Happy Birthday, USA

I have spent the last week listening to the neighborhood explode things.  Tonight will be a mega-version of that joyous need to make noise.

Patriotism is well and good, it's like having a favorite sports team.  You cheer for it when they win, crazy giddy in the winning seasons.  But you also cheer for it when they lose, sadly resigned in the losing seasons.

You stand by it year after year, and you feel a sense of ownership with that pride.  So you also groan when they hire a terrible new coach, or make a terrible draft choice on the line. You speak out, you don't just suffer in silence.  You want your team to succeed.

So Happy Birthday, USA.  You're my country, and I am compelled to help keep you honest, help my fellow fans, and help you continue to be the best country possible.