Dead on the Fourth of July

Fly your flags, all you patriots; it’s another Fourth of July! Fire up the barbecues, ice up the beer and get ready to celebrate another Independence Day in the good old USA. And be sure not to miss the fabulous fireworks that so majestically explode in the night sky to the music of God Bless America. Makes you proud, doesn’t it?

And oh, while you’re at it, don’t give a moment’s thought to the men and women fighting the Bush/PNAC wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. You know, the troops who are out there supposedly fighting for your freedom, or for an end to terror, or for regime change, or for Iraqi liberation, or for the spread of democracy, or for oil, or for George Bush and Dick Cheney or whatever. Don’t let them spoil your fun. After all, it’s a holiday. Enjoy.

Heck, it’s a war, and people die, right? Have another hot dog. So what if nearly 3,600 Americans and nearly 300 ‘coalition’ forces are dead on this Fourth of July? So what if hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and Afghanis are dead on this Fourth of July? So what if tens of thousands of young men and women are no longer whole in mind and body? It’s a holiday. Play ball.

Yeah, it’s been a bloody few months, - the worst, in fact, since that other amazing fireworks show called Shock and Awe. Do you even remember that spectacular night? Never mind, it’s party time in America. Don’t let images of innocent people being blown to bits get in the way of your fun. Don’t get upset about a needless war that has been raging for more than four years with no end in sight. Just go for a swim on this lovely day. And tomorrow is a workday. Damn.

Celebrate here.