Commentary: Old Glory, "triggers," and fireworks...

[mijan]

NOTE:  This is not aimed at my f-list.  It's not aimed at anyone in particular.  This is some venting at the general population that I need to get off my chest.

So the 4th of July is coming up.  I know a lot of you folks on my f-list are Americans.  So am I.  Hell, I'm an American veteran.  Bully for me, right?  I've got some sort of quasi-

Comments

[seticat]

I'm a veteran [enlisted Army medical corps]. I'm patriotic. I'm a Pagan. And the cats and I are going to be freaking out on a semi-regular basis for the next few days. I don't mind fireworks when I know they're there, but the suprises absolutely suck.

[mijan]

Yay for other Pagan troops! *sends hugs*

I started enlisted in the Chemical Corps (although I'd wanted to be a medic - but they offered me a huge bonus to go Chemical), and got my commission after about three years.

Yeah, the surprises get me. Or the long, drawn-out sets of explosions. I mean, if it's a professional display, I'm EXPECTING it, and I can SEE that they're not bombs. But when I hear it echoing around my house... yeah, not so much fun. Good luck to you and your cats.

[paganitician]

"This year, when you pack a picnic lunch and go down to see the fireworks display... think about what I said. Just spend a couple of minutes thinking about the difference between patriotism and false-patriotism. Ask yourself what sort of country you want for the future

[mijan]

If you actually stop to think about what you want for your country and its future, then I think you're one of the rare ones. Thank you for that.

I don't know why people set off fireworks in residential neighborhoods either, but they do. *sigh*

[liamgolucky]

*hug*

[mijan]

*hugs back*

[liamgolucky]

Also, aren't fireworks illegal in your state?

[mijan]

Nope.

[sylk]

You don't know me - I wandered in sometime back and liked what you write enough to stick around and read - but I wanted you to know that this touched me. I have a world of respect for the people who serve, both in my family and out of it, especially with the knowledge that what they do is so valuable and something I'm so incredibly not suited to do.

I realize 'thank you' is cheap and means much less than actions, but on the Internet words are most of what I have. Instead of saying thank you, though, I will say that I will take what you've said to heart and do my part, however small, to not let things slip away through complacency.

I hope that, to the extent that it's possible, that you have a peaceful 4th without too many memories you'd rather avoid.

[mijan]

I appreciate that. Seriously. Thank you.

And I'm glad you wandered by. Found me because of my fanfiction? Or my social commentaries?

[sylk]

Fanfiction. Although the commentaries are interesting and I read them too, but originally it was the fanfiction (And All The King's Men). I am a sucker for good Star Trek fic that explores relationship dynamics without it necessarily being a romantic relationship.

[mijan]

I'm a sucker for good Trek fic that delves into non-romance relationship dynamics, too. It's by far my favorite genre, and I can never seem to find enough of it. I'm glad you made your way over to my little corner of LJ. :)

[lurkitty]

Another wonderful post

[mijan]

I've just been full of thinky-posts lately, huh? Every so often, there's more going on in my head than just fanfiction. ;)

Yeah, it drives me nuts when the people who THINK they're being the most patriotic are the ones abusing the flag.

Gah, the noisemakers. Seriously, I understand sending up fireworks that just make a popping noise as they burst into a pretty display of sparks and color, but the noisemakers are evil.

I hope your Independence Day passes peacefully.