Over the next few days BBQ’s will be running on overtime and fireworks will be lighting up our sky as we celebrate our Independence. Hopefully during these celebrations we will all take a moment to be thankful for the freedom our Constitution and Declaration of Independence grants us.
Although the true meaning of the 4th of July revolves around our independence from Britain, it is the democracy that was born out of it we should all celebrate.
Alongside Democracy comes the American Dream, and that is continually being played out before us each and every day. Indeed, we are not the same America we were just a few short years ago. For better or worse, depending on who one talks to, new immigrants are arriving daily.
As we mark our Independence, we must be thankful to live in such a diverse nation made up of so many vibrant people. It is not difficult to understand why so many people leave their suppressed countries to settle in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
As we celebrate our Independence, I often think how in other countries the media is controlled by the government, and expressions of diverse opinions are denied. Modern technology such as cell phones, facebook and twitter are breaking through that barrier.
We can never allow free speech and discussion of the issues to be silenced. Indeed, the Internet and social media is changing how we do business in Sullivan County.
I hope you enjoy communicating, reading about, and discussing the news and offering your opinions on issues concerning all of us in Sullivan County in the Facebook group Sullivan County Post.
I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity to discuss the issues facing us. Hopefully, “The Mouth That Roars” column assists in creating honest dialogue throughout Sullivan County.
We must all be thankful for all our first amendment rights grant us, and should use it in a positive productive way.
In Sullivan County there will be many celebrations marking Independence Day with parades, street fairs and fireworks.
Some of the events include:
Liberty Street Fair
21st annual Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 10:30 AM – 4 PM, North Main Street, Liberty. Parade kicks off at 12:05 PM Classic car and truck show begins at 10:30 AM behind the Liberty Public Library. Special performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” at noon on Main Street stage. Variety of food, craft and retail vendors, bouncy house and kids activities by Party Master and musical guest “The Other Band” on the Main Street stage starting at 12:30 p.m. Special live performance of NACL Theater’s “The Weather Project” on Main Street stage, Creekside Park at 1:30 PM
July 4th Fireworks
In Monticello, the Monticello Raceway will hold their annual fireworks show on Friday, July 3 at 8:30 PM
There will also be Fireworks in Narrowsburg on Friday, July 3 at 8:30 PM.
Fireworks over White Lake in Bethel on Saturday, July 4 at dusk. There’s parking at 3586 Route 55, Kauneonga Lake, and you can hear music timed to the fireworks show in the community park.
I hope Sullivan County residents come out in droves to celebrate these great events. It is crucial we take the time to appreciate our independence and freedom, as well as support our local towns and merchants.
No matter ones viewpoints, race, creed, color, gender, age, education, wealth, sexual orientation, or religious ideology, we all strive for the same goals and quality of life. Even though some of our customs, political beliefs, and the way we approach life may vary, we are all the same.
Although some of us might not understand differences or disagreements, we must learn to tolerate and respect others. That is what our great country is all about.
Happy 4th of July and enjoy your hot dog!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post