Oh, Laura, what a great piece of writing (supported with on the spot video). You know, I grew up in Washington, going to see the cherry blossoms, demonstrations on the Mall, Smithsonian Folklife Festivals, all the museums, fireworks on the 4th, all of that and to see it laid low like this is kind of heart breaking.
But your reporting is so good and so vivid, and so honest, that I feel like I was right there with you. Your point of view and your voice are so unique, your vision so clear, that it is just a delight. Keep at it, I am in awe.
As a prolific slashfic writer, the "b-but flag-chan! We shouldn't!" got a serious laugh out of me. Probably more importantly though: Jee. Zus. Christ. Thank you so much for sloughing your way through an event that would have both spiritually and probably literally killed me. You absolute journalist and lunatic.
I live in Frederick,MD and DC has been my favorite city my whole life. New York is amazing, but DC is vital, and old, and granite. I cant describe how much the mall and the museums are integral to my childhood, we were poor and the museums were free. My father's vacation we would drive in to shady grove every day and see a differant 2 museums. I could not wait to give that to my children. And the city is not the same with that man and that mentality. Its not the city I fell in love with. I hope in 2 years, I can bring my daughters, and the city will feel alive again.
Without considering the dates, I booked an Alaska cruise that included the 4th. Given my current mood, I wasn't worried about not celebrating, but it tuned out to be a lucky break. After a scenic railroad trip in the morning, I found myself in downtown Skagway, AK at the start of the egg toss. As wholesome Americana as you can get. At least three dozen pairs of contestants. The winning throw was over 30'. That was followed by many tug of war battles involving kids and adults and all manner of mixed teams. Americans are still wonderful people. Later, on the ship, there was a patriotic music show and sing-along featuring every musician on the ship. And because this is the way the cruise industry works, not a single musician was American. I'd written off the 4th this year and mine turned out quite nice.
Without considering the dates, I booked an Alaska cruise that included the 4th. Given my current mood, I wasn't worried about not celebrating, but it tuned out to be a lucky break. After a scenic railroad trip in the morning, I found myself in downtown Skagway, AK at the start of the egg toss. As wholesome Americana as you can get. At least three dozen pairs of contestants. The winning throw was over 30'. That was followed by many tug of war battles involving kids and adults and all manner of mixed teams. Americans are still wonderful people. Later, on the ship, there was a patriotic music show and sing-along featuring every musician on the ship. And because this is the way the cruise industry works, not a single musician was American. I'd written off the 4th this year and mine turned out quite nice.
I just spent around an hour trying to find where and when Washington said, "The future of this nation depends on the christian training of our youth." Historians from Mount Vernon say there's no evidence they he said or wrote this.
In fact, his religious expressions often contradicted previous statements.
It makes sense, too, that the founders had complicated views of the church. From 1534 to the present day, the Kung of England is the head of the Anglican Church.
I can’t tell you how proud I am that Oregon got the Fuck You award. Free Beaver.
It was stiff competition too--I really thought Connecticut would take it but that clothespinned Columbia bag clinched it
Be a coyote.
Oh, Laura, what a great piece of writing (supported with on the spot video). You know, I grew up in Washington, going to see the cherry blossoms, demonstrations on the Mall, Smithsonian Folklife Festivals, all the museums, fireworks on the 4th, all of that and to see it laid low like this is kind of heart breaking.
But your reporting is so good and so vivid, and so honest, that I feel like I was right there with you. Your point of view and your voice are so unique, your vision so clear, that it is just a delight. Keep at it, I am in awe.
As a prolific slashfic writer, the "b-but flag-chan! We shouldn't!" got a serious laugh out of me. Probably more importantly though: Jee. Zus. Christ. Thank you so much for sloughing your way through an event that would have both spiritually and probably literally killed me. You absolute journalist and lunatic.
Thank you for your service.
THREE WORD CHANT! THREE WORD CHANT! THREE WORD CHANT!
I live in Frederick,MD and DC has been my favorite city my whole life. New York is amazing, but DC is vital, and old, and granite. I cant describe how much the mall and the museums are integral to my childhood, we were poor and the museums were free. My father's vacation we would drive in to shady grove every day and see a differant 2 museums. I could not wait to give that to my children. And the city is not the same with that man and that mentality. Its not the city I fell in love with. I hope in 2 years, I can bring my daughters, and the city will feel alive again.
Really awesome piece of writing Laura, thank you.
https://classautonomy.info/the-wet-and-wild-freedom-day-catastrophe/
Proud to claim you as a family member, Laura. You write so well. Rain check (No pun intended) for a hug when you come up here for a visit.
Nicely written. FYI that you spelled Perdue wrong.
Thank you!! Fixed
Wow, terrific writing as usual.
Without considering the dates, I booked an Alaska cruise that included the 4th. Given my current mood, I wasn't worried about not celebrating, but it tuned out to be a lucky break. After a scenic railroad trip in the morning, I found myself in downtown Skagway, AK at the start of the egg toss. As wholesome Americana as you can get. At least three dozen pairs of contestants. The winning throw was over 30'. That was followed by many tug of war battles involving kids and adults and all manner of mixed teams. Americans are still wonderful people. Later, on the ship, there was a patriotic music show and sing-along featuring every musician on the ship. And because this is the way the cruise industry works, not a single musician was American. I'd written off the 4th this year and mine turned out quite nice.
Wow, terrific writing as usual.
Without considering the dates, I booked an Alaska cruise that included the 4th. Given my current mood, I wasn't worried about not celebrating, but it tuned out to be a lucky break. After a scenic railroad trip in the morning, I found myself in downtown Skagway, AK at the start of the egg toss. As wholesome Americana as you can get. At least three dozen pairs of contestants. The winning throw was over 30'. That was followed by many tug of war battles involving kids and adults and all manner of mixed teams. Americans are still wonderful people. Later, on the ship, there was a patriotic music show and sing-along featuring every musician on the ship. And because this is the way the cruise industry works, not a single musician was American. I'd written off the 4th this year and mine turned out quite nice.
I just spent around an hour trying to find where and when Washington said, "The future of this nation depends on the christian training of our youth." Historians from Mount Vernon say there's no evidence they he said or wrote this.
In fact, his religious expressions often contradicted previous statements.
https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/george-washington-and-religion
It makes sense, too, that the founders had complicated views of the church. From 1534 to the present day, the Kung of England is the head of the Anglican Church.