Before the fireworks at Ann Morrison Park, I asked my friends what they liked about America on the 4th. “Large.” “National Parks.” “Not a war zone.” “Inexpensive goods.” “Comparative freedom of speech and press.” “The Arts.” It’s easy for me to be critical of America, especially when we’re such a diverse place of peoples and values. We have a crazy amount of wealth (unless you count debt) and global power coupled with many confusing social problems. Despite our issues, on the 4th we celebrated what we love: by blowing shit up.