Philadelphia Freedom (couple of hours anyway)

Saturday, sofa, coffee. Resting up from a week of itching, steroids, and work.

I was in Philadelphia this week for a couple of hours.

I drove through the historical district in the late afternoon and parked my rented Sebring on the curb of a narrow street next to the City Tavern, a quaint brick eatery (and drinkery) established in the 1700's. The waiters standing under the huge old oak trees in the back yard made me think of the guy on the creditreport.com commercials. Sometimes I hate what good advertising campaigns are capable of.

As I strolled along the sidewalks of concrete, brick or cobblestone, scenes of history appeared like a powerpoint presentation, the slides changing with every few steps. I imagined Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton, Jay, Madison, Washington, and so many others walking the same paths, disappearing into the doorways, sitting at tables around mugs of ale, or tea, as the foundations of the incredible American experiment were taken from idealistic notions to ink on a parchment.

I was not alone in Philadelphia. Thousands of tourists roamed the district, the largest crowd lined up to view the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Post card photo opportunities were everywhere, and cameras were raised more often than glasses of beer at the pubs and taverns that line the streets. Families strolled along together. A good time was being had by all. It was a great American scene. I joined in the moment by stopping at a local vendor and consuming a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and a cream soda (the cream soda in honor of my compadre Mateo Smith.)

It is a beautiful place. The original buildings that still exist have been restored. Large areas of green grass and old trees provide places to rest. New pavilions and museums have been constructed.

It is idyllic.

Meanwhile, in our present day capitol, Washington D. C., other crowds were gathered. Congressman, doctors, businessmen, lobbyists, the President, reporters, spokespersons for the poor, the elderly, small businesses, protesters, mayors, governors, teachers, law enforcement, and countless others were in offices and hallways, on the streets, in restaurants and bars, and in front of cameras and microphones.

Conversations, arguments, and probably physical altercations were being had over health care reform, war and peace, education, the economy, and alleged police abuse of an African American Harvard Professor, a friend of the President, as well as a myriad of other issues important to the people.

It is not idyllic.

But neither was Philadelphia back in the late 1780's. There were arguments, altercations, and walk-outs. There were soaring orations, questionable assertions, personal attacks, physical altercations, and probably a challenge to a duel or two. Everyone had his point of view.

But that is what we have chosen. Everyone has his (and now her) point of view, and has a right to express it vigorously.

It may not be idyllic. But it is a beautiful thing.

Not the kind of thing you walk by and take pictures of.

It is the kind of thing in which we are all invited to be in the picture.

So smile and say "Cheese."

American that is.

.