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

[kremlin-curant.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday America. I don't live in America. I live in Brooklyn, NY, also known as the Kings county. Nothing going on in here.

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

eh well, congrats are in order i guess. Do aliens come on this 4th of july finally?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Absolutely every American town has Fourth of July celebrations. I'm sure there's something in Brooklyn, and definitely there are huge gatherings in NYC. But if you're living in only an immigrant neighborhood filled with Russians, maybe not. :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I would welcome them! :) Maybe they could provide some knowledge and insight, or lighten the mood and frustration created by this depressing political cycle in the USA, which closely resembles a circus, filled with many clowns.

[kremlin-curant.livejournal.com]

Alas. Nothing going on. But it is not 4 July yet.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Celebrations will be on Monday! You should partake, and watch vibrant fireworks light up the night sky - improves the mood and it's romantic. :)

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

Why do you hate Trump Shannon? Why?

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

not russians. jews

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Are you serious? There are many reasons: (1) his whole campaign is built on fear; (2) he wants to build walls, and I never wish to live in a country surrounded by walls; (3) he is an idiot, with rhetoric that appeals to people who most likely have never even met a Muslim, taken the time to speak to one, or left their home State; (4) he makes statements that are blatant lies. Have you ever watched one of his town halls, and seen the segment of the population who supports him, and the questions they ask? If not, I suggest you journey to YouTube or do a google search. This will explain everything. One final point - he is a hypocrite, and this is a vile human trait.

[beloborodoff.livejournal.com]

I am always wandering about USA independence. If you stay in Britan may be it was better ? Canada, Australia for example. Is there some people in USA who talk about this ?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Why would it be better? I don't know people who talk about such issues, except Texans. And it has nothing to do with Britain, but the desire to secede.

[moskitow.livejournal.com]

Happy 4th of July!
I like this holiday a lot - summer, freedom, fireworks, barbecue, what could be better?
We are going camping right after the holiday, so I'm very excited to get away from all the craziness of the city. Going to Adirondack with kayaks! Lots of fun!
Have a nice holiday and good time with your family :)

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

>Have you ever watched one of his town halls, and seen the segment of the population who supports him, and the questions they ask?

O man. It sounds almost like racist. You think if those people don't have good education, right social status and maybe you think they're not smart enough to have their own opinion and to vote and to be voted? I'm shocked!


I personally think all woman don't smart enough to be elected and most of them don't deserve even the right to vote. Yes, I'm bad. But do you think you're better?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I didn't say they couldn't have their own opinion, or vote for the candidate that best suits them. The reader asked why I dislike Trump, and I shared the reasons. And, yes, people who speak about "those" Muslims, Mexicans and foreigners without ever taking the time to speak to one have no foundation for their opinions. And there is no excuse that they can't find such people, because they exist almost everywhere in the USA. All that is required in the ambition to get your ass off the couch, or out of the house, and make an effort to meet them, or attend one of their cultural events. If your opinions are the same thereafter, then at least they are based on some personal experience and insight, and I will respect them, despite the fact they differ from my own. And your edited comment about the intelligence of women isn't even worthy of a response. :))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a great holiday! I also like it. Have fun camping!

[svinka-norushka.livejournal.com]

I love celebration 4 th of July : it's sweet summer time, good life, friendly people . I wish people in every country would have such blessing as we have hear .

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

You didn't sound respectful. You said - just look at them and you'll understand everything. What's wrong with them?

[beloborodoff.livejournal.com]

I say "it would be better". Just compare Cananda and USA. There is many bad and unsusual things in USA. Crazy gun policy, good medicine only for rich, word socialisme sounds like fascism, almost no public tansport. All this attributed to 200 years rule of oligarchy. In 1776 they was a rich plantators with "desire to secede". Americans say - "We have freedom !". Same freedom have all first word countries.

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

Hmm but Shannon your response is less than rational. For example Trump is anti-muslim, you are pro-muslim. Recently a muslim killed 50 people. Dont you feel that there is something wrong with your position and perhaps something right with his?

[procurator0.livejournal.com]

they are not self-haters lol, thats whats wrong with 'em

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

>And your edited comment about the intelligence of women isn't even worthy of a response. :))

Look, you don't like Trump personally and you don't like all the people who like him. You don't say why - you just said just look at them and you'll understand. As I can see you consider them as pretty stupid human beings. Now let's look at me. I don't like Clinton personally and I think most of women, not you of course, don't smart enough to be elected. And now, tell we what's the difference between us?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Why do you think good medicine is "only for the rich?" Everyone I know has health insurance through their work, and even if you don't, there are places to get free testing or annual checkups. I don't know about men, but for women there is Planned Parenthood where you get free mammograms, free gyno visits, many other doctors offer charitable medical care. It's true medicine is not free here, and that you pay for monthly insurance. But I would not say medicine is "only for the rich."

[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?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Well, first - why do you think women are so stupid? Many high power nations have female leaders. Perhaps you just have not surrounded yourself with the right female company? And I didn't say I don't like ALL people who support Trump. Even some of my friends and family members support him...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, friendly, open people. I think this is one of America's greatest strengths. :) Enjoy the weekend!