America turns 250 today, although the country doesn’t look a day over 200, if you ask me.
Some Americans celebrate the 4th of July with zero reflection. For them, this holiday is hamburgers and hotdogs, parades, beer, pool parties, baseball, and fireworks. Other Americans, perhaps after too much reflection, say they can’t celebrate the 4th of July. They enjoy the things other Americans enjoy, but they insist, America has a problematic history and an equally problematic present that makes celebration impossible, or at the very least, cringe.
Then there are the Americans who see the good, the bad, and the ugly in the red, white, and blue. I am one of those Americans. I used to believe that the ability to see America simultaneously for it is and what it can be was a sign of intelligence. As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.” Come to think of it, I still believe Fitzgerald was right about the test of a first-rate intelligence thing, but I don’t believe intelligence is a prerequisite for seeing the good, the bad, and the ugly in the red, white, and blue. All you need, to quote the Beatles, is love.
Loving your country exercises the same muscles as loving your partner, or your parents, or you children, or really anyone else in your life. The objects of your affection — people vs. nations — are quite different, but the demands are the same. Love isn’t easy, or blind, it’s hard work. Love is showing up for good days and bad. Love requires the courage to offer constructive criticism one moment and the generosity of spirit to celebrate an imperfect union the next.
How will I celebrate America and our (hopefully) eternal quest for a more perfect union?
As I write this, I’m drinking coffee from Zabars and watching baseball. A good start, if you ask me.
Later, there will be grilled meats and swimming and cannabis gummies, because beer gives this American a headache.
After the sun goes down, there will be fireworks — legal and illegal.
And finally, there will be cake and ice cream, because … well, shit if you need a reason to eat cake and ice cream, I can’t help you.
Happy birthday, America!