Going 4th

“I can’t see anything wrong with it.

This is the Bible Belt.”

Independence Day was generous with the images this year.

It might just be me, but the icon seems to have a gender-bending quality.  Maybe it’s the hoisting (or, foisting) of that big, bold (and copper) cross in place of the scaled green torch.  Maybe it’s because, in my head, I’m mashing Lady Liberty with the holy son.

However, I’m as much interested in the megachurch parishioners in the foreground.  In speaking of his $260,000 statue (see: Lady Liberty Trades In Some Trappings), Pastor Alton R. Williams of the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church in Memphis envisions the monument as not just a symbol of Christian liberation, but of black emancipation as well.  Of course, the fact he ties both into one neat package can only bring joy to right-wing fundies courting ’06 and ’08 votes.

What’s your take?

(hat tip: Stan. image: Rollin Riggs for The New York Times.  Memphis.  July 4th, 2006.  nyt.com)