Happy Birthday America!

[peacetraveler22]

Today Americans begin a festive holiday weekend in honor of the Fourth of July. There was no traffic during the rush hour commute this morning, as most people are already on their way to the beach, or relatives' homes for the big celebrations on Monday. My family spends the holiday the same way every year - at our American style dacha in the forest. About this place, I've already written several times. You can see the big report here.

Huge gatherings and fireworks displays take place in all major U.S. cities, including here in Washington, DC. I never attend these massive public gatherings due to the crowds, and mainly the heat. I feel totally uncomfortable in such environments, and prefer the quiet solitude of nature or small crowds. I doubt recent terrorist attacks will have any detrimental impact, or cause people to avoid these celebrations. I can't understand those who live in constant fear, and avoid activities because they are worried about attacks, or some other tragedy. We must march on, and just be aware of our surroundings. This has always been my mentality.

All small towns light their own fireworks, locals enjoy festivals and colorful parades. American flags wave everywhere! :) This photo was taken during a parade in Fredricksburg, Virginia a few years ago. It's a big holiday for us, full of barbecues with hamburgers and hot dogs, corn on the cob, lots of tasty foods, cold beer and relaxation. I hope I can just sit as a vegetable for a few days - read, get some sleep, and rest my mind which has been too cluttered with heavy thoughts recently.

For everyone in the USA who celebrates - enjoy! And for those abroad, I hope you find a way to celebrate America's birthday somehow from afar. Cheers! :))

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

No, I do not. How many suburban white boys have shot up schools or movie theaters in America? Or, Christian religious extremists who bomb abortion clinics, or shoot at them? No one protests "white" people, or suggests they leave the country. My experience has taught me that good, crazy, evil - such people exist in all social brackets, all races, all religions. And, most importantly, you can't "ban Muslims." It's a violation of the U.S. Constitution to discriminate strictly on religious grounds. Immigration is a political issue which is very important and dear to my heart. I work with the immigrant community in my job as a lawyer, representing them. Other Americans have different platforms they consider more important...it is their right. But you asked about MY opinion, and I gave it to you. If you view it as irrational, then so be it. :) It's rational to me. Why don't you tell me why you support Trump? Which policies of his do you like?

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

"I work with the immigrant community in my job as a lawyer, representing them. "

aha...now it all makes sense. yes now it is rational. thank you)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Btw, this work is charitable. If you're trying to imply that I make money off of them as a lawyer, you're 100% wrong. Because my legal representation in every asylum, juvenile or other immigration case I handle is FREE.

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

hehe) good

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Don't cause my blood pressure to rise with all this political chatter! :))) I have just written in the post that this is supposed to be a RELAXING holiday. :)