[Editor’s Note: This edition of the Economic Prism has been published in years past to coincide with the Independence Day holiday.  The themes explored within grow more relevant with each passing year.  We are republishing it with several light updates.  Enjoy!]

Time and Place

The days are long and hot in the Northern Hemisphere when real American patriots spit upon their hands and hoist the red, white, and blue.  On July 4th, the free and brave, with duty and self-sacrifice, begrudgingly accept federal holiday pay to stand tall upon their own two feet.  Rugged individualism and uncompromising independence are essential to their character.

With purpose and intent, they assemble as merry mobs along the shoreline to celebrate American Independence.  Freedom lovers – descendants of Andrew Jackson – gather to eat hotdogs and pitch horseshoes while downing tipples of corn syrup and fermented grain.  When the sun slips beyond the western horizon and the stars twinkle bright, they hoot and holler at the brilliance of fireworks and sparkling pyrotechnics.

These festivities certify that even in an era of big government there remains a time and place to revel in the virtues of representative self-rule.  All are welcome, of course, so long as their vehicles are registered, they’ve paid their income taxes, and have proper documentation… including up to date vaccination records. Continue reading →