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I don't hate the USA. I love it, actually. I don't love its current state. I don't love the wannabe tyrant trying to destroy everything that's good about it. But I love the ideals, a place for all people to pursue their dreams, regardless of who they are, where they come from.

But, I don't love the way we celebrate Independence Day. I don't like that I sit in a crowded park (or parking lot) for fifteen minutes of entertainment, and then have to fight the crowds just to get home. I don't like that the street I live on (and even my own driveway) is covered in detritus because of the fireworks my neighbors shoot off. I don't like how I have to carefully watch my dogs to make sure they don't run off in fear and get hurt. I don't think any of the stress and frustration is worth the ooohs and aaahhs.

I do like neighborhood parades with kids riding their bikes with little American flags attached. I do like hearing "Have a Happy Fourth of July."

Can we do more wholesome celebrations that nearly everybody enjoys to celebrate the birth of our nation, instead of blowing up a part of it?

#Patriot #IndependenceDay

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He was an awesome rapper. @TheConversationUS@newsie.social @histodons@a.gup.pe

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Let us celebrate the birth of our nation by blowing up a small part of it.

#IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly

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For that kind of restraint, you deserve a whole bag of candy. @Chrishallbeck@mastodon.social

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I just learned that a hole drilled in a wooden barrel (to provide access to the contents) is called a bunghole.

And now, I can't stop laughing.

I know, I'm a child: a big ole' man child.

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Animation from Beavis and Butthead showing Beavis with his T-shirt pulled over his head, as he says, "I am the Great Cornholio. I need TP for my bunghole!"

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You either get busy living, or you get busy dying. @Saltssaltgirl@mas.to

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I recently learned I have a heart condition. It's probably genetic; they're not sure exactly what's going on yet, but they know that stress exacerbates the problem. Most of the time, I'm perfectly fine, but if I get overly stressed, my heart doesn't beat quite right.

So, my cardiologist sent me to have some MRIs done to help him determine the most appropriate course of treatment. I'm scheduled to get those MRIs a week from today, and I just got a text about them, informing me that my cost for the MRIs is $350, which I have to prepay.

I don't know about you, but suddenly having a $350 bill due in less than a week is pretty stressful, which is not exactly good for my heart. It's almost like the healthcare system in this country is designed to keep me unhealthy.

#Healthcare #HealthInsurance

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Just a reminder: since birds are a type of dinosaurs, all chicken nuggets are dinosaur nuggets regardless of their shape.

#PSA #TheMoreYouKnow #Dinosaurs #McNuggets #PassItAlong