Here's to Complicating Your 4th

Every 4^th of July I have mixed feelings. There are, of course, the patriotic emotions that are hard to avoid when one is surrounded by loved ones under a firework filled night sky. Why the mixed feelings? As my wife often points out, I am a rule follower. I am most comfortable when I obey the established authority. As a child I obeyed my parents. As a Christian I obey God. As a citizen I obey my government. In this context I realize that I would most likely have been a Loyalist during the time of the American Revolution. I cannot see myself taking up arms against my country, in that case England, and my King. 

I sympathize greatly with the often misunderstood "traitor," Benedict Arnold. He first fought beside his countrymen (English & American colonists) in 1755 against the tyranny of France and their terrorizing Indian tactics during the French and Indian War. Later, believing in the American struggle against British oppression, Arnold took up arms against his country and became the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army, most notably at the Battle of Saratoga, at which his right leg was desperately wounded. His private correspondence displayed both a spirit of rebellion against tyranny and a desire to see America eventually rekindle her communion with England.  However, Arnold was beside himself upon learning of the Franco/American alliance of 1778, an unthinkable treason to any British-American. Arnold changed sides and once again fought for his King.  Having traded his blue coat for a red one, Arnold later asked a captured Continental officer what the Americans would do if they captured him.  The officer replied, “Cut off your right leg, bury it with full military honors, and then hang the rest of you on a gibbet.”

I do not live during the American Revolutionary era, however. The American colonists won and I live on this side of history. I have since attempted to take up and participate in this experiment of liberty and the spirit of rebellion against tyranny. The mixed feelings continue, however, and will likely endure for some time.