Dependence Day

     For many people across the United States of America, July 4^th has been celebrated with family gatherings, barbecues, and fireworks. I've always especially liked the fireworks. I wonder just how much we boost the economy in the Eastern countries where these fireworks are manufactured. Chicago alone purchases tons of these colorful explosives every year for the annual "Taste of Chicago," and believe me - they do not disappoint.

    Still, that is just one city; just one product. The more I thought about it, I couldn't help but wonder how much we as a nation have digressed; if we can still claim ‘independent' status. Many of the goods and services we purchase on a daily basis are not even made in America. Our once-strong industrial sector is crumbling fast; layoffs are reaching record numbers. Even parts of Hollywood have gone Canadian, choosing to film television series across the border!

    When I have a problem with my computer, I have to call to get technical assistance from someone who barely speaks English. In America there used to be industries that would have applicants take some sort of proficiency exam for language and communication skills. Guess that doesn't matter if you're answering my call from Asia.

    America - once a great superpower - has outsourced itself right out of having a middle class. While I am not against fair trade by any means, I think it is important to acknowledge that somewhere we failed to set limitations on just how much outsourcing would be beneficial. Or maybe we just didn't care. Maybe increased profits were better for some; while factories, plants, and warehouses across the country sent people home to their families with pink slips.

    Now our favorite subject: Oil. Finally more popular than whatever the heck Britney Spears or "Brangelina" are doing. Have we realized yet that we are one of the most wasteful countries on the planet? Sadly though, we are so dependent on foreign nations in order to function daily, the situation has us scrambling to dig in our own backyards for crude. Some are fortunate. Overnight millionaires are sitting on ‘black gold'. Others cause ethical, moral, or environmental conflict, like the offshore drilling debates or ethanol - which is a corn-based fuel.

    That seems to be typical American behavior for handling things. If the barn was on fire, we would argue over whether a bucket of water or a hose would be a better way to put it out. Meanwhile the barn burns to the ground while we debate and argue.

    Is this ‘Independence Day' the same as the rest? Do we don our clothing from Korea; set up the outdoor furniture from Mexico; sip on beer from Germany, while watching the fireworks from China? Or do we recycle our beverage bottles and the foil used to wrap our grilled, locally- grown vegetables to perfection? Will we offer to share some of the feast - that sits on our sustainable wood tables - with others?

    I always thought the next step up from ‘independence' would be ‘interdependence'. You know - where you rely upon each other equally. Or at the very least, recognize one another's value. In light of the crises now facing us locally and globally, maybe it would help if we came up with ways to become interdependent with our fellow man, nature, and the environment.

    Sounds far-reaching? Maybe. But this much I do know: Things change for one of two reasons. You either do it because you want to, or because you HAVE to. But I'm optimistic. So allow me to be the first to tell you this:

Have a Happy Interdependence Day.