Before the Parade Passes By

and I’m just trying to cross the street

So, apparently there’s a parade today. A big parade. An expensive parade. A parade that will leave a big mess in it’s wake. Oh wait, the big mess was already there.

I think it’s to commemorate and honor the 250th anniversary of the U. S. Army, which is a remarkable thing that needs to be honored and appreciated and respected. Imagine how much honor, appreciation and respect could have been conveyed by investing that same money in increased benefits, health care, post service counseling, and housing options for the men and women of the army, instead of confetti, increased traffic control and parade clean up?

I think it’s also a birthday celebration of sorts. You know what I dislike as much as I dislike parades? Stolen glory. Reflected, unearned glory. 

Strange for a draft dodger who has mocked the members of the armed forces to be taking credit for their remarkable achievements and basking in the glow of their hard-earned greatness.

I hate parades. Always have. This one, especially. 

“One must either take an interest in the human situation or else parade before the void.”

– Jean Rostand