The Fourth of July - in advance!

So I'm severely torn in several different directions tomorrow. In the first, the most tolerable of my cousins traditionally enter into the Sedalia parade, and plan to carry a large arsenal of aquatic weaponry. They've invited me along, and I don't really want to disappoint. On the other hand, I don't appreciate patriotism, and don't want to feel like a hypocrite by insinuating that I support things I really don't. Also on that hand, this same family kept me from speaking to Katie this afternoon (we haven't had a real conversation since May) and tomorrow afternoon I might catch her online finally. Actually, I wish I could use tomorrow to let my opinions be known in this bloody conservative county. I don't want to be offensive, but if I could find a way to say, look, being American doesn't have to mean supporting this war, I'd say it. Maybe I can decorate a t-shirt like the one I saw in Funny Times - an American flag with a white peace sign instead of stars. On the back I'd write "I vote for peace" or something to that effect. Because, by gods, it needs to be said. Actually, on that note, I am now going to ask my mom if she has stuff to make iron-ons for shirts....

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