patriotic obligations?

[cellio]

As usual, I did not go down to the Point to watch the fireworks tonight. I'm not a big-enough fan of fireworks to be interested in contending with traffic, sitting on the ground (or shlepping a chair a long way and then trying to carve out enough space to open it), crowds, loud rock music from WDVE, and the weather.

I considered the idea that perhaps this year there is a quasi-obligation to gather and celebrate Independence Day -- sort of to thumb our collective noses at violent fanatics who'd like to deny us our freedom. I couldn't quite convince myself that my presence would really do anything positive, though, so I didn't. I haven't yet figured out if this means I'm lazy, fatalistic, insufficiently willing to stand up and be counted, or all of the above.

Comments

Being counted

[lefkowitzga.livejournal.com]

Would acting merely from obligation count as 'doing anything positive?'

It seems as if you are equating thumbing your nose at violent fanatics to being crowded in an uncomfortable situation. Do you really want to trigger guilt over that?

Here's a thought : your efforts to re-establish a working computer system (technology and communication) are your 'thumb your nose effort' this year.

Alternatively, if you felt the need to gather publicly to celebrate the holiday, there were other, less-crowded and loud venues to watch fireworks. A bunch of people ended up at Fianna and Kieran's party and watched the fireworks from Stanton Hts.

If you really feel the need to do something to express your patriotism, there are probably plenty of venues you can find.