Codependence Day: Cheers To A Long, Beautiful, And Dysfunctional Relationship0

by Nicole Powers

Being English in America is a rather peculiar affair come July 4th. After all, you Yanks are busy inviting each other to barbecues, waving flags, enthusiastically lighting the fuses of an inordinate amout of pyrotechnics, and, rather ironically, singing “This Land Is Your Land” in celebration of the Declaration of Independence from our country. However, for us, attending an Independence Day celebration is akin to being Guy Fawkes at a Bonfire Night party, which is the anniversary we save our fireworks for.

On this apparently auspicious day, one wonders too if, given the benefit of hindsight, America’s emancipation is truly a cause for celebration or commiseration? Was freedom from the tyranny of what any reasonable (ie. non-Republican) person might consider a decidedly moderate tax worth it, given the price you’ve subsequently paid? After all, if you’d have stuck with us, you’d already have true universal healthcare, no ominous questions hanging over your right to choose, nationwide gay marriage, a more pragmatic policy towards drugs, no death penalty, far stricter campaign finance laws, and, dare I say it, a somewhat more democratic democracy. (Not to mention football that’s actually played with feet, news bulletins that actually broadcast news, and cups of tea that are actually worth drinking.)

And declarations aside, a relationship that’s endured for better or worse, for richer or poorer, for 236 years after it was officially annulled hardly smacks of independence. Like a divorced couple that’s unwilling and unable to sever the emotional, financial and legal ties, the affairs of Britain and America remain inextricably entwined. (If you need further proof of this point, have a chat with Richard O’Dwyer or Julian Assange.) So, as we mark the anniversary of the day our relationship was officially redefined, we should perhaps define it again. Let’s take a moment to consider all that’s both wonderful and dysfunctional about America and Great Britain’s “special relationship” and raise a glass to Codependence Day.

It should be noted that the author of this article hails from England, but is a naturalized American, who wrote this missive in her country of choice (the United States) while enjoying guacamole, chips, salsa, and a very stiff margarita. She also acknowledges that King George III was probably a bit of a dick.