Originally published on Reddit, a year ago today.

It's the Fourth of July, America's Independence Day. In my town, the fireworks have been cancelled due to coronavirus and crowds, but I'm fine with that.

It's not really about pyrotechnics and parades and politicians. I got patriotism comin' out the blowhole, but it's personal, and there's more to it than fireworks and waving a flag.

This year's Fourth of July seems different — and in a good way. Do you feel it? Sure, we have a brain-dead anti-President in the White House, ignoring countless enormous problems, and doing his damnedest to make things worse. But there are also signs that Americans might drag the USA closer to its ideals.

We've been told that we're all created equal, but the law has always left some of us behind. It's thrilling to see people gathering by the thousands to demand the equality we've been promised.

This spring I've walked with BLM protesters on a couple of afternoons, and it feels like a profoundly patriotic moment. What could be more American than wanting liberty and justice for all?

To everyone on the streets speaking up for that principle, I say Thank you for your service. And to everyone who's opposed, I say cordially, Bite my big one you ugly un-American.

I'm celebrating the 4th with a song we all know, Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," performed by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. This ought to be America's national anthem. You probably know the first verse by heart, but the rest of the lyrics are especially worth hearing, and singing along ...

As I was walking I saw a sign there,

And that sign said "No Trespassing,"

But on the other side it didn't say nothing,

That side was made for you and me.

Nobody living can ever stop me,

As I go walking that freedom highway,

Nobody living can make me turn back now,

This land was made for you and me.

In the squares of the city, in the shadow of the steeple,

Near the relief office I see my people,

And some are grumbling, and all are wondering,

Is this land still made for you and me?

This land is your land, this land is my land,

From California to the New York island,

From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters,

This land was made for you and me.

7/4/2021