Independence Day

Spent most of today dealing with the fall-out of the boneheaded, hateful, educated-elitist remarks of someone I don’t even know. I used to think I was pretty smart – and used to be pretty self-righteous and sure of myself (maybe still am …) – but I always at least tried to see others’ perspectives and not go out of my way to shove hot pokers in their eyes. Especially knowing that my words and actions reflect on others. Days like this try a guy’s patience. Personal freedom and the First Amendment is a fine thing. Too bad so many people abuse it.

But there’s beer in the fridge (Sam Adams Summer Ale, Blackhook Porter and Murphy’s Stout) and good books on all sides. It’s gonna be okay.

I was looking for the exact circumstances of a quote by Ben Franklin for today. Coincidentally, the top search return was a speech by Ron Paul on his official House of Representatives Web site. This is interesting to me, because I find myself feeling increasingly libertarian these days, and increasingly convinced that our problems must first be solved in our own backyards.

Here’s the bit, as referenced by Congressman Paul:

At the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 18, 1787, a Mrs. Powel anxiously awaited the results, and as Benjamin Franklin emerged from the long task now finished, asked him directly: “Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic if you can keep it” responded Franklin.

A society as free as ours is bound to raise up various and noxious weeds among our “amber waves of grain” – but I wouldn’t live anywhere else (at least, not permanently), nor would I sacrifice these personal freedoms for a supposedly cleaner or safer society. If we are to secure both our freedoms and a safe and sane society, we must start at home. I’ll work harder at that, starting right now …

Gotta go squeeze the Thorplets – happy Independence Day, my friends!