Raise a Glass to America

Today is the Fourth of July. America celebrates 250 years of its independence from Britain (even though seemingly confused about wanting a new king). Imagine you are at the celebration. The fireworks are ready, the grill is hot, and someone has just handed you the microphone.

Write a fictional Independence Day toast that begins like a heartfelt celebration of America but gradually reveals something else. It can become satirical, ironic, darkly funny, painfully awkward, or gloriously absurd. Luckily, real life has no shortage of material with Trump in power.

Your toast may praise the country's ideals while questioning its leaders, celebrate freedom while exposing hypocrisy, or start with stars and stripes before ending with smoke and mirrors. Whether your target is politics, culture, history, or the human condition is entirely up to you.

Keep it in the style of a real toast: something that could plausibly be delivered at a backyard barbecue, city celebration, or family gathering, at least until the guests begin exchanging uncomfortable glances.

Requirements:

• Write between 50 and 200 words (no one likes long winding toasts, so let's keep it short).

• The piece must be written as a toast.

• The tone may be humorous, satirical, ironic, or bittersweet.

• End with a line worthy of raising a glass

• Publish in any community that accepts microfiction and link your toast to the comments on this story.

• As always, I will tip $1-5 to the toasts I like.

• Deadline - July 31, 2026.

As usual, here's my own toast as a sample:

A Fourth of July Toast

Please raise your glasses.

To 250 years of proving that no one is bigger than the Constitution -- not kings, not presidents, not billionaires, and certainly not anyone who mistakes applause for a coronation and protest marches for his celebration.

To a nation founded by people who dumped tea into a harbor because they disliked unchecked power. They'd probably have strong opinions about golden thrones, loyalty tests, and confusing patriotism with personal devotion. Oh, and the blatant brazen corruption, but I won't go there!

May our flags always fly higher than our egos, our laws stand firmer than our manifestations, and our leaders remember that the Oval Office comes with an 4-year expiring term.

Here's to America, the only country stubborn enough to argue with itself every day and still call it freedom.

Happy Independence Day. May we keep celebrating independence... from anyone who forgets what that word truly means.