Today is the fourth of July.  I don’t like fireworks, barbeques, or sports (gasp!).  However, I have my own idea of a great, festive way to spend the day.

In our household, it is traditional to make blueberry pancakes with raspberry sauce, a red-white-and-blue way to start the day.  However, the temperatures are going to go in the triple digits today, so we are opting for a straweberry, banana, and blueberry smoothie instead.  It looks a lot more festive before it is blended, so that is the time to photograph.

Since today is celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I think it would fitting to read it.  I also plan to listen to a current political speech because part of being a good citizen is keeping up with the issues facing our nation and world.  I think Howard Zinn is a good choice because he talks about history and it’s influence on us today.  He was a history professor that didn’t want to live in the past, but take an active part in making history.  As a speaker he is subdued but powerful, humourous and poignant, and very well-spoken.  I always enjoy talks by him.

I think the fourth is also a good excuse to get involved in something.  There are so many political issues out there that I can’t keep up with them all.  I feel very strongly about reproductive rights, soil quality, prisoner’s rights, sustainable farming, access to education, and any number of issues.  However, I work, I cook, I clean, I spend time with family, I take care of plants, and that is about all I have time for usually.  That doesn’t mean I cannot get involved though.  Though many issues are important to me, I think I could choose one to focus on.  I can keep up with legislation and news on that issue, and work towards bring my views into a reality.  In this way I am actively taking part in the polical process, bring positive change, and doing something worthwhile with my time.  This should be very manageable.  So on this fourth of July, why not figure out what issue is most important to you?  Then donate your time, energy, and money to bringing a little more positive change to our country.  It is grassroots involvement directly from the people which makes a country great.

There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.”
— Ralph Nader

Turn on to politics, or politics will turn on you.
— Ralph Nader