Jul 04, 2003 — Today's celebration isn't so much about elation because we've overthrown the redcoats and the oppression of King George III. The parades and fireworks and picnics of out time are a general celebration of America and of self-government, liberty, prosperity and other blessings we have strived for and more or less achieved. Commentator Paul Willcott finds that celebration of July 4th is strongly colored by the individual's perception of the state of the nation and the world.