cripchick’s weblog

With exception to political/advocacy meetings, an occasional noon movie, and coffee with friends, I don’t go out that much. I’m very much a homebody and I’m comfortable staying in.

Today I went to the movies and was amazed at the crowds. In these crowds I saw young people with amputations, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices again and again. People with physical disabilities were everywhere (I can’t even imagine all the other disabilities people probably had.) At first it didn’t hit me, but after the fourth or fifth crip, I realized these were all soldiers who had come back from Iraq over the last two months.

Growing up as an “army brat”, celebrating July 4th was always a big deal for my community (especially since I lived on this base for 18 years, very rare). During the 4th of July week, everyone wore red, white and blue, soldiers were given a break, and we did fun crafts at school. The week was sealed off with a huge festival with big time country music singers, carnival rides, cotton candy, and the biggest firework display you could ever imagine. The celebration crowd chanted about all the silly leftist anti-war people and talked about how they weren’t supporting the troops. People left energized about winning the “war on terrorism”. People left believing the US was perfect, which eventually led to things like hating immigrants and people who do not “appreciate American generosity” or “use what they’ve been given”.

Most times Halmoni and my mom stay(ed) at home and my family would say jokes like “oh you shouldn’t have a green card if you don’t do fireworks!” Even though I didn’t get why they stayed home before, I’m appreciative for this now. I know my grandma and mom do not stay home for political reasons—more of not connecting with the holiday or feeling like it’s theirs, although my mom is very patriotic— but I’m glad to not be the only one who stays home nowdays.

A brillant friend suggested on her blog that we should transform Independence Day into a holiday that celebrates freedom fighters like Justin Dart, Cesar Chavez, Malcolm X, Dr. King, and the many others. I’m definitely down for this…