Happy Fourth of July, dear Americans.

It’s another day perhaps, except many of will not work and observe the event of 245 years ago, where a gathering of local American colonists in 1777 felt they had enough of King George III’s British rule and took it upon themselves to draft a nicely written document, declaring independence. The rest is history, and still ongoing for the United States of America. Let’s enjoy this.

Today, I see much shouting on the social medias over what independence means with the much news that I need not explain. People are frustrated, with anger at our government and system for many reasons just and unjust. To also feel our democratic systems tainted by the corruption from the top wealthy, the influence of the forcibly dogmatic, an imperfect justice system, a decline of education in many areas, imbalances…is troubling.

And, it’s healthy to vent to a point because we could be more independent. History is full of many fights of independence all over the world that Americans are still dealing with. Voting rights, reproductive rights, right to protest, right to privacy, right of sex/gender preference, right to survive, right to party, and the list goes on. While it’s understandable to hate a system for failing to protect those rights, it’s still okay to celebrate a large moment when an independent declaration for “we the people” was successful, and something was born good out of it. Every moment of independence from oppression is worthy of celebration.

The United States of America is still a great country, with much details to be worked out to be truly “the land of the free.” Much yet needs to happen for all to achieve equality and justice for all. In the meantime, take this day to understand what freedom does look like for each other to what we do have, celebrate with family or friends with patriotic traditions, or just enjoy some solitude. Freedom should always be celebrated, and continue to strive towards for yourself and others.

– Orion T

Picture above is from a July 4th beach party 11 years ago at Pismo Beach with friends and Sam the Eagle. Good times to remember as I stay home today, and enjoy a little solitude.