Independence

Dear Reader,

I had forgotten that July 4 follows so quickly on the heels of Pride Month.  Independence.  A heady concept, indeed.  Essential, and yet such a new idea in the history of civilization.  Today I’m pondering the blessings of independence.  I don’t usually work up a whole lot of patriotism.  It feels too much like nationalism, which always seems to turn negative.

But today I’m feeling proud to be a part of this bold experiment in democracy.  Flawed, yes.  Deeply.  But thrilling none the less.  And I decided that the best way to celebrate tomorrow—in addition to a good dinner, of course—will be to show up at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.  I’ve talked about going for years, but never followed through.

Mr. and Mrs. FDR both fought vigorously for freedoms and human dignity.  Especially at a time when the worst angels of our natures are in the ascendant, it’s good to celebrate the best of us.  And that is precisely what I intend to do.  I plan to take a page from the FDR playbook and try to spend twenty-four hours with Freedom from Fear.  Will I then proceed to channel my worst nightmares into activism?  Probably not.  But getting the heart sorted out is the first step.

I’ll confess that I’m cheating with the image below—one of my favorites.  It’s not actually Fourth of July Fireworks.  I shot it just after midnight as New York welcomed in the new millennium.  But, hey, close enough.  Celebrations are all good.  Thanks for reading.

Bruce