Independence??? It pretty much depends upon your point of view, doesn't it? Though 'born in the USA' I can't say I feel any pride whatsoever at these faux-patriot picnic parties.

Democracy having gone pretty far a field, and haywire at that, we don't "do" 4th of July, beyond enjoying places often crowded in summer that are deserted on the 4th.

So today it will be out for a hike, eating some tasty food, watching an Almodavar film w/popcorn and a few cold ones, and avoiding Americans celebrating the destruction of North America.

BTW, fireworks and making pointless road trips aren't exactly environmentally friendly. Are we just supposed to ignore those facts, in order to party guilt free, hmmm???