Today is the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and that’s the only birthday that really counts today. (Ok, maybe someone out there reading this has a special day and I say, Happy Birthday to you!)
But let’s not forget the reason we needed to form a national army in the first place. The American Revolutionary War had started just two months prior. The colonies were divided on whether to seek independence from England or just to be more diplomatic. I mean it took Canada over 100 years to get their independence from the United Kingdom.
There’s even been some people who say it was actually the first Civil War as many still saw themselves as British even though they had been born in the colonies. It was common to have militia groups working in tandem with the Army to fight the British. But the Army itself was the major force even though some shady ways was done to increase its numbers. Even George Washington and other leaders managed to drum up some crazy laws that they claimed people violated in order to get them to join.
Yet, America gained its independence from the British empire. And on this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the American Flag design which has changed some over the years. But both the Flag and the Army mean a lot to people.
And one of those things is that America, in theory, is a democracy. Now, I can go on and on about how difficult it has been to become that even to this day as only white land owners were at one time allowed to vote. The main thing has always been checks and balances and that one entity would never have absolute power and autonomy to do whatever they wanted.
Some might say protesting this Presidential administration is un-American, but the irony is lost on them. The Presidency is at most a temporary job that acts more like the spokesperson for the country. These policies on immigration aren’t coming from the President himself but the bigots around him. And yes, he is a racist himself. But he is also possibly as mad as King George.
A military parade isn’t needed especially since it’s costing up to $50 million. That’s money that can be used to help veterans. Instead, we’re seeing military having to sleep on concrete floors in California because the proper arrangements weren’t made. I once heard it takes a dozen soldiers for one infantryman in combat. We can do more for our military than what we’re doing.
And our administration using this milestone to make the President happy because it’s his birthday too just shows you they don’t care whatsoever.
I’m glad to see all the people out peacefully protesting with the No Kings especially as rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast. Our military should appreciate the idea of people protesting no monarchy and dictatorship. I’m glad to see many opposed to it. We don’t always have to agree. This isn’t what this country is about.
Yet we have different reasons to be opposed to the parade which is actually a charade. And that should be reason enough we don’t need it.
What do you think? Please comment.
Zane Says 