hey, DC-area people. I went down to the National Mall yesterday and rode about on my bike. Almost all the grass between the US Capitol and 14th street is fenced off. The gravel paths are occupied by white, temporary, vaguely classical structures. They are decorated with trompe-l'œil to look as if they have arched niches, columns, etc. I imagine that this is all to do with the upcoming Independence Day event, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I am thinking that the fences will come down when the construction is over, but you'll still have these structures to negotiate if you're there for the fireworks. There will be a lot of the area that has become obstructed view area. I will post pictures in the thread.

The section of lawn south of the National Gallery's East Wing is currently occupied by a FIFA Fanzone. It's a place to gather and watch World Cup matches. A man there told me it was free admission. Because of the screens surrounding it, I don't know if there is seating, of if you can picnic or bring chairs, etc. The golf cart going into the venue was full of cases of beer.

#DCLiving #DMV #WashingtonDC #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly

Creamy, fruity, and way too easy to keep grabbing. #food #recipe #4thofJuly

https://thrivinginparenting.com/lunch-pinwheels/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into The Recipe Exchange @the-recipe-exchange-food

Must try 4th of July party food ideas! #food #party #4thofJuly

https://www.upstateramblings.com/best-4th-of-july-party-food-ideas/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into The Best Holiday Recipes @the-best-holiday-recipes-Annemjolly

These are the treats kids actually remember from the party. #food #recipes #4thofJuly

https://thrivinginparenting.com/4th-of-july-treats-for-kids/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into The Recipe Exchange @the-recipe-exchange-food

https://www.juneauindependent.com/post/new-july-4-parade-rule-bans-entries-with-political-opposition-picket-signs-or-that-incite-hateful

https://www.juneauindependent.com/post/july-4-parade-should-allow-freedom-of-expression

Anyone else seeing censorship in local Independence Day celebrations or parades?

Tyranny requires constant effort.

#independence
#freedomofspeech
#4thofjuly
#freedom
#firstamendment

The 4th of July parade is on the horizon! This year’s parade will honor the United States’ 250th birthday and AFD’s 150 years of service. This year’s parade will also be Mayor Ashcraft’s last to help lead, as she completes her eighth and final year as mayor. Photo by Maurice Ramirez. https://alamedapost.com/features/alameda-life/4th-july-parade-around-corner/

#4thOfJuly #alameda #CityOfAlameda #JulyFourth #parade

> What to Eugene Debs Was the Fourth of July? https://dissentmagazine.org/article/eugene-debs-fourth-of-july/

FTA: "The stage will be gorgeous with scenery for the play of liberty, but liberty will be absent—only its ghost will appear, only its 'canonized bones' will be present."

I am thinking a #July4th #library display of what is the date to dissidents like Debs and Douglass and others would be interesting (at least until my superiors censor it).

##4thOfJuly #ThisIsAmerica #dissent #democracy #AmericanEmpire