OK, I cheated a bit…I saw a great fireworks display on Saturday night. I suspect I am not alone, with so much going on this week. They filled me with wonder, as they always do, and redoubled my gratitude that I am American. Freedom it is something to cherish, to hold tight, to fight for. I think about even the mundane things that give so much pleasure, getting an idea in one’s head, and being able to follow one’s heart there. My neighbors have taken to planting their Zen and rock garden at night (way too hot during the day!) There is no curfew, they are free too. I cherish my little house, and the move that brought me here to Austin. No papers, no reporting to someone for permission to do so. A million times a day we are able to demonstrate our liberty. We are SO lucky to have been born here.

Our video today is from Folk Alley who do a great job of programming acoustic roots, Americana and folk music for an aggregation of non-commercial radio stations around the country, plus streaming on the web 24/7. They also do videos, and we bring you the immensely talented Darrell Scott from 2009 doing the song “American Tune.“ Amazing that Paul Simon, who wrote and released it on his self-titled solo album in 1972, captured these thoughts back then, as they are no doubt truer today. Remember, when you listen, that our freedom allows us to question, to be unsure of our thoughts, of our mind. We are allowed the process of discovery. We had the honor of capturing Darrell Scott a couple of years ago at Americana Fest, so if this is an introduction to him, there is way more where that came from.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July, and remember, cherish your independence. I want you to promise me you will vote this year, if you are eligible. It DOES make a difference.

-Jessie Scott