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July 02, 2009 | 12:41 PM
With this weekend's barbecues, pool parties and fireworks shows it would be easy — but wrong — to forget the importance of July 4. Most Americans agree with the supposition that the United States is the best country, period. They would not even consider choosing to leave it; nor would they change it, much. Sure, many of us have our disagreements with how we do democracy, and the U.S. is far from perfect. But it is also the finest example in recorded history of a population governing itself. Think about it: we are not ruled by royalty, or the military, or theocracy, but by representatives of the people, elected — however imperfectly — by the people. It's a system that has worked pretty well, all things considered.
Happy Birthday, America.
PS: And for Pete's sake — and your own — stay away from lighting fireworks.
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