[Above: Manko Suicide in Long Live The Queen]
Being English in America is a rather peculiar affair come July 4th. After all, you Yanks are busy inviting each other to barbecues, waving flags, enthusiastically lighting the fuses of an inordinate amout of pyrotechnics, and, rather ironically, singing "This Land Is Your Land" in celebration of the Declaration of Independence from our country. However, for us, attending an Independence Day celebration is akin to being Guy Fawkes at a Bonfire Night party, which is the anniversary we save our fireworks for.
On this apparently auspicious day, one wonders too if, given the benefit of hindsight, America's emancipation is truly a cause for celebration or commiseration? Was freedom from the tyranny of what any reasonable (ie. non-Republican) person might consider a decidedly moderate tax worth it, given the price you've subsequently paid? After all, if you'd have stuck with us, you'd already have true universal healthcare, no ominous questions hanging over your right to choose, nationwide gay marriage, a more pragmatic policy towards drugs, no death penalty, far stricter campaign finance laws, and, dare I say it, a somewhat more democratic democracy. (Not to mention football that's actually played with feet, news bulletins that actually broadcast news, and cups of tea that are actually worth drinking.)
And declarations aside, a relationship that's endured for better or worse, for richer or poorer, for 236 years after it was officially annulled hardly smacks of independence. Like a divorced couple that's unwilling and unable to sever the emotional, financial and legal ties, the affairs of Britain and America remain inextricably entwined. (If you need further proof of this point, have a chat with Richard O'Dwyer or Julian Assange.) So, as we mark the anniversary of the day our relationship was officially redefined, we should perhaps define it again. Let's take a moment to consider all that's both wonderful and dysfunctional about America and Great Britain's "special relationship" and raise a glass to Codependence Day.
It should be noted that the author of this article hails from England, but is a naturalized American, who wrote this missive in her country of choice (the United States) while enjoying guacamole, chips, salsa, and a very stiff margarita. She also acknowledges that King George III was probably a bit of a dick.
JUL 04, 2012 02:06 AM
JUL 04, 2012 07:07 AM
Nicole.... I love your writing! 
You've made my day!
JUL 04, 2012 07:23 AM
So much win! You swayed me with "tea worth drinking." 
JUL 04, 2012 09:05 AM
Nice
- and you didn't even mention that about 75% of the music we listen to comes from jolly old England
JUL 04, 2012 09:47 AM
JUL 04, 2012 09:49 AM
JUL 04, 2012 11:17 AM
Fun read! Thanks!
I really like the idea of "Codependence Day". That would be an excellent planet wide holiday.
Great list of British benefits we are missing out on. Every one of those is VERY appealing. Would I have to learn to like watching cricket? That could justify remaining independent. I have a few issues with financing a parasitic royal family too. Then again, if it is an either/or choice, watch cricket or pay millions to maintain a flacid limb of government that has only vestigial function . . . I guess the royals are okay. 
I would be curious to try a "proper" cup of tea.
Have a great 4th!
JUL 08, 2012 02:16 PM
That was great. You are too funny.
JUL 08, 2012 02:27 PM
JUL 12, 2012 08:32 PM
It was so nice to meet you! You are a lot of fun...I can't wait to see the silly pics you took! 
JUL 13, 2012 09:34 PM
This is wonderful! Truly a magnificent piece that makes you think: "What if?" I thoroughly enjoyed it.
JUL 13, 2012 09:42 PM
JUL 13, 2012 10:46 PM
Thank you! And youre very welcome! Hope to get to know you better hun! !
JUL 13, 2012 10:48 PM
American Eagle I love their 6 for $27 sales. And thanks! We thought it was totally original when we named him, had never heard it anywhere, and then after we have him every other little boy his age seemed to be named Connor. I only know one other person that spells it the way we do though. I love the one n spelling! I've never seen it like that before.
