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2 Jul

Independence Day Weekend: Read Some History?

Posted July 2, 2011 by Julia Carlisle in Vermont.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

As a  neighbor commented after dealing with the mad, crazy, bumper-to-bumper traffic on Route 4 and the packed Mac’s parking lot Friday afternoon, “If we think of it as a $400 a night vacation, we who live here, it gets us in the right mindset!”  Sort of. Still, weather looks to be good for the rest of the weekend, according to the NWS (National Weather Service).

You can start your parade and BBQ’n any time now. Strawberry Supper up in Pomfret tonight. Tomorrow, Sunday, July 3rd fireworks in Brownsville and the Reading parade. Then, here in Woodstock on Monday, July 4th, fireworks begin at dusk behind Woodstock Union High School. One of the fun perks to try out just for the novelty of it, ICE skating at Union Arena — cost practically nothing —  beforehand.

For my Fourth of July weekend, I’m reading some history. A dramatic read by David Howard about the search for a lost original copy of the Bill of Rights. I am — not proudly —  like many Americans, not as well versed as I might be in our national past. Sure, I love a good ‘ole down-home  BBQ like everyone else (and will attend one)  but this weekend might give us a moment to consider what we have and why. Why is it that we get to speak out about things that are important to us, hopefully without fear of reprisal, while other people in other nations do not? And, as we go into a 2012 Presidential Election cycle, will we hold our candidates feet to the fire with their interpretations of history? To say it doesn’t matter is wrong. Candidates can still be “down home” and appeal to “the people” without getting their facts wrong. It matters.

I have much to learn about the events and reasons that led us to this celebratory weekend. How about you?

One response to this post.

  1. joby thompson's avatar

    Posted by joby thompson on July 2, 2011 at 09:12

    Well said Julia. Happy studying. Have you read Howard Zinn’s “A Peoples History of the United States,” Save yourself time and check it out if you haven’t already. I believe that’s where you’ll get the ‘true story”

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