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?