What’s Open July 4th, What’s Going Down

WARWICK, RI —  Today, July 4th, marks the 249th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence from King George III, his affection for gold, gibberish, and tyranny, among complaints that have, unfortunately, dimmed in some minds.

The American Revolution succeeded, wresting the new nation’s fate from raving arrogance, though George was unwilling to admit defeat, which may seem more recent to some readers.  This Fourth of July, with that drama long, but not safely, behind us, America celebrates its inaugural, inherently American defiance of arrogant madmen who would impose their will on Americans. A quick review seems in order, to keep in mind what all the fireworks, patriotic songs, slogans and flag pins are supposed to signify:

July 4th: What’s Going Down

The National Constitution Center has provided an excerpt of the Declaration of Independence you can review at your leisure. We’ve shared some of the founders’ complaints here, and some current event reports, to demonstrate how far American independence and liberty have advanced since the American Revolution:

“The  history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world:

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

• Trump confronted for defiance of court orders across series of cases
• Judge: Trump HHS $11B Health Grants Block Usurps Congress

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

• Why Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to LA is unprecedented, according to a general
• Newsom files emergency motion to block Trump’s unlawful militarization of Los Angeles

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

• Rubio touts Bukele’s ‘generous’ offer to jail U.S. citizens in El Salvador, but experts say it’s illegal
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia suffered psychological and physical torture in El Salvador prison, attorneys say

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

• Trump Tariffs: Tracking the Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War “Based on 2023 import values, the increases will add $3.6 billion in new taxes.”
• Answering your questions about President Trump’s vast new tariffs “Trump followed through on his tariff threats by declaring a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries”

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

• Supreme Court finds Trump violated migrant due process rights with speedy deportations
• Trump says he doesn’t know if he backs constitutional due process rights in new interview

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us

• Trump ‘lit that fire’ of Capitol insurrection, Jan 6 Committee report says
• Trump Insurrection Pardons Aid 4 RI Men

Those are the injustices our forefathers protested, fought against, and righted during the American Revolution.

July 4th: What’s Open

The holiday also unofficially begins Summer with an early week day off for many people — here’s what’s open:

In Warwick, the City’s fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday now, but there are still some Fourth of July Fireworks displays throughout the state for those who’d like to see pyrotechnics the calendar holiday today, or maybe tomorrow in a few cases. Be wary of rain dates, as Warwick’s has been invoked.

City Hall and the school department are closed for the holiday. Trash, recycling, and yard waste pick-ups are delayed one day, starting  Tuesday. Today’s trash pickup is on a normal schedule.

Public transit RIPTA is following holiday routes on Friday. Check the RIPTA website for schedules.