Independence Day

Head up to a rooftop in Washington, DC on July Fourth and look around. There are fireworks in every direction.

None of these fireworks are official. Many of them are of dubious legality. All of them are joyfully celebrating the country‘s birthday.

The official fireworks on the Mall a few miles away are visible if you squint. They reflect a patriotism of pomp: Sousa marches, military flyovers, and elaborate displays planned months in advance.

The neighborhood fireworks are America. Informal. Self-organized. Ungoverned. Thumbing their noses at authority.

Here’s to another 250 years.