Labor Pains

The buzzing of my phone woke me up about ten minutes ago. I was in the midst of a dream- a very good, afternoon nap kind of dream. Now I am trying to keep my eyes propped open with the help of a Starbucks (k-cup style) and the glow of this laptop.

Happy Fourth of July.

I actually went to sleep about an hour ago thinking about the Fourth and the marketing ploys of all things patriotic. I love the military. I was in the military. I believe in the military... but Independence Day is for all Americans, not just those who wear the uniform; and like Memorial Day, it's a chance to teach our children that we are not celebrating the invention of the hot dog. I look at it as a time to reflect upon the history of this great nation. A time when ordinary people- civilians and soldiers alike- stood up and fought for the dream of freedom.  A time to remember how we came to be and to reflect on how far we've come. Look at it as a mother reflecting on the labor pains she endured to give birth. We've all heard those stories (and even told a few of our own) as birthdays come and go. Let's give America a chance to retell those stories.

Patrick Henry* was considered a radical during the revolutionary years and remains one of my all-time favorite men of history. He was not a soldier and by most accounts, was pretty darn lazy until he found something he was passionate about... America. His speeches prior to 1776 were considered treasonous against Great Britain, but nonetheless packed a powerful punch. Even today, in my moments of private frustration, I often find myself reciting his words:

...we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.... Gentlemen may cry, Peace! Peace! but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

How cool is that?

Nathan Hale is remembered for his dying words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He was a teacher turned spy in 1776 and if you read the CIA's report on him (seriously), you'll see that they considered his espionage skills as "lacking."** Really? I suppose that any spy captured and killed might be considered lacking in something, but... sheesh. Let's give it up for those school teachers.

I could keep going, but I have a feeling I might have lost some of you at that remark about the military. Remember, I'm all for honoring those who serve and have served our country; I'd just also like to see equal time given to our past.

The cause. The revolution. The victory. 

I'd like to see patriotism taught as something more than buying paper plates and swim trunks bearing the image of the American flag. I'm not positive how I feel about that as it is... but that's a story for another day. 

As for today,

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Thomas Paine.
Paul Revere, Ethan Allen, John Adams- the father and the son.
Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, and even ole Benedict Arnold.

Hey, every good party needs somebody to talk about.



Happy Birthday, America.





*http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/henry.htm
http://www.history.org/almanack/life/politics/giveme.cfm

**https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2007-featured-story-archive/nathan-hale.html