the last stanza

July 4th nears. I am wondering what we as a people will really be celebrating in a few years. We watch from our comfortable Lazy-Boys as our independence is either surrendered to or taken by the state. What will come of July 4th in years to come?

There is a cost for freedom - a cost for our individual and collective independence. We for the most part have become a people who had rather trade our birthright for a "free" bowl of lukewarm stew today and worry about the bill later. Let's us give thanks and fill our bellies with that mediocre-institutional-goodness-in-a-can that only government can dish out. It might not taste good or be very filling - but guaranteed will feed everyone. Just add water and serve. It's now a good thing that we can depend on the United State government to take care of us. What's so independent about that? We'll give it all away today and moan about it later.

Let's turn back to Egypt brothers. Egypt might not be our promised land - but at least were fed there. At least we had a place to lay our head there. Let's turn back to Egypt brothers - forget about this freedom. Freedom is hard - with freedom you have to worry.

July 4th, let's try not to think about the sacrifice we are making and will have to make for all this governmental grace. For now let's enjoy our backyard barbecues with with family and friends. When the evening comes, look to the night sky for that brilliant display of fireworks - those bombs bursting in air, the rockets red glare...

happy dependence day.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
-Francis Scott Key