Speak up: Are these songs patriotic?

Good job parade revelers!

The annual Fourth of July Parade gave crowds plenty to cheer and admire Sunday, as around 90 or so entries ushered down Sherman Avenue in mostly uniform fashion.

I had a great spot from which to watch at the intersection of Fifth Street and Sherman.

Flags, costumes and decorated floats and signs boasted the people’s pride for the red, white and blue all during the day.

And rightly so.

But this year, like every year regardless where you spend Independence Day, a couple of familiar songs blared in the background while everyone celebrated the country’s birthday.

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Fortunate Son’ and Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA,’ both of which criticize how America treats its soldiers, blared the day away.

Both songs basically say, if you’re poor in this country, you’re expendable.

So why use it to celebrate what’s good here?

Is it that it's just part of our country’s history and we accept both good and bad?

Or is nobody listening?

Or am I just reading too much into nothing?

I would love some feedback, as I’ve always been curious. Please respond by commenting on this thread.

- Tom Hasslinger