On Independence Day 2024
July 4, 2024
MB Hanrahan
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” So proclaimed the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 when they adopted the Declaration of Independence almost 250 years ago when people came together in defiance of a king, to say that no one is above the law, not even the president of the United States.
Honestly, I’m terrified by the current state of our union–from the January 6 2021 insurrection instigated by the former president to the June 2022 Dobbs decision to the recent Supreme Court decision offering presidential immunity, and by Project 2025 which rolls back civil rights. People worry about inflation while America’s 100 largest corporations raked in over $1 TRILLION in profits in 2023—and cut 55k jobs. I’m terrified that 40 of 44 members of ex-President Donald Trump’s cabinet refuse to endorse him.
we are at risk of losing our civil rights
As terrifying as the situation is with the potential to get much worse depending on the results of the upcoming election November 2024, it’s important to celebrate that the economy is doing great with lower inflation than Europe, and low unemployment. Crime is down. Roads are getting fixed, and CBS news reports that July 4th gas prices are expected to hit lowest level in three years, just in time for people to visit family and friends. The wheels of justice, while slow, are turning (for the most part!).
So many successes in the current administration are worth naming and celebrating.
It’s risky to be honest about my political views–to risk alienating my audience, my friends, my family. But we are all at risk. We must all do what we can to prop up the rule of law and democracy. I don’t want to be independent of truth, just independent of a dictator– or a king!
This Independence Day celebrate your freedom like you are on the verge of losing it. Because you are.
MB Hanrahan
So Happy Independence Day! What are some of your traditions? Do they include traditional American foods like grilled burgers or hot dogs? What about wine from the US? Or the midwest?
midwest wines and meal
While California cab may be considered by many to be king, we decided to do bison and beef burgers with wines from the MidWest made from unusual and indigenous American grapes and hybrids!
All American Wines
- Terra Vox Munch, MO
- Prairie Crossing “Meadowlark’s Song” Iowa
- Bodega Victoriana Frontenac, Iowa
- St. James Winery “Pioneer Red” Ozark Mountain, MO
- Shawnee Bluff Norton, MO
midwest wines
All American Menu
- Organic Potato Salad with Myr’s pickled onions
- Corn on the cob
- Smoked Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
- BBQ Chicken in peach bourbon sauce
- Hamburgers: bison plus beef from the Owen’s Valley, CA
pretzel buns, organic tomato, organic spring greens, blue cheese
midwest wines and meal
Check it out on Wine Predator.
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