228

04 July 2004.

The view was different. No longer did I sit in my car viewing fireworks over the Rock. Rather, I was on a bridge watching the fireworks.



It was different, not being with anyone "special." Not being able to hold anyone's hand or feel that sense of belonging. Having someone to be with on this important day in American history is tantamount, compared to being in a place that isn't really all that.

I pride myself on claiming that I am from Baghdad by the Bay. I love knowing that I come from the one of the most diverse regions in the world. I pride myself knowing that in 3 hours, I can drive from the beach to the snow. I love that there are microclimates that span such a small town.

Watching the fireworks was different... Children thought of the fireworks as birthday cake. People rollerbladed across my path as if I wasn't watching a spectacle. I sat on the floor, against the cold metal bars that protected me from falling off the bridge. As I was there, I held onto the bars and looked out into the sky, as fireworks exploded before me. It was as if I was stuck in a hard place. I could not do anything. I was in a prison, watching the world change before me--a celebration of conservatism and a reality that I wish were not real.

Watching the fireworks in Pittsburgh hurt. It was akward... I felt that I was in a prison as the fireworks shot into the air. People were dumfounded by the spectacle that lit up the sky and the faces of many young people. Were they blind? Were they not aware of what was truly happening?

On February 28, 1947, an uprising occured against the corrupt and oppressive Chinese nationalist regime. This was the day that Taiwan sacrificed thousands to fight for a democratic and free nation. Some call this day a distortion of history, where some say that people recommitted themselves to the pursuit of an oppresive government. Rather, others say that this was the day that people realized that they had to change things. It was necessary for them to revolt against the government and make themselves free.

It is my hope that on this 228th birthday of our Nation that people will realize that true meaning of this day. I hope that people will understand that it truly is time to stand up... We have been oppressed by our nation's leaders, for they have hurt many of us with the rhetoric of the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind, the War on Terror.

Their actions have only worked to further oppress people of color, education, the poor... Their War is not on terrorism; rather, it is a war on people of color. It is a war on education. It is a war againt the poor.

I guess I'll just have to take my small step. Being here, I hope I will be able to foster the change that is needed in our society. I hope that I will be able to make public policy truly reflect the true opinions of the progressive people.

Here's to 2-28, a reflection on the 228th birthday of America.