The United States was built on a big idea of liberty, but we sure have had a hard time figuring out what that actually means and who exactly is entitled to its benefits. It seems to be an ongoing struggle- especially in the name of fear. Here in my town, Pennsylvania Avenue and E Street are closed near "the People's House." We can't wander in and out of public buildings or eat lunch in the various department cafeterias anymore unless we have government business to conduct and run the gamut of security checks. (Remember when the National Aquarium was holed up in the Department of Commerce? ) I haven't gone downtown for the July 4th holiday since the snow fence corrals went up.
But out here in the sticks, near the Potomac River, the District of Columbia runs a hometown parade that is free for anyone to watch or march in. It's an equal opportunity situation for firetrucks, horses and Radio Flyer wagons. Prizes are given with creativity preferred over politics athough we get a lot of both.
The parade starts near the Safeway on MacArthur at 11 a.m. and winds down the Boulevard to Edmunds Place before dumping into Palisades Park for the prize giving announcements and a party featuring free libations and frivolity. Be on the lookout for lemonade, watermelon, and hotdogs with mustard, justice and liberty for all.
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