Around the 4th

It's the 4th of July pholks, and that makes me happy.

I'm proud to be an American. I love this country.

Happy Birthday to the United States of America.

Our freedom is a great thing. Better than any country in the world.

But did you hear?

“Superman Returns” is on the big screen. Lots and lots of pholks are going to see it. Pholks from all around the world. And guess what? To improve multi-national marketing, Superman's motto, “Truth Justice and the American Way,” is now minus the “American Way.” Since the returning hero is attempting to save the whole world and needs the help of other nations, I guess including the “American Way” is not politically correct. Maybe I'm too sensitive about such things but Superman should always be as his fans of all ages remember him. He should be able to still leap tall buildings in a single bound instead of “jumping really high.” And he should be “faster than a speeding bullet'' instead of “faster than a projectile fired from a gun.”

But don't get me started.

Our freedoms are so important.

We can watch people do all kinds of things on television including demonstrating their talents or lack of the same. We are free not to watch that stuff. With all those options on our remote controls we have freedom to roam the airwaves. Some countries don't have those freedoms. Of course, some of them don't have televisions or remotes to worry about.

I'm free not to watch “American Idol” and “America's Got Talent” and any “Survivor” series or…

But don't get me started.

As an American I'm free to express my opinion both verbally and in the written word, as long as I follow a few rulesrules which have been changed just a little. As a writer I cherish that freedom, but still attempt not to abuse it.

I'm free to pray whenever and wherever I want…unless of course it might be in a classroom or a public meeting. I'm still free to pray…as long as I don't pray out loud.

But don't get me started.

I'm free to pledge allegiance to my flag. I still can say “under God” despite efforts by others who exercise their freedom to try and stop me.

But pholks, don't get me started.

I'm free to vote for whomever I want. I'm free to support any candidate I want, within financial limits. I'm free to run for office and free to get financial support from whomever I want…within limits. I'm free to say what I want to about whomever is elected…within limits.

But don't get me started.

I've been free to marry whomever I wanted…as long as they agree. I've chosen women both times and would never change.

But don't get me started.

I'm free to help others as I choose. And I always choose those who at least try to help themselves in some way. Even a smile or words of encouragement can be things I feel free to offer…and not to support those who don't deserve a hand out.

Don't get me started.

I used to have the freedom to wear my pullover shirts inside out, but my wife claims I really don't have that freedom…

But don't get me started.

Anyway, pholks, as we mark this 4th of July holiday, it is important for all of us to stop for just a moment and contemplate what freedom in our everyday lives means.

And for that, let's get started.

Miles can be reached at mshuper@valleyvoicenewspaper.com