July 4th and an all American hero
Happy 4th of July to all of this blog’s American visitors….
Hopefully you are still sober enough to read this, then again it might make more sense after a drink so don’t let me stop you. So here we are, 1776 was the year us Brits were kicked into touch and America gained its independance, whizz forward to 2009 and we’re being humiliated at Wimbledon (nothing new there)
Now I cannot pretend to be an authority on American history and I’m not going to steal information from another website but what I have done is think about some of the great American’s who have graced the world stage throughout the years. There have been some outstanding political leaders, writers, explorers, scientists, war heroes, actors, singers, musicians and so on. America is indeed a rich and diverse country of peoples and cultures and its contribution should be acknowledged by all of us.
Some will disagree with America’s stance on political issues during times of conflict, others will consider it a blessing. Politics is not a subject I choose to write about on here unless it is regarding kicking our unelected Prime Minister out. So today is about celebrating all things American and one person who I greatly admire and whose contribution to popular music should be better appreciated is the late but very legendary Johnny Cash.
I watched a BBC documentary about his life and death last year and was struck by the quality of his recordings. Here is one which was recorded shortly before his death, a cover of a song by the band Nine Inch Nails with a different connotation to the original it paints a vivid picture of a man looking back over his life. Hope you enjoy it…..
The MAN in black. At least he had some balls.
Weird day today - trying to explain to the kids why we fought our ancestors and best friends over a principle. There were a bunch of great minds back then - Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson - and help from the most unexpected source of all -Lafayette is still the most (if only) honored Frenchman in the States. In some ways it is a holiday about “giving the finger” to oppressive policies and celebrating a spirit that has been lacking for way too many years. We have all become sheep, and scarily all face the same outlook. While the 4th is still considered our greatest holiday it rings more hollow every year. As freedoms and rights erode, we all die a little bit more every year. NYC has become nearly the nanny state England has become - it infuriates me every f’ing day.
Sorry, very bitter and pretty drunk - just so disillusioned.
July 5, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Dave,
A great comment, thanks. It is a sad fact how many of the days/events etc that we celebrate have little meaning anymore. Time, it seems has eroded the memory of the day and reason for these events and that is sad.
I can’t help but wonder what events of recent times our future generations will remember as a national day. Tragically the only day that immediately springs to mind is 9/11.
Miles
July 5, 2009 @ 10:08 am
Okay, I’ll admit that I am a frakking patriot. I tear up at the playing of the national anthem or “America the Beautiful.” I grew up in an era of deeply division and conflict yet we all knew that we wanted to preserve the Union. Our desire was to improve our nation, and to remove those from power who were tarnishing our reputation. My former husband served in the military during Viet Nam, but we didn’t want our son to face the same kind of obligation in the Middle East. I think that what makes America unique is that we are a nation always in transition. As Americans, we love challenges that force us to move in new directions, sometimes kicking and screaming, and sometimes with great resolve. We are also a nation of ideals, even if we don’t always display those ideals with a true sense of morality. We know that we must strive to meet higher standards of excellence, even in the face of failure. We are a nation of greedy money-grabbers, but also a nation of charitable individuals. We are sentimental and callous. Too many of us are under-educated, uninformed, and myoptic, while still others are thought-filled, inquisitive, and mindful of the needs and rights of others. All too often, we are judged by the policies of our leaders, and not by our individual credos. We take whatever we can get our hands on, but we also send C.A.R.E. packages to those who are less fortunate. In short, we are humans, with warts and bumps, just like everyone else. I guess of this is what makes me, and many other Americans frakking patriots.
Annie
July 5, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
I’ve been sidetracked by taking care of my mother who is very ill, so I’m behind in my blog reading. I knew I’d find a series of interesting posts here when I returned, but I didn’t expect to find such a thought-provoking one as this! You know, Miles — I’m not sure how to express this, but you have such a unique way of touching on controversial subjects with a sense of respect. You have a courteous way about you, even when you’re “ranting.” I like and appreciate that.
Johnny Cash was the perfect vehicle for this blog post.
Country music is America. Johnny Cash is country music. Music is freedom. America stands for freedom.
Thanks, Miles. Good one.
Melissa
July 8, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
Annie,
My apologies, in the chaos that is often my work life I forgot to reply to your comment which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I love how real perspectives are put on some of my posts, comments like these make this blog worth keeping up.
Thanks Annie
Miles
July 8, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
Melissa,
I am sory to hear that and I hope your Mother is feeling a little better. I don’t like to go in depth on subjects I know little about, I prefer to raise the awareness and leave it to those of you who live and breathe it all to comment.
Miles
July 8, 2009 @ 7:25 pm