Independence Day

First, go read The Declaration of Independence, especially the part in the beginning about having "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind". Seriously, I'll wait ...

Now, I seem to be repeating myself, lately. This is from something I posted on July 4 a couple of years ago. Because, no matter what anybody tells you, Independence Day is about more than invading other countries because our leaders would rather be political than protect our nation the right way -

I am a patriot and I love my country
Because my country is all I know

And I ain't no communist, and I ain't no capitalist
And I ain't no socialist
and I sure ain't no imperialist
And I ain't no democrat
And I ain't no republican either
And I only know one party
and its name is freedom
I am a patriot

And the river opens for the righteous, someday

Little Steven, I Am A Patriot

Some versions on video. First, Mr. Van Zandt himself, preceded by a great speech about how real patriotism means that you aren't complacent regarding your government. Sadly, it's from 1984, which goes to show how far backwards the Administration has taken us.



And Eddie Vedder, doing it nice and slow, then nice and rough.





What the heck, one more. Michelle Branch, with a nice dedication speech.