Sunday, 4 July 2010

4th July


Happy Independence Day, you guys over there!

I'm not into nationalism of any stripe, but I am very much in favour of independence - intellectual, political and social. I offer this famous poem, by a bloke who was in no way in favour of colonial independence, but who had some good things to say about individual integrity. Best read stripped of its Edwardian context, I think.
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5 comments:

  1. Craig Sorensen4 July 2010 at 10:37

    Thanks Janine.

    I'm not the nationalistic type either. I'm not the guy with flag hanging from the front of his porch.

    I definitely appreciate independence of thought and spirit, which is enough reason to celebrate today, eh?

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  2. Janine Ashbless4 July 2010 at 13:19

    And I'd celebrate the 1st Amendment - now that's a beacon to the whole world. Especially given the time it was written in.

    Have a great day, Craig!

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  3. Craig Sorensen4 July 2010 at 14:56

    Hear, hear!

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  4. Emerald4 July 2010 at 23:19

    What an incredible poem. Wow. Thank you.

    I hear you about nationalism. A quote I deeply appreciate is, "All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers. Each owes infinitely more to the human race than to the particular country in which he was born." -Francois Fenelon

    (Of course, I would prefer if the quote were gender-inclusive.)

    Anyway, nationalism aside, here's to freedom. :) Oh, and fabulous picture!!

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  5. Janine Ashbless5 July 2010 at 09:44

    Oh, good quote Emerald! Thanks!

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