Spirit of 4th of July shamelessly politicized (MEGA-PROJECTILE BARF ALERT)

Chicago Tribune ^ | July 4, 2003 | John McCarron. John McCarron teaches, consults and writes about urban affairs

[Chi-townChief]

Was there ever a 4th of July so untimely?

Has our national birthday ever fallen on a day that calls for less flag-waving, not more? Or more cries out for sober reflection rather than bottle rockets and Uncle Sam suits?

I can't remember one.

Still we'll be marching Friday. We'll parade down the middle of Central Street, in our uniform of choice (a visor and T-shirt of a girls softball team) behind the fire engines and ahead of the drum-and-bugle corps. Back home, the national ensign will be hung, per holiday routine, over the front porch. Out back, the Kingsfords will be stacked in the Weber.

And yet, there's an inescapable sense that something is wrong this year.

Patriotism and national pride--the spirit of Independence Day--have been shamelessly politicized in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, and it is a politics many Americans, including this one, cannot abide. Widespread sorrow and frustration over the murdered innocents have been redirected and leveraged into something else--something cynical and dark of purpose. That something is a macho, vengeful, across-the-board support for our tough-guy president, George W. Bush.

[Chi-townChief]

Mr. McCarron must wake up in the morning and say to himself, "It's a national holiday so I have an irresistible need to display my ignorance."

[Sabertooth]

Could you try to provide more dietary information next time?

[roses of sharon]

The American Flag to liberals is like a cross to a vampire.

They have literally been out of their minds since Sept. ll.

[mykdsmom]

...and it is a politics many Americans, including this one, cannot abide

I bet the Frogs would love to have you come over to their side of the pond to live Mr. McCarron.

MKM

[Mears]

No,the Fourth isn't the same as it used to be.

There are so many immigrants here that don't even know what Independence Day is.

They probably think it's New Years Eve being celebrated early.

[Dems_R_Losers]

Ann Coulter, call your office!

Here is proof positive that liberals hate America.

[Chi-townChief]

And what's really disgusting is McCarron is what passes for a "moderate" in the Trib these days.

[cardinal4]

Patriotism and national pride--the spirit of Independence Day--have been shamelessly politicized in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, and it is a politics many Americans, including this one, cannot abide

This jerk doesnt speak for me, and come to think of it, he doesnt speak 99.9% of all the people I know, either.

[Dionysius]

GWB = tough guy
John McCarron = wimpish, milquetoast girly-boy

Hurray for the red, white and blue!

[mtbopfuyn]

Your barf alert wasn't big enough. I couldn't get past the excerpt. And to think McCarron teaches...

[SKI NOW]

Sorry to see by your screen name that you have to share Chicago with such a dolt as the author.

Excuse me for not reading the rest of the screed other than what was posted. Talk about politicizing the 4th but the author cannot discern between politics and patriotism. Like Clintoon who claimed not to be able to undersatnd people who profess to love their country but hate the government. Just another hate America first slime.

Now go out have a happy and safe 4th and don't give this cretin another thought.

[katya8]

Forget the haters. Go read about High Noon's Heroes here, and smile a lot!

[smokeyb]

Barf Alert times 4 !!!! My cat just read it and whirled a hairball on my keyboard !

[dagoofyfoot]

John McCarron teaches, consults, and writes about urban affairs.


Lord have mercy. This @sshole teaches?! Nowonder we've become a breeding ground for treasonous liberal girlymen.

[SandRat]

Quick!!!

Someone call the Veterinarian!

This is one …… Sick …… Puppy, and he may have to be put down.

[shiva]

That something is a macho, vengeful, across-the-board support for our tough-guy president, George W. Bush.

And this is the meat of the whole article. Dubbya having a 'macho-man' image. They are terrified about this. Have they forgotten when they tried to make Gore a 'macho-man' and they airbrushed his picture to prove he had a pair of balls? See for yourselfs. It's 21 pictures down the page.

http://usedmagazines.com/titles/RollingStone/2000/

[fourdeuce82d]

"...macho, vengeful, across-the-board support for our tough-guy president, George W. Bush."

I like every word in the above line. Would we rather have an effiminate, cowering, limp wristed support for a nancy-by RAT?

I think not. We're not over it, and we don't plan on getting over it for a long time. And if you don't like it..."We'll put a boot in your ass, it's the American way."

[weegee]

There are so many immigrants here that don't even know what Independence Day is.

Cinco de Maio seems to be more popular these days.

And the leftist love their May Day parades.

Let Freedom Ring!

[weegee]

This article could use some Red White and Blue on the 4th!