"What Thou Lovest Well, Remains American" — 4th of July 2017 parade in Alameda

Patriotic Couple with baby in stroller

      Yes, my title was lifted from the somber Richard Hugo poem, but the 4th of July parade in Alameda yesterday was decidedly upbeat.  The 3 mile route was lined with Alamedans holding flags, waving to the local notables passing by in review. The mayor, and city councilpersons.  Miss California, and a figure skating champion.  Vets, cowboys, community gardeners, special olympians, boy and girl scouts, gay pride manifesters.  Many local businesses and non-profits. Some eccentric causes.  Several varieties of Trump protesters.  We islanders enjoying the beautiful weather, enjoying each others, happy to be living in a city that in some elusive yet

Blue Star Moms have kids in the service
Some carried signs saying "Call your mother"

important sense, actually worked for us.  And in a functional California, so different than failed states like New Jersey, which celebrated Independence Day by closing it's public beaches.

This float palyed lively music, and was followed in the parade by
the First Congregational Church, "All Welcome" 

Special Olympians

                              
      Who could have a problem with that?  My good friend C. perhaps, who
traced the outline of a mushroom cloud with his hands when asked what he

"Cannabis Community,"
a local dispensary

anticipated from Trump in the White House. Overstatement does not come naturally to C., well-appreciated in his circle for his keen insights and level-headed kindness.  So were we playing ostrich, pretending we can't foresee the disaster that wait for us?  Maybe, but at least for one day, it's good to focus elsewhere.  To feel part of the heart of a place, to feel the embrace of a warm, multi-faceted community. To feel patriotic.