotism and all.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Beautiful pictures Marjorie! And great advice too. Mums usually know best. *nods*
You and I pose such an interesting contrast for friends, don't we? I agree that it would be wonderful for the mudslinging to stop, though one of the things I'm most grateful for as an American, is the right to state my views and HAVE a dialog--totally agree though--keeping it respectful is key.
Great pics!
Gorgeous pics! I took some years ago, with a
relatively cheap camera. Everyone said, they won't come out, they were truly unique...
Great post about your love for our land, the people and what is important~Hope your 4th was
wonderful!!!
@ Tara- Thank you and yes we mums give the best advice.
@ Tami- We do, and I agree. Part of what makes this country great is the ability to state your viewpoint without fear. Just another great idea our founders had!
@ Ellie- Were they a good unique? I hope your 4th was wonderful too. I really do love this great land.
Great article and really great photos. Love, Mom
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