Independence Day

By G. E. Shuman

It would simply be wrong of me not to write about Independence Day in a column which appears in a newspaper with a publication date of July 4^th. I hadn’t intended to write such a column this week, but I need to do so. My intention was to write about all the ‘stuff’ we import from other countries; stuff like cars and can openers, and televisions (Does anyone call them televisions anymore?) and tea cups. I was going to call that column something to do with the balance of power. You know, it would be relating how much in sheer weight and value is coming here in exchange for our dollars. But, I’ll probably write that column next week. This week I need to write about Independence Day. I do suppose that that balance of power column could be worked into an Independence Day piece, as we are certainly not as independent of other countries as we once were, or probably should be.

One other thought I had, before I realized that this column would appear in a paper dated July 4^th, was to tell you about a traumatic experience I had just this morning. But, as with the balance of power article, I will save that for another time. Today I need to write about Independence Day. When I do write that column I’ll tell you how a stranger and I saved a baby duckling this morning, from being killed on the highway. It was a terrible thing, as we were too late to save three other ducklings and their mother, from being killed by the traffic. It was also too bad that two other ducklings from the family scurried off into the deep grass, and, likely, into the woods before we could catch them. Hopefully, those two will survive. The good news was that I was able to take the one we saved to my daughter’s home in Williamstown, where she put it in her barn, in a brooding pen, along with the two other ducklings she already has. But, I will tell you all about that, when I do that column. Today I need to write about Independence Day. It is true that the love of life, and it’s protection in freedom was a big part of our country’s fight for independence.

Today is the Fourth of July! It is Independence Day. Firstly, if you don’t know what that means, find your second grade teacher and ask her.  Next, take out the flag, the AMERICAN flag, that rightfully should be hanging from your home every sunny day, and get it put out there. Thirdly, remember our forefathers, who fought for our country’s independence, and gave you the right to fly that flag, and all the other rights we have in this country. Then thank God that, so far, those rights have not been taken from us. You could also thank Him that you also have the right to thank Him in your own way, or not at all. We are also free to buy things from all over the world, and rescue baby ducks. Those forefathers thought of everything. Happy Independence Day! I’ll write the other stories later.