Independence Day, 2008
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. – Thomas Jefferson
Today in 1776, Americans declared their independence and became a brand new nation. And now, 232 years later, we can sit here and blog about it! Hey, is that freedom, or what?
For some strange reason, this year I’m reminded of a scene from the movie Independence Day. (Gee, could it be because we just recently watched Will Smith and the gang whip alien butt yet again, for the umpteenth time?)
If you’ve seen the movie then you know the scene – it’s the one where the U.S. President (Bill Pullman) makes a rousing speech to the pilots as they are about to launch a last-ditch attack on the giant alien spacecraft bearing down on them:
Perhaps it’s fate that today, July the Fourth, we will once again fight for our freedom. Not from tyranny, persecution or oppression, but from annihilation. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist. From this day on, the fourth day of July will no longer be remembered as an American holiday, but as the day that all mankind declared, “We will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight. We will live on. We will survive.”
(From the IMDB trivia page: Oddly enough, the last sentence in that scene (“From this day on…”) wasn’t in the original script but added at the last minute, partially to help 20th Century Fox earn the right to use the title “Independence Day.” Apparently, there were a few copyright issues. They were all resolved prior to its release.)
As I thought about this plot line, though (aliens vs. Earth), I found myself wondering, Why do these guys even bother? I mean c’mon, how many times have aliens fruitlessly attacked the Earth? Hundreds, if not thousands of times, right? Man, what a waste of time! I mean, everybody knows you can’t beat Earthlings!
Um… yeah.
OK, I realize it’s a fairly hokey, not to mention painfully predictable, movie. (So what? It was entertaining, and that’s pretty much all I ask for from a movie.) Nevertheless, I particularly liked that speech above. Oh, not specifically because of the words he used. Like I said, it’s just a movie; as far as I know, there don’t happen to be hordes of remorseless aliens in an enormous spaceship preparing to invade the Earth at this time.
No, it’s just that once again, I’m reminded of a universal truth – that freedom isn’t free. There’s a cost – in many cases great personal cost – to those willing to put everything on the line for what they believe in.
History is replete with these heroic figures. Individuals, groups, and even whole peoples, who finally decided it was time to throw off the chains of tyranny and simply be free.
It isn’t easy. It isn’t cheap. It most certainly isn’t free. But it’s available – for all who want it.
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Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Moving thoughts for July 4 – nice job, Robert. I’m a second/third-generation American whose family came here to escape horrible oppression. As a child I remember being vaguely disturbed by a tattoo my great aunt had on her wrist. It was given to her in a concentration camp. I sure do feel thankful to live here.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Happy Birthday
Robert, you’re absolutely right. This year, as has been the case for a few years now, we all know that there is nothing free about freedom. We can question whether or not our government should have involved us in a war in Iraq, but the bottom line is that America has chosen to put its soldiers on the line in pursuit, at least in part, of freedom for other people.
The cost of freedom is sadly so often paid, in loss and grief. Despite these sombre thoughts, a happy July 4 to everybody.
Jacob Angels last blog post..Life Outside of Work
@Brad – Thanks, Bud! Yep; sitting here in my comfortable chair, tapping keys on the ol’ keyboard, speakin’ my mind as easy as you please – well, it’s sometimes easy to forget the price that’s been paid for that freedom.
May we never forget!
@Jacob – You said it, my friend! Let’s remember the price that was paid for our own freedom – and that someone thought it worth the price!
Robert,
there will be a big Indenpendence Day party near the Brandenburg Gate today and I look forward to go there with a friend. Having met such nice people from the States via the Web (you’re definitely one of them) has changed my relationship to your country. It’s much more personal now, and not so much influenced by the “high politics”.
Ulla
Ullas last blog post..Bavaria Series #8 Bavarian Inns
Ulla, I’m totally honored for you to say that. Hope you have a great time – I remember a July 4th celebration I spent years ago with some U.S. Expats in Holland once. We had a total, er, blast!
What you say touches me, and I’m glad to have been a part of a bridge that’s now built between us. Reminds me of exactly what I was talking about in last year’s Age of Conversation book. If you’d like, you can click here to read my chapter.