This 4th of July

On this 4Th of July, I would like to spout off a bit.

1. I live in an integrated neighborhood. Right now, the racial mix is about even split between Black and white, with "the rest" comprised of Asians, Africans, and "Middle East" Asians.
2. In my neighborhood, there are a high number of military families (because I live near a military base) and a high number of families that make their living from the military and other government facilities near by.
3. In my immediate neighborhood, meaning my development, there was one flag flying on flag day. I made a quick run to get some things for the grill and I noticed that there is only one flag flying today. It's flying in front of the home of an Asian family who owns a Chinese food take out about 1.5 miles from here.
4. Blacks -- in this context this means Black Americans -- have taken part in every armed conflict this country has participated. Our ancestors fought for and died for this country. As such, I refuse to stand by and let ANYONE of ANY POLITICAL stripe, "left" or "right", say that Blacks are not a part of this country, that Blacks are not in the mainstream of this country, or that Blacks, by default, have to "prove" they are patriotic.
5. This country is our home. We have made a HUGE investment in our country. I refuse to cede my claim to this country. Even though we have not always been treated rightly or fairly, this is still our country.
6. This is my country. This is your land. This is MY land. From California.... yada yada yada. My family has staked our claim. I'm mining my part of the claim for all that it is worth. I appreciate that I have the freedom to do with my life as I please.

On this 4Th of July, as always not just on a single day, I appreciate those in the armed services who are doing their jobs near and far.

And for those of you who still don't get my point about being Black in this country and not having our patriotism questioned, here's more for you to read.

God Bless America.