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The Sassy Sandpiper: Fostering a New Independence

Independence | Hero | Sassy Sandpiper

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The Sassy Sandpiper contemplates personal independence as a way to honor Independence Day.

By M.R. Wilson, Columnist, TB

“When the forms of an old culture are dying, the new culture is created by a few people who are not afraid to be insecure.”Rudolph Bahro

I shy away from political and religious discussions. I know where I stand and why. I am not a person who is thrilled by debate and persuasion.

Each July 4th feels sadder and sadder. I’ll display the worn flag, a gift from my dearly departed friend Ray. (Perhaps you remember him, a youngster wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, awarded the Purple Heart and 100% lifetime disability income for his shattered right hand and elbow. The flag is a symbol of remembrance of a finer, truly heroic time, not a celebration of how great the USA is in 2018.

Someone call me unpatriotic? Huff “Love it or leave it!” in my face, hoping for a confrontation?

Not gonna happen.

I would wonder, though, just what that Someone felt so proud of. Pick a headline, any day, and tell me why this proves “our country” is worth celebrating. (Yes, they exist.) What “American Ideals” or “Family Values” are portrayed? How is “the American Dream” manifesting?

Does Someone know what is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty? Does Someone care?

Statue of Liberty | Immigration | Asylum

Would Someone rather not say?

Fine with me.

This July 4th I encourage a New Independence, starting with individual thoughts, words and deeds.

For starters, how about a New Independence from:

  1. …self-fulfilling prophecy, a close cousin of self-sabotage. You know how fretting or overthinking can manifest the very trouble you’re seeking to avoid
  2. …dependence on so-called authority figures. Educate yourself and make up your own mind about everything from diet and health to social justice to relationships to planetary stewardship to what to do with your body after you die.
  3. …holding back when you might take action. Love one another. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Heal the sick. These are not ordinary times (let nothing dupe you into thinking otherwise); do not-ordinary things as you are able: march, contact legislators, sign petitions, volunteer. VOTE, not only at the ballot box, but with your wallet. Every purchase reflects what you hold dear.
  4. …the Rat Race. Resist societal pressures to buy/have/show off that only reward the biggest rats of all: corporations.

And that, Esteemed Readers, is as close as I get to political rant or religious fervor.

This July 4th I might organize an old fashioned picnic reminiscent of a happier, more graceful time, of family gatherings at Pioneer Park in Scottsbluff, NB. I was barely taller than the blue grass but remember the home fried chicken, homemade potato and macaroni salads, a table for desserts that included Heavenly Hash made with real whipped cream.

Fly the flag. Watch a parade. Have a barbecue. Light a sparkler for me.

Fireworks | Flag | July 4

Small, significant acts will make America great again, maybe as great as declaring independence from England in 1776.

M.R. Wilson | Independence Day | July 4 | Tampabay News

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