Independence Day

wouldn't it be crazy if, instead of just celebrating our independence once a year, we had to fight for it?
then it might mean a little more than barbecues and fireworks.
i think it's too bad that the majority of people call it the 4th of July, instead of Independence Day. I also think it's sad that people don't understand the Independence part and all of its implications.

but anyway, here's a pretty picture:
this is Asclepias tuberosus, or Butterfly Weed. it's a milkweed. It's my favorite, because it's crazy orange instead of pink or purple like all the other milkweeds.
i think it looks kind of like fireworks.