It’s Independence Day here in the USA. A day we celebrate our freedom…usually by eating and drinking a lot then blowing things up. Or at least watching things being blown up. 

On some level I suppose that’s pretty much perfect, given who we are. 

This morning I got a notice that the Washington Post linked to a speech by Thomas Jefferson to commemorate the day. 

Thanks to reading Fred Clark (aka Slactivist) over the years, I’m convinced there is no better tribute to read today than this one from Fredrick Douglas (who is being recognized more and more). Here’s a taste, but it really is worth reading the whole thing — especially if you, like me, are a person of privilege in this country. 

At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed. O! had I the ability, and could reach the nation’s ear, I would, to-day, pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke. For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake. The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced. 

Today, let’s commit to making the USA a country we can all celebrate, no matter what demographics define us. For when we’ve achieved that, we will truly fulfill the vision that started the nation.