General Discussion

I was called upon that day to entertain my little brother who was a recent graduate of kindergarten. My mom was working at the radio station where the bicentennial was a very big deal with patriotic music, interviews with local celebrities, etc. This radio station was apolitical, and they had a small news department, just one full time employee, and they took unbiased journalism seriously. The station did not broadcast any politically provocative talk radio at all; no "shock jocks" or "hate radio" as those shows were later called.

My dad was taking care of his mother who was very ill. The rest of my siblings had run off with their friends to party. I didn't like parties.

I did like to play with fire and explosives. I probably did some of that with my little brother in celebration, but that wasn't unusual except that I'd be less likely to get in trouble for it that day. From there we went to check out the local museum that was hosting some festive special events with people in costume, Fourth of July food, and activities for the children.

When my little brother got bored with that we drove to the park where the big fireworks show would be and annoyed the guys who were setting it up. I can picture it from their perspective now -- this weird autistic spectrum guy and his little brother show up asking questions...

Finally as the fireworks show was about to begin the rest of my family, except for my mom who was still at the radio station, gathered together to watch the fireworks. After the show I handed my little brother off to my dad and drove away into the night alone, as I usually preferred to be.