Independence of the Individual

Basking in the Dusk of Independence Day

Individuals, in rows, but separate

Just can’t let go of that Independence Day buzz, dear reader.  We spent time watching and hearing all the fireworks, those symbols of rebellion, and appreciating the fireworks of those ex-colonists, who thumbed their noses at the world’s largest military force of the day. 

But the thought keeps nagging me that Americans today are cut from a different cloth than the Americans of the 1770′s and 1780′s.  Just like those plants in the photo above, the *old* Americans were individuals,  and they survived, or perished, based pretty much on how they behaved, and how they performed.  Us *new* Americans, or perhaps more correctly stated, us citizens of the United State, are infested with group think.  What will that cabbage in the next row think if I ________ (fill in the blank).  Will they call *Cabbageland Security*? and anonymously intiate a dawn raid upon me?  And what are those noisy Broccoli plants up to?  Do they always have to grow so noisily?  Perhaps the Broccoli Police ought to come out and have a little chat with them.

Milton, Are You Crazy?

Vegetables do not call vegetable versions of home land security, or the sheriff on each other.  And Americans do not do that either.  Citizens of the Untied State (cotus), well; that is something different isn’t it?  Cotus’es are being trained as group-think scared of their shadow wusses, to spy on their neighbors, and call the *authorities* when they observe something suspicious.  Note the monitors at the local Wal-Mart, withvideo starring home land czar Janet (Waco killer) Reno.

Now what would an American of the 1780′s do? 

Does the term *mind your own business* fit in?  How about * Do you need a hand with that?*

Tomatoes are coming along

So, as you ponder the challenges of every day life, consider how YOU will make a difference.  Will you make an anonymous phone call, or will you get to know your neighbor, and pitch in?  Will you work independently to solve problems, at the absolute lowest local level possible, or submit cotus-like information into a nation wide database to be used against other individuals that you never took the time to meet, or greet?  Do you fear people that are a little different than you, or welcome the opportunity to learn from them?

 

I think the Americans of the 1780′s have much to teach us, and it might (just) start with our own individual independence.

 

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