Well, July 4th was here and gone. Happy birthday, America. The fireworks, a symbol of “bombs bursting in air,” reminding us how America’s independence was attained through fighting for freedom. America is “the home of the brave,” and we have to continue to fight for our freedom. I look at it as being brave to be free!
We are still fighting for freedom, not only all the wars fought, but in everyday life. A saying that a lot of people use to say and have displayed on bumper stickers, shirts, etc. is “question authority.” It seems that this might have been said and displayed, but was it ever done? Government agencies seem to just delegate. Recently, Calabasas citizens rallied about having “smart meters” installed. They brought their medical records and tons of documentation from the Health Department proving that the testing was sparse and left out testing concerning children, the disabled, elderly and women of child-bearing age. The documents showed various medical conditions that occur, but the smart meters went in anyway. Oh, if you don’t want to get them installed, you can opt out—at a cost!
Then there’s the Malibu Lagoon issue—still dangling—with a chemical plant on the beach, protesters still strong, and environmentalists still pitted against each other. We have the issue of “the Edge” wanting to build on his edge (to the tune of changing current laws), the proposed hotel, Whole Foods, etc. Even kids are getting into the fight with the issue of football lights.
So, here we are fighting again for freedom. The fight in Malibu is to preserve Malibu… what’s left. The builders will always want to build, the surfers will always want to surf, the moms will always want what they think is good for their kids, and so on. Through all the fight to keep Malibu free, the sun shines, the ocean glistens, the wind sends seeds to the earth to be born again as the plant, flower, tree.
Such is life. As The Beatles sang, “ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on.”
Alessandra DeClario, Ph.D.