For the First Time in my Nearly 79 Years, I Will not be Celebrating the Fourth of July
Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart
The place in which I reside on this day July 2, 2024, is not
the United States of America. You can call it “Trumpland,” the “Fascist and
Disunited States of America,” or any other name which is accurate and truthful.
Whatever that name might be, it has no resemblance to the America I loved in my
early years.
I grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Patriotism was absolute.
Our brave men and women had recently defeated the spread of fascism. The most
evil man in world history was dead and his army defeated. After Harry Truman
made the controversial decision to use nuclear weapons against the men, women,
and children in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese Emperor begged the
alliance to accept his surrender. Every American celebrated the end of WWII for
the days, weeks, and months which followed.
No one is celebrating America today. Instead of patriotism,
there are historical protests against our illegitimate president and his
fascist army.
Even Trump’s most ardent supporters are standing silently
by, waiting to see the results of Trump’s destructive actions, and refusal to
keep his campaign promises.
The Fourth of July was my second favorite holiday as I experienced
what it meant to live in the most respected nation in the world. Part of it was
personal, My birthday is on the 7th. I celebrated all four days
beginning with Independence Day.
This year I have nothing to celebrate. I despise every man
and woman in Washington for their failures to offer the truth about Trump’s
illegitimate presidencies and allow him to destroy the best things about
America. As for my birthday, celebrating the fact that I survived 79 years
seems ludicrous and improbable.
I smoked cigarettes from the age of 15 until I was 53 years
old. I don’t drink to excess, but I continue to enjoy Scotch whiskey every
afternoon. I am not as interested in the healthy aspects of the food I eat,
only the taste and enjoyment it offers. Most importantly, the country I loved
no longer exists.
Op-ed by James Turnage
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