Gettin' some
in the City of Brotherly Love
Spud was sitting at home channel surfing one night in a fruitless attempt
to find a channel that wasn't broadcasting political debates or commentary
on the Democratic nomination for the 2008 Presidency. After moving to
the US in 2004, the tater learned that the American public, or at least
the media, were obsessed with the country's political processs and its
candidates' endless grandstanding. It was then that he realized that he
didn't really know much about the US' political history.
Scanning through his map book, the tater figured it was time to make a trip to the city of Philadelphia, which played a pivotal role in the country's background.
Philadelphia was once the capital of the U.S. It was here in 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was signed, officially marking the break from British rule and signifying the birth of the United States of America.
The Liberty Bell is also located in the city, standing as the enduring symbol of freedom. The bell was hung in the town's Independence Hall in 1753 and was rung on July 8, 1776, summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence from Colonel John Nixon.
The 944kg (2080 lb) bell was originally hung in the state building and was used to summon the Assembly and general public together for special announcements. While being toiled to commemorate the birthday of the US' first president, George Washington, the bell developed a fracture that, although it was repaired, proved to be critical enough that the bell was retired after 93 years of service. My, how things have changed over the years. Back then when they realized a political icon was cracked, they retired it. Today, thats when they elect them into a higher office.
Spud had always shared a common bond with the Liberty Bell. After all, both are inanimate objects of great cultural and historic importance and both have cracks. The bell was repaired with large bolts, while Spud's fractured skull is held together with black hockey tape.
One cannot make a visit to Philadelphia without paying homage to its most famous son. No, I'm not talking about Ben Franklin, that guy who first channeled electricity, invented bi-focals and signed the Declaration of Independence...I'm talking about a man of infinitely great signifigance to the cultural fabric of the US: Rocky Balboa.
Yes, it was the streets of Philadelphia where a small time boxer got his one in a million chance to take on the heavyweight champion of the world. The 'Italian Stallion' overcame all odds and not only eventually beat his nemesis, but he also dispensed with Mr T, Dolph Lundgren, and nearly half the Vietnamese in subsequent films.
A Monument to the pasta-eating pugilist stands at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art - made famous by Rocky when he made his triumphant run up its steps in the Oscar winning movie.
Spud visited the statue to pay his respects, however it was surrounded by throngs of women. Next to the statue of David in Italy, its likely the most groped monument on the planet
After running to the top of the Museum steps like Rocky did before him, the tato looked back down the long Parkway leading into the core of thr City. At the far end of the road, he saw another famous Philadelphia attraction: Love Park
The park was named for its most famous 'Love' statue which was sculpted by artist Robert Indiana and placed in the center of the plaza in 1976 to commemorate the Bicentennial birthday of the United States. The monument was to stand as a symbol for Philadelphia being the 'City of Brotherly love'
While admiring the park's lovely fountain and its grand view of the colonial City Hall, the tater was clubbed from behind by a hoodlum on a skateboard.
The heathen proceeded to 'show some love' to the potato by pummeling him with the backside of his board. The pounded potato was kissing the pavement when his mugger fled with the tato's cell phone in hand.
Spud would learn shortly
afterward that Philadelphia holds the distinction of being one of the
most violent cities in North America. Obviously, the Love statue has not
proven to be a very effective message to the populace.
