A spirit of rebellion

I've been thinking a lot about our typical, nationwide Fourth of July celebrations, even as I myself dutifully prepare for our usual barbecue and local fireworks display. I guess I'm wondering if we as a citizenry truly understand the meaning of what it is we're commemorating with our rote, annual rituals - and if this year, perhaps, we ought to give a tad more thought to the ideals and spirit of that brilliant obstetric team that brought America into the world.

We've come to observe July 4th as a day of "renewing our vows," as it were, of "re-enlisting," of re-pledging our allegiance to our flag, our Constitution, our President. It's a moment when we, with an overly-casual sense of entitlement, reflect fondly on our triumphs as a nation, both socially and militarily, basking in the multi-hued glow of our metaphorical "bombs bursting in air." Much of that is as it should be, for as a nation we have accomplished some genuinely great things, and should take pride in our loyalty to the finest potential system of government on the planet.

But I worry in our current age if we remember that that first Fourth of July, 230 years ago, was about rebellion. About revolution. About overthrowing a government that had callously forgotten to take care of its people.

And do we remember that the originators of America's birthday were individuals who believed fervently in education and fact? In intelligent, independent thought? In science and discovery? These were individuals who recognized the importance of faith - and the importance of keeping faith out of civil legislation. Individuals who believed in the open and honest exchange of information. In a free and unfettered press. In the right to speak out without fear of reprisal.

Individuals who believed in keeping a sharp and critical eye on government, and on those who crave power.

So it occurs to me that, in addition to the array of cliche cookouts and oversize bottle rockets, we should all do something in remembrance of that original spirit of rebellion against an intolerable government. Something which in and of itself symbolizes the marvelous freedoms and complexities of American democracy, and expresses our loyalty to the fundamental tenets of our most sacred national documents.

We should, literally or symbolically, burn a flag.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't say that flippantly - in fact, it's a thought that generates a considerable amount of heated debate within the corridors of my own mind, and is guaranteed to make several of my closest relatives disown me outright. I certainly don't mean to suggest drunken acts of wanton, empty-headed, anarchistic vandalism with Uncle Albert's Zippo. Because this is an act that can only be undertaken in the most serious of circumstances, with a somber, sincere devotion to country.

And those of you with nylon flags? Well... sorry. You'll have to find an appropriate substitute. I discovered that publicly burning nylon products is toxic, environmentally unsound - and, therefore, illegal. Interestingly, the proper means of "retiring" a worn and tattered nylon flag is to deliver it to the Girl Scouts of America, who apparently have the proper connections.

But I am talking about a respectful and thoughtful immolation as an act of intellectual protest, one which not only signifies the unique degree of freedom we still enjoy as Americans, but also captures the original, rebellious meaning of this date in our history.

The U.S. Flag Code specifies that:

Sec. 8 (k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

As I've noted at this site repeatedly, after five and a half years under the reign of George Bush and his minions - not to mention 12 consecutive years of Republican Congressional domination - the democratic ideals that used to be symbolized by the Stars and Stripes have been sullied almost beyond recognition. In that sense, the flag truly has been reduced to a "condition that... is no longer fitting for public display," and as such, should be laid to rest in an honorable and dignified manner.

At least until someone comes along who is genuinely interested in serving and protecting the Constitution and the people of the United States.

A poll conducted recently in the UK revealed that even the British, our genetic cousins and bestest buddies in the whole world, have come to see America as "a vulgar, crime-ridden society obsessed with money and led by an incompetent president." I wrote yesterday about the scathing view of the U.S. which is solidifying beyond repair in the Islamic community, as an end result of this Administration's imperialistic foreign policy.

And a global poll released in mid-June showed that depressingly high percentages of the world's citizens view America as the greatest threat to world peace. When we consider that less than five years ago the U.S. enjoyed virtually unanimous global sympathy and support, these attitudes are an almost unfathomable indication of how the reputation, the image, the emblem of America has been disgraced by the Ruling Party in Washington.

So go ahead - have that barbecue. "Oooh" and "Ahhh" at those fireworks. But remember the fierce intelligence and rebellious spirit of those individuals who made this holiday possible in the first place. If we truly love our flag and the tenets of democracy it represents, then we cannot help but deplore the things it has come to symbolize, or recognize that it has been egregiously soiled by those hypocrites who've dragged it through the muck of Conservatism since 1994. It is, in a very real sense, then, our patriotic duty to honorably lay that banner to rest. With dignity. With respect. With love.

And with gratitude for all the years it's so nobly hung on despite a withering assault against "the Republic for which it stands" by those who've shamefully prostituted our flag for petty, personal, political gain.

Join me today, with hand over heart - and matchbook at the ready. Join me in the one, single act that encapsulates the magnificent extent of our freedoms as envisioned by the architects of America. Join me in pro-actively displaying the precious right of free expression, and in honoring those who've fought and died for what our flag is supposed to represent. Join me, before that right, too, is taken away in the interest of "national security" by a government drunk with dictatorial power.

Maybe it's just me - but I have a feeling the Founders would be proud if you do.