The God of my understanding has always provided me with evidence it has quite the sense of humor.  The current smoking gun is that a man who believes those who would risk their lives for the sake of the country are suckers is president of that very country as it celebrates a momentous anniversary.

As the nation marks its 250^th birthday, there are tarps and fencing all over and around landmarks and destinations that could once be considered anywhere from just fine to being a sight to behold, depending upon the hour of the day and the weather. Now, they are ugly and unusable thanks to the guy who thinks he’s the king of remodeling, despite clearly having trouble with quality contractors and calendar management. But those are just complaints about cosmetics. There are other not-so-funny issues.

I was always more a happy participant in a food-filled day off from work on July 4^th than a patriotic celebrant of the nation’s independence from England. That should make sense coming from any descendant of slaves. But this is a Fourth that begs a healthy nod to the positive history it attempts to commemorate, simply because of its numeric significance. I have been finding it hard to give any nod of appreciation while immigrant arrests skyrocket, and we live with the cringe-worthy irony of having a persecutor of immigrants be the titular head of this nation of immigrants during this particular Independence Day.

Then, the immigrant turned naturalized citizen, who many Democrats fear has the power to derail midterm wins (seriously?), saved my celebratory spirit with a speech that told it like it is, bad and good. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called out every power that needs to be shamed and still, somehow, presented cause for appreciation – of each other, of those of us of like mind and shared national aspirations.

There is a fair amount to debate politically with the Democratic Socialist being called a kingmaker, even if agreeing with many of his policies. But I have to hand him his props for finding the warm and fuzzy for us all to celebrate, despite the toughness of the times.

President Trump has been talking up the speech he plans to give tomorrow and how much sympathy he needs for giving it in scorching weather. But before one bad dance move or one mangled syllable is broadcast, he has already been upstaged. Now, that’s funny!