Another 4th of July pretty much over. I have to confess that the 4th is one of my least favorite holidays--not because of the events it's supposed to commemorate (I do celebrate the spirit of independence that was celebrated by Hector St. Jean de Crevecouer many years ago when he wrote, "What then is the American, this new man?...He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds"), but because of the mode in which all too many choose to mark the occasion. I really dislike fireworks in the hands of amateurs, and I don't think they have any place in residential areas; I also am dismayed that for many the 4th has become a drinking holiday.
Even so, I was surprised by how few businesses marked the occasion. Comcast had set up an appointment for a cable repair for the morning of the 4th; I was surprised when they offered the option, because I figured that they'd take the day off. Publix, which usually has shortened hours on the 4th, was open for its full daily schedule. In fact, I only saw a few small mom-and-pop businesses that were closed. Of course, Dr. No's was open, because we made a conscious decision to be open 365 days a year, and it's something our customers expect nowadays. But I can remember prior Independence Days when many other businesses were closed... not this year, though!
2 comments:
I'm with you on that, Cliff. I will say, that as 4ths go, this one was pretty painless. Living, as I do, next to the college, I usually have more than my share of inebriated amateurs setting off fireworks, but last night there were very few after 10:00 pm. Don't know if the cops were out in force or what, but I didn't hear a peep out of anyone after 10:30 or so.
I too think it's sad that the 4th of July holiday, like so many other observed days, has become an excuse for reckless behavior. I didn't encounter any of this last night, though, as the family was dug in at the local mega-cine-plex watching TRANSFORMERS.
That was enough fireworks for anyone!
Post a Comment