Tuesday, July 1, 2014

In(ter)dependence Day

Who are we kidding?



Historically, the 4th of July has never been a celebration of in-dependence from Great Britain. We had ample plunder here in the 'New' world; they were the ones dependent on us in order to maintain an expanding empire. What we are really celebrating, then, is the refusal to be subjugated and oppressed by a dominant nation (so that we, ourselves, might subjugate, oppress, and dominate others - what a concept!).

Of course, it's a purely semantic argument, but are all arguments not in essence about words and the meaning of words? At least, in my household they tend to be ("What do you mean by that?!").

Independence is a word. Like all words, it is a sign meant to convey meaning. We understand what it means, you and I, but we rarely stop to notice that it is possibly one of the most false, misleading words in the language. What, after all, is truly independent of anything else in this universe? In the eternal words of They Might Be Giants: "There's only one everything." Across the entirety of time and space, everything that has ever happened or will happen, everything that has ever been or will be, has led to the creation of FT3. No exceptions. FT3, in other words, is nothing less than a manifestation of the universe in its entirety. 

Ours is a world completely inter-dependent in every conceivable sense of the word. It's a convenient concept, but Independence simply does not exist in the world.

Don't get me wrong; I'm all for celebrating the 4th of July - especially if it involves imbibing a cool American beverage with similarly patriotic brethren while spiritedly re-creating some fateful Revolutionary ride on our knobby-shod equine equivalents.

Bring one speed, or bring 'em all. Just bring it.

TGIFT3.




18 comments:

  1. Nice Post PC. I'll presume you are in and make the count stand at 2.

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  2. "spiritedly re-creating some fateful Revolutionary ride on our knobby-shod equine equivalents". Brilliant. I'm in for 3. Will the old soldier be making an appearance THTH?

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  4. Looks like I may have to pull my count. I'm being requested by a little boy who is hard to turn down to join the family for World Cup action tonight. I'm holding out for a bribe.

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  5. I'm out. Family wins over this time.

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  6. Gotta sit this one out. I have to work this evening. One less set of wheels kicking up the dust. Enjoy!

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  7. Dang. I was hoping to be first to put a "They Might Be Giants" quote on the blog today. Indeed, FT3 is the be-all end-all, a Shakespeare quote will have to suffice. Outstanding call out PC, I am in and I believe the count stands at "FOURRRRRRRRRR"

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  8. Any up for an early pre ride? Thinking of departing Pville at 5:05, rolling from the Knott lot around 5:30... Who is game?

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  9. In at five. I'll be at the mosq lot. No handle if you're watching a taped version of the soccer game can't you watch it tomorrow.

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    1. B/c I am a guest at the residence where the taping and airing occur.

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    2. Does "in at five" mean you are down to go pre-riding at 5 or are you sounding off your number?

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  10. Unless someone expresses interest, I hereby formally remove my earlier post stating that I would be at Mosquito for a carpool as serendipity might allow. As others have arranged a pre-ride rendezvous, I'd rather drive on up through pleasant valley than wait at the bus station for an unknown quantity. However, I'll check for replies before I head out in case anyone wants to share transportation.

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  11. B is going to need a ride from the Mosquito lot, unless we hear otherwise, and I would expect Councilman could carpool as well. At this point it still looks like I am pre-riding alone but I could be wrong???

    Just wait until you guys have to pay the proposed Road Usage Charge being considered by the state, then you will carpool!!!

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    1. when Greenfro said "in at five, be at Mosquito" it sounded like he planned on pre-riding, too.

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    2. However, I see the validity of your interpretation, Cap'n. Only Greenfro himself can clear it up at this point. If he's not pre-riding with you, then I'll reverse my position again and meet him (and others?) at the lot. Let me know as developments arise . . .

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  12. quick update on pre ride, I am grabbing B and nocar and we are pre-riding, others should follow suit and carpool as we are...

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  13. I just confirmed backchannel that I am IN and will get picked up by Cappy for pre-riding

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