I just got done celebrating the fourth of July, but before the comments of coonery start... I do understand my people did not achieve freedom until June 19th, 1865.
That's almost 100 years later!!!
(And yes I celebrated June 19th too. (And no I didn't dress up in the red white and blue.))
I actually got accidentally hit with a flag and almost Lebron flopped into a Kaepernick kneel lol. But I'm chillin.
I digress a little. Look... I'm not and never will try to convince anyone to feel any way towards anything. This is mainly to continue dialogue surrounding a very sensitive subject matter in this country.
We're divided. As a country. As families. As people...
But why I decided to say fuck it and try and turn the intensity of the day into a small win for me:
One, it's my wife's favorite holiday. She completely understands if I choose to say screw it and not celebrate. For her it's a nice memory of family gathering, good food, and a light show... and honestly, why the hell would it be anything else to her? She had no hand in the decision making between 1776 and 1865. And realistically she doesn't have MUCH say in the decision making now.
Now that's not to say that citizens don't have a voice. And it's not to say it's not up to those with privilege to check those abusing theirs.
So what happens when you need to reconcile all the awfulness?
Well, for me, it's simple logic. My issue and what I understand mostly the issue being is the confusion of the terms INDEPENDENCE and FREEDOM. In 1776, Americans won INDEPENDENCE. In 1865, Black people in America won FREEDOM.
Am I mad American colonialist achieved independence from the oversight and insane taxation from Britain... nah.
Honestly, big ups. It made it easier than to fight for our Freedom and win. What my issue has always been is the ease with which people use terms interchangeably.
Americans won independence, which only means they had to follow someone else's rules and didn't like it. They fought for the right to make their own rules. They were basically disgruntled employees (not to downplay the frustration they had to have felt). I hate when my mom tells me what to do. When I turned 18, I earned independence. Freedom I was born into thankfully, from the sacrifices made leading up to June 19th, 1865.
(So what's the difference, 1202)...
Welp, I'm glad I asked. Black people had to fight to no longer be considered property. They had to fight to be owners of their own person. For us to be our own owners. A "freedom" white Americans honestly enjoyed for years long before July 4, 1776. They weren't fighting to not be caged like animals and piled like cattle.
So to all my blacks who decided to take knee yesterday. I respect your decision. How you take your small wins and exercise the freedoms we continue to work so hard for is your RIGHT.
Me, I celebrated America gaining independence today. Setting the stage for my ancestors... black children of black children who were dragged here against their will from a foreign nation, to be able to make the strides they did.
I celebrate America for winning Independence that allowed for Black Americans to take their freedom eventually and establish the black excellence that we have here in America.
And for the white people who still don't get it... well, Idk what to tell you. I know it's hard to hear that maybe you're not doing all you can. To hear MAYBE you're not as great as you think you are. And if hearing that makes you feel like shit, then maybe introspect a little.
Just... let's stop with the bullshit please.
For those who do TRULY get it. Well, thank you...
Photo by Brandon Mowinkel on Unsplash
About the Creator
Dan-O Vizzini
Has anyone else just been making it up as they go along? Have you gotten so far from where you started that finding your way back seems impossible?
Well— reach.
Power when exercised properly is a beautiful thing.
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The House LITERALLY Divided
The phrase "a house divided against itself will always fall" is a quote from the Bible, and it has become a familiar and powerful metaphor for political and social division. In the United States, it is often used to describe the partisan divide between Republicans and Democrats. Despite their shared history and culture, these two political parties have become increasingly polarized, and their differences have created a deep rift in American society.
By Dan-O Vizzini3 years ago in The Swamp
By Dumping Tonnes of Sand Into the Ocean for 12 Years, China Has Created Brand-New Islands From Scratch
Over the past twelve years, China has quietly carried out one of the most ambitious and controversial engineering projects in modern history: the creation of entirely new islands by dumping millions of tonnes of sand into the ocean. What began as small-scale land reclamation has evolved into a sweeping transformation of the South China Sea, reshaping geography, geopolitics, and international relations. How Artificial Islands Are Created The process behind these artificial islands is deceptively simple but technically complex. Specialized dredging ships extract sand from the seabed and pump it onto shallow reefs and submerged rocks. Over time, layer upon layer of sand is deposited, gradually rising above sea level. Once land emerges, it is reinforced with concrete, rock barriers, and infrastructure to prevent erosion. China has used this method extensively, particularly on disputed reefs and shoals. What were once barely visible features at low tide have become full-fledged islands, complete with runways, ports, radar systems, and buildings. Why the South China Sea Matters The South China Sea is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. An estimated one-third of global maritime trade passes through it each year, carrying trillions of dollars’ worth of goods. The region is also believed to hold vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and rich fishing grounds. Multiple countries — including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan — claim parts of the sea. China, however, asserts sweeping sovereignty over most of it, marked by its controversial “nine-dash line.” The creation of artificial islands has strengthened China’s physical presence and reinforced its territorial claims. From Sandbars to Strategic Strongholds What makes China’s island-building campaign particularly significant is how quickly reclaimed land has been militarized. Satellite imagery and independent analyses show airstrips long enough to handle military aircraft, deep-water harbors capable of hosting naval vessels, and advanced surveillance systems. These installations allow China to project power far beyond its mainland coast, extending its reach across Southeast Asia. Critics argue that these islands act as unsinkable aircraft carriers, altering the balance of power in the region. Environmental Consequences Beneath the Surface While the geopolitical implications are widely debated, the environmental cost is equally alarming. The dredging process destroys coral reefs, which are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Sediment clouds generated during sand dumping smother marine life, disrupt fish breeding grounds, and permanently alter underwater landscapes. Marine scientists warn that damage to coral reefs can take decades — if it recovers at all. For coastal communities that rely on fishing, these changes threaten livelihoods and food security. International Law and Global Pushback China’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from the international community. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis under international law. The ruling also stated that artificial islands do not generate territorial waters or exclusive economic zones. China rejected the decision, calling it invalid and continuing its construction activities. Meanwhile, other nations have responded with diplomatic protests and increased naval patrols, including freedom-of-navigation operations by the United States and its allies. A New Kind of Territorial Expansion Historically, empires expanded by conquering land. China’s island-building represents a new model: creating territory where none existed before. This approach blurs the line between engineering achievement and strategic maneuvering, raising difficult questions about how international law should adapt to technological capabilities. If artificial islands become widely accepted as legitimate territory, it could set a precedent for other nations to reshape oceans for strategic advantage. The Broader Global Implications Beyond Asia, China’s actions have sparked global debate about maritime governance, environmental responsibility, and the future of territorial disputes. Smaller nations fear being sidelined, while major powers worry about the erosion of established international norms. At the same time, the sheer scale of the project highlights China’s engineering capacity and long-term planning. Turning submerged reefs into permanent landmass within just over a decade is a feat few countries could replicate. Conclusion: Engineering the Future of Power By dumping tonnes of sand into the ocean for over a decade, China has not merely created islands — it has reshaped the strategic landscape of an entire region. These artificial islands stand as symbols of ambition, controversy, and a shifting world order. As technology continues to expand what is physically possible, the challenge for the global community will be ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of environmental destruction, regional stability, and international law. The islands may be made of sand, but their impact is anything but fragile.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 2 days ago in The Swamp
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