2020 MAY BE A BIT DIFFERENT
I thought it would be interesting to post this article about Independence Day in 2020 again, just for us to ponder how much we have realized over the last few years.
Maybe this old memory will jog a few connections for your brain just as it has for me. Not sure how you might be feeling about it; but I am determined to do everything humanly possible to forget the past and move forward into a better and less fearful future.
Sometimes moving forward means looking back a bit though. It gives us a clear perspective and helps us know what is real and what was only propaganda. Here is what I wrote back in 2020 about celebrating Independence Day:
BACK IN 2020
Since this blog is all about seasons and times; we usually celebrate Independence Day with great fanfare.
Normally, we like to give you lots of creative ideas for how to go about your celebration; and we like to share all of your ideas for the perfect way to celebrate America’s Independence.
Each year we try our best to produce a fresh new article with fresh new ideas for places to celebrate, ways to celebrate and creative ways to cook and decorate. As icing on the cake we like to review some of our older Independence Day articles too; adding them to the table for those who might not have seen them before.
Each year is usually a brightly colored and unique parade of fun things to do and exciting travel ideas.
As I reviewed last year’s articles, and the years before those (we just recently published a few of them again to remind you of what they were like); it was quite shocking for me to be able to compare the contrast of the way people were going about the preparations last year and the way things will probably pan out for this year.
Daylight and dark might be the best way to describe all of the differences in these contrasting times.
Looking at Independence Day of 2019 was the most eye-opening experience. I’ll simply point out the most obvious contrasts in last year and this year. Bear with me; I’m not trying to add pain to your probably already too-weary thoughts. This will go somewhere else; if you can stay with me long enough to get there; I promise.
Last year though, we started out by simply saying that Independence Day is a great time to shut down the office and have a little family fun.
This year those same words might sound a bit strange because all across the country offices have already been shut down for quite a while and totally against their will. So many people are suffering financial difficulties because of this. The stimulus that seemed so out of character for our President has helped for a time; but harder times may be around the bend for some.
Most people have been sheltering-in-place with their immediate families for several months now. A little bit of normal life has come back in some places; but it seems this battle for the health of our country is far from over.
To make matters worse; a type of mental disease seems to be lurking inside the layers of all of the physical diseases we are fighting. It is a type of paranoia that comes from the fact that nothing seems to be normal anymore.
How do we all get back to normal?
So many just can’t seem to find the starting place.
May I make a recommendation?
Reclaim your freedom this July 4th.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Let’s have a different kind of Independence Day.
We can start by not being afraid of those who wish to tear our country apart. Their ruthlessness has frightened too many of us. The shallowness of their thinking has hurt us to the bone; but we are still America.
America is still a country of great resilience. We bravely face tragedy and we courageously rebound and come back to victory.
Let’s not forget that.
Please don’t sit quietly inside your home and ignore that this is a very special day. There are so many things you can do without going into a crowd.
Do SOMETHING patriotic to celebrate America; ANYTHING that has been put on your heart.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or public or splashy; just do something that is meaningful to you. Do something that you can look back on next year when things are better and remember.
FLY OLD GLORY
How many of you have planted the American flag in your front yard?
In a day when the flag is being shamed let’s reverse that trend and bring back its power to unite our nation under God.
Those who are shaming our flag carry an agenda of division. Have you believed their propaganda commercials that claim “we are all in this together?” They understand nothing about togetherness if they aren’t being paid to brainwash the public through the media.
Old Glory has seen a million divisions and survived.
Our flag was first presented and chosen with just that purpose in mind; to bring us closer together.
If you still have a heart for America; please display the message that is strong and clear; fly the flag and say the allegiance that proclaims our ever-growing silent goal; “one nation under God.”
REMEMBER THE FACTS
This year try real hard to remember the facts for what we are celebrating.
Who can remember?
Celebrate your independence from more than losing the domination of a British King; celebrate your God-given freedom for the ability to reclaim the thing we do here called life.
We have become too obsessed with death counts.
That isn’t what makes a nation healthy.
Let’s turn that around and become a nation obsessed with the things that make life worth while. Liberty and freedom top that list for me. This blog is about to start writing short articles that review and explain all of the important documents that make America great.
We want to study the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the operations of the Supreme Court, The Senate and the House of Representatives in a deeper way than we have ever studied them before.
SING THE OLD SONGS
It is time to bring out the old songs and listen again to the lyrics. The time has come to re-tell the old stories again. America The Beautiful, My Country Tis’ of Thee, The Battle Hymn of Republic, The Star Spangled Banner and more.
Why do our children not know these songs anymore?
If our schools refuse to share them; let’s put them back into our homes and our churches.
Churches; rise up and defend your right to worship as you choose.
This is why our country was founded in the first place.
EXERCISE YOUR FREEDOM
Those with liberal political agendas keep trying to take our God away from us. They know they can’t fight His power. The strength and unity we gain as a nation under God is what they are afraid of.
If we remain truly American to the core; their whole new world and different sets of family values can’t rule the day against us. We will keep our own chosen, tried and true ways in peace and love.
The haters and the media makers are so afraid of a real God; and that is one thing that they have right so far. God inhabits the praises of His people and the power and unity that prevails from it is unstoppable.
ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM TO WORSHIP
Come out of hiding and find a way to worship. If you are a person who is high-risk for the disease of this pandemic; reinforce the walls of your home with the healing power of God.
Worship where you are and be in spirit with the congregation of the whole world as they gather and form the armies that we need to overcome this man-made mess.
It is a man-made mess; not a God-given mess.
Some very careless men who were so greedy about making money from creating new vaccines that they built a disease that can hardly be killed in a secret lab. Then it seems they got careless with it.
Were they really being careless or was it a plot to line their pockets even more from the innocent working class of all the cultures of the earth?
Let your fresh new dose of independence bring forth a new wave of logical reactions. Instead of panic across the globe at the spread of this pandemic; why are we not addressing the issues and getting down to the facts about those who manufactured it and caused it to spread?
Why is Big Pharma not more regulated?
Let’s turn the tables and create a new independent attitude. Instead of them forcing vaccinations; why not force them to conform to some healthy rules and regulations that would protect the safety and well-being of our world?
These huge highly funded organizations have been able to do murder in the name of curing people for far too long now.
And while we are on the subject of murder; what are we going to do to give all little babies the chance to live the life that God has granted to them?
Why are careless adults given the decision as to whether a life should live or die simply because it inconveniences them? How callus some have become. Let’s give independence to everyone – let the unborn have life in abundance again.
STOP BEING AFRAID
Quit being afraid America.
Stand up and resume your place of being “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Venture out.
Have an opinion.
Quit bowing to identity politics and find your true identity and live there.
America’s truth is about ALL people.
We are the melting pot for all races, all nationalities and all types of people.
TURN THE PAGE AND START OVER
At some point in history EVERY race has had atrocities committed against them. Let’s throw a gigantic forgiveness party for all, turn the page and start over again with each man on an equal status.
Where you go in life will simply depend on your own determination, hard work and integrity. Race will become the last four letters of “g-r-a-c-e.”
Justice will not be doled out by culturally emphasized perceptions; but by equal law maintained by the people, of the people and for the people.
The whole human race owes the whole human race an apology; but the time has come to forgive, forget; turn and begin to love and live. Let us all rise against the strife of the past.
REVERSE THE CURSE
Reverse the curse of the words you have heard; live the opposite of the things that have upset you. You can’t change the past; but you certainly can make a difference in the future.
What does America ask in return?
That we all do good and be kind.
America requires that people respect our laws and loyalty and come into the unity of our land.
In other words; love your neighbor as yourself and honor the God who created all.
You can’t have one without the other.
WE ARE SURVIVORS
If people can’t agree to uphold their part of the bargain; they might need to find another country. We must keep our independence to live the American way.
Those people who taught you that America is all about capitalistic greed were wrong.
America is about abundant prosperity for all people and families in the nation. We have always been a people who survive hard times. Our nations is one that has always promoted ways for people to be able to leave poverty without falling into slavery.
The wealthy Americans are probably the most generous of all who give from all of the countries of the earth. They (for the most part)desire to give; and most of them do not wish to make a public show of their giving. You would be amazed to know all of the quiet and unselfish moves that the wealthy of America make every day in an effort to eliminate poverty. We only hear about the few who do not.
Abundance can be maintained without greed.
LET’S BE DOERS INSTEAD OF SPEAKERS
A true American knows the meaning of the balance that brings this forth. 99% of the time you will find out that a true American gives freely to his brother in need. This often goes undocumented behind the scenes.
Millions of silent Americans are going about their lives today and they are all busy “doing” instead of “speaking.” These true natives care more about people than things and more about righteousness than money.
Many of these quiet American citizens belong to the churches many of you louder Americans are trying to close down and destroy.
So what else can we the people begin to do?
You can wear a mask if it makes you feel more secure; but go out somewhere besides your home on Independence Day and see some people who remember America The Beautiful and want to celebrate with you.
You can social distance (don’t be reckless) but find a way to celebrate. Find some stories to share about what you know of this country. Speak up for the silent masses who care.
DO NOT LIVE IN ISOLATION
Chip in with your neighbors and bring a dish to share. Sit outside and spaced out; but don’t isolate yourselves until you do not know each other any more.
If violent and reckless looters can assemble for political causes in our streets; we the people (all of us) have just as much right to gather and honor our country’s independence.
As a matter of fact; not to do so holds back the whole spirit of our independence. If we hold back and wait until next year; yet another generation gets lost in the shuffle and can’t remember who America is.
Of course that is easier said than done.
Today you must be very careful where you park your feet and where you lay your head to rest at night. There are areas of our country that were once well known for celebrating independence in the past; but uncaring and crude people have smeared the privilege of being an American in the ground this year. The usual American traditions are now frowned upon.
TAKE BACK THE GOOD TRADITIONS
It is time to begin to take back the good traditions that uneducated and uncaring people want to destroy.
They are our heritage.
America is a heritage that we ALL can celebrate.
The real true American traditions are about unity; not division.
Why do some groups want to keep oppressing their people by not allowing them to remember the things that made this country great?
History matters. Don’t let it be forgotten.
Please explain to me why certain groups hate patriotic history so much that certain governors and mayors have become so hateful as to ban people from certain states from visiting their cities and states?
Are we really this divided that we can’t cross over state lines within the same country without some official approval? We can do better.
HATE HAS NO HOME HERE
I guess I studied the Holocaust too long; but that seems to be acting like a Nazi from Hitler’s ranks.
Did some of the people demanding that we tear down a wall put up several new walls?
Why is it okay to let lawless citizens exist without punishment and not okay to support those who have followed the laws and made their way correctly?
Why are we creating walls within our own walls by forming groups who exhibit hate and negativity toward everything that is American?
The people who are patriotic want to remember the good of America and that good still far out-weighs the bad.
Those on the other side however only wish to be critical and point out all of the mistakes a once young nation made.
I ask you; were you ever a teenager?
Did you have to make a few mistakes in order to learn how to become an adult?
GET THROUGH THE GROWING PAINS
Our country has had growing pains for sure. Yes; we have made mistakes. They were generations ago. Will people four generations from now look back on those who are pointing the finger today and accusing the innocent of being guilty and say “we too made a mistake?”
I wonder.
Will they forget all of the “good” that is America today?
That possibility is great.
Why?
Because if we who live in this land can’t rise above the greedy politicians (both within our country and without our country) and find the good that we have always stood for in the past; we will continue to be lost.
When will we realize that EVERYONE in this land is privileged?
EVERYONE IS PRIFILEGED HERE
We all face problems and challenges; and we all have the same opportunity to rise above them and make a good life.
If we keep believing the lies about how hateful we are, and if we keep plotting groups against groups in our cultures; one day we will open our eyes to find that one very unique and special nation that has always thrived bravely through the night is gone.
Can you begin to see the plans and plots of America’s enemies?
This uniqueness will never come again.
Will we sit by and let it be destroyed?
It belongs only to America; only for as long as American citizens are proud to be Americans.
Are you not proud to be an American?
If you are not; perhaps the flaw lies within your thinking and not within this great country. Perhaps your Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, or other ivy league professors had it all wrong.
Have you ever considered that possibility?
MAYBE THOSE PROFESSORS WERE WRONG
Maybe they were using your generation to push their own agendas. Have you ever considered that possibility?
Remember the first shock of experiencing life in COVID19?
That is going to feel mild compared to the empty strange feeling of no America.
Most of you have never experienced such a state. You do not know or understand what it is like.
To keep America alive, she must be honored, cherished and cared for. We must become the teachers of the next generations, the ones who show them the good things about America.
The current generation needs to understand what it is to lose freedom and to be dominated in a way that offers no escape. Perhaps they will discover the meaning of gratefulness instead of constant criticism.
Our heritage and our history need to be preserved; not destroyed.
The truth of the past must be protected and not twisted, omitted or rearranged.
Back in 2019 I wrote about the fact that many would be going to celebrate Independence Day at the Washington Monument. There were parades and festivities that had been planned for months. The President proudly spoke a message to a country that was beginning to wake up. It was all very encouraging and inspiring.
HATE HAS BROKEN A GREAT NATION
Now after almost a year of constant division, riots, violence in the streets by racists, crime by those who only chose to hate, protest by those who have no honor or respect for our leadership have wrecked the possibility of a happy national celebration. The same people who hate our flag, our God and our laws have taken away our celebrations as a nation.
So far we have silently let them take over.
Talk about a change.
What will be the scene at the Washington Monument this year?
Even though the President and First Lady are celebrating from the White House over the National Mall with fireworks and flyovers; the mayor of DC, Murial Bowser, has advised people to celebrate at home. She is hoping that no celebrations form on the mall this year because of the residue of the pandemic we have just lived through.
Many vendors have been denied permits and they are protesting with lawsuits. The annual parade usually hosted by The National Park Service has been cancelled.
So what about the other places that are so popular in New York?
Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced that the city’s July 4th fireworks show will not be cancelled.
Macy’s annual fireworks show will go on despite the pandemic. There is one very important change though – all locations will be a surprise, here and there unannounced all through the week of Independence Day. The displays will be smaller and scattered to reduce crowds and encourage social distancing. On the 4th the finale will be televised and it will feature The Empire State Building. Most viewers will be watching at home on television.
Many New Yorkers seem to be complaining about the use of illegal fireworks in their streets over the last few weeks. Some of them are less-than-enthusiastic about this new plan of Macy’s. Many joined in a protest, driving up to the Mayor’s mansion and honking their horns in the wee hours of the morning for a few days. It was effective as the Mayor seems to be cracking down on the use of illegal fireworks now. Macys will be the one exception.
One thing I noticed this year though; and that is how all the five main sections of New York are more frequently being called the “boroughs” again.
THERE COULD BE A WIZZARD BEHIND THE CURTAIN
This is slightly off-point and just something to notice in passing; but I think language is now playing such a huge part of the cultural associations of people’s thoughts. Is that all determined by someone out there behind a screen, working in the dark corners without our knowledge? We can’t really say for sure.
Long years ago, these boroughs of New York were originally set up with their own governments before the Supreme Court interfered and ruled them to be unconstitutional. To this day they all still have their own Presidents who work more like city organizers and coordinators. This is an interesting study which we may dig further into on another day.
As for Coney Island 4th of July activities in 2020: the coin is still being tossed.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information; except that perhaps Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will go on as a televised event with no audience. Even that fact is “iffy.”
As for the local changes, the venues I tend to write about in the South and in the Birmingham, Alabama area; there is a mix of make-do events. Some are on and some are off. None are as hyped this year.
LOTS OF CANCELATIONS
One favorite Birmingham event at The American Village has been cancelled. Their website says: “Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Village is closed until further notice. All activities are canceled. This includes public programming as well as Independence Day activities.”
Thunder on The Mountain from Vulcan Park will continue. People are being asked to sit in small groups around the city and to wear masks. Birmingham actually has enforced a law requiring all adults to wear masks until further notice.
Other popular places are still a question mark.
The best suggestion we have to offer for Independence Day 2020 is that you consider the substance of your celebrations. This year’s Independence Day celebrations are not about where you are, or how much noise you make; it is about who America is.
IT IS ABOUT AMERICAN IDENTITY
Who are you now America?
We want to see liberty and justice prevail in the land. This year let the simple heart-felt celebrations ring out like a new message to our ears. Let them emphasize the importance of good Christian homes with Godly fathers who can lead us. Let the church bells ring again. May each of our streets replace the hate with love.
May we look back next year with fresh energy because the land that we love still stands.
Let us love our country and bring it back stronger than ever before.
God bless America!
And that was how it was in 2020.