Independence Day

I always think of today as America's symbolic 18th Bithday. It's our coming of age when we gave the finger to England and pretty much said that, while we really appreciate the help you gave us in the beginning, we've got our big boy pants on now and we don't need you anymore.

I consider myself a patriotic person, but not in the traditional sense. In my worldview, having patriotism does not mean spouting off that America is the best country in the world. For me, being patriotic means exercising your civil rights. Our extensive freedom of speech, expression and dissention is what makes this country what it is.

When I was in high school, I never stood for the pledge of allegiance. Kids in my class thought that I was just being difficult (which I typically was), but to me, the fact that I could exercise my right to stay in my seat said more about this country than standing up and shouting my support.

When we would have debates in class, I would never condemn those who spouted off what I considered ignorant drivel, because it was their right to do so. When one of my friends questioned me about my silence (I was known for being opinionated), I explained that in order for me to have the right to speak as I chose to, I had to be tolerant of others whose thoughts I found offensive.

I have a sticker on my front door that says "Protected By The Fourth Amendment," which is our freedom from unlawful searches and seizures. My friends always get a kick out of this since I just spent 4 years working in a law enforcement agency. I have a deep seated respect for law enforcement officers, but that doesn't mean that I want them unlawfully searching my house. Do I have anything to hide? No, but that's not the point.

Here's the thing folks, we have rights. Lots of them. What kind of citizen would I be if I let any of them go to waste? I'm always afraid that rights are a use 'em or lose 'em type of enterprise and in the current climate in this country, civil rights are always at risk. It is very easy to have rights taken away (i.e. Patriot Act), but it is far more difficult to get them back. So today, on America's birthday, let's have a toast celebrating the fact that we can say "Screw You!" to our government and get away with it. Cheers! Now if I could only find those American Flag high-top Converse that I had in 9th grade...