A brief chronicle of my July 4th festivities

Freedom: Enjoyed hours of an open bar with nothing but the cheapest American beer
Making sacrifices for my country: Sat in the rain for hours listening to agonizingly bad live music in order to get a great view of the fireworks
Consumer culture: Saw New York City’s fireworks over the East River – broadcast across the nation – up close
First Amendment: Watched a series of short films critical of U.S. government, celebrating my right to petition and free speech

Happy Birthday, America.