John Adams said that Independence Day should be "solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever."  Last week US News revealed that an assistant professor at Mr. Adams' Alma mater, Harvard University has branded 4^th of July parades are right wing celebrations which could turn the unsuspecting youth of America into (gasp!) Republicans. 

In the People's Republic of Chicago, this Independence Day weekend has featured an appearance by Joe Biden at a gathering of the National Education Association.  The Chicago Tribune reports that the V.P. pandered to the unionists for 30 minutes, alternately slamming the Republican Party and promising the full support of Barack Obama.  "He will, and I will, and we will...we will fight alongside of you," huffed Mr. Biden.  In 2008 the NEA supported Obama/Biden with $50 million.

Just in case the NEA conference doesn't whip up enough far-left venom, the People's Republic of Chicago is also hosting "Socialism 2011, Revolution is in the Air," this Independence Day weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  Our Founding Fathers will be spinning in their graves as the conference attendees meet to discuss topics such as climate change, breaking the siege of Gaza, is human nature a barrier to socialism and the ABCs of Marxism.

Don't panic, the Demmunist Party and their union allies are making sure that the children will be safe from extremist influences; yep, you guessed it, NO 4^th of July Parade in the Windy City.  In lieu of a showy right-wing parade, WLS reports that the city of Chicago is planning to have an increased police presence over the weekend.  Other Democrat controlled cities are also planning increased security due to the rising threat of violence and preponderance of mob attacks.

For the patriotic minority trapped in the People's Republic of Chicago, there are several right-wing parades within a short drive of the city, in nearby Elgin, Island Lake and Fox Lake on the 4^th of July.  The Northwest Herald has an extensive listing of patriotic events well within driving distance of the PRC.

In small towns and cities across America there will be patriotic "pomp and parade" aplenty.  The citizens of tornado ravaged Joplin, Missouri will be gathering to celebrate our nation's birthday.  Rush Limbaugh will be on hand to join the good folks of Joplin.  Rush recently launched a new line of iced tea dubbed "Two if by Tea" and as an early promotion he held a contest with the prize being a truck load of his new tea.  Contestants were asked to write a brief essay describing how their community celebrates Independence Day.  Rush Limbaugh listeners from across America rose to the occasion and showed their patriotism by registering their support for Joplin.

Patriotism is alive and well all across America!  The folks in the small town of Nottingham, New Hampshire have an annual tradition in which they gather together for a reading of The Declaration of Independence.  This year they produced a You Tube video.  Happy Independence Day! and God Bless America!