Though many call it the “Fourth Of July,” July 4 is properly known as Independence Day. It celebrates the independence of the United States from Great Britain — or, more accurately, the declaration of that independence, which required considerable further effort before it was actually accomplished. Today, Independence Day is generally observed by shooting firecrackers, eating hotdogs and hamburgers, and drinking beer. These are all worthwhile activities — in these Bloomberg-prudish times, they even serve to annoy the nannyists, which is always worthwhile.
But if you’re looking for ways to make Independence Day a bit more about, well, independence, then allow me to offer a few suggestions. If you like, you can put them off until July 5 so as not to interfere with the fireworks, hotdogs and beer, though if you want to email a photo of yourself eating a hotdog to Mayor Bloomberg on July 4, be my guest.
