Are you still debating the debate from last week with friends and foe alike? Yet another polarizing moment in today’s America gave everyone a chance to take sides, put on blinders, and/or advocate vociferously in favor of one presidential candidate over another. Four years after We the People first got to choose between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, it kind of seems as if the cynical line used by many in 2020 about those two is even truer today. To wit: “330 million Americans and this is the best we’ve got to offer?”

Since we’re currently in the middle of a holiday weekend that’s able to be embraced by all citizens, perhaps we should turn our argumentative attention to, shall we say, more enjoyable battles – the kind that seldom lead to fisticuffs or to relatives and friends leaving a gathering in a huff.

I have some modest examples of topics that can definitely stir passion but can be debated in good fun while sitting on a beach, in a backyard, or wherever one celebrates our nation’s birthday. It doesn’t matter if you have trouble stringing complete thoughts together or if you engage in half-truths. Political persuasions play no part in these subject matters, so feel free to state your opinion without fear.

Here’s the first combative issue: Hot Dogs vs. Hamburgers. Which is the tastier star attraction at a 4th of July barbeque? You can divide this discussion into two parts if you like. The first would be naked dog versus naked burger, and the second is loaded dog versus loaded burger. Feel free to get into the weeds with the latter, e.g., kinds of relish, pretzel bun or regular, cheese or no cheese, spicy or mild mustard, etc. As for me, I come down on the side of the cow. One of my favorite ways to indulge my tastebuds is to put a dollop of plum jam on the bottom bun, then the burger, and top it with peanut butter. (I can’t take credit for this creation. My Uncle Bill introduced me to the “Foggy-Bottom Burger” at a Los Angeles bistro many moons ago. It was his “go-to” birthday lunch).

How about Chocolate vs. Vanilla? The latter remains the most-ordered ice cream in the land. But not in my family. If you were to peek into the freezer compartment of any kin of mine, you’d find not a single carton of ice cream with the word vanilla anywhere on it. Instead, there would be a range of chocolate half-gallons (with chips, peanut butter tidbits, chunks of dark, extreme moose tracks, and more) awaiting your spoon. And don’t forget the chocolate sauce on top. Believe me, though, none of us would begrudge you eating vanilla. In our minds, that simply leaves more chocolate for us.

This next topic might be more regional: Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola. In Georgia, the birthplace of Coke, there is no debate. If you ask for a cold soft drink, you’re going to get served a Coke. Usually Classic Coke. Even if you ask for a Pepsi. Up north, though, when you request a “pop,” you may have to specify what you really want to drink. Even though I personally have a very active sweet tooth, I would always choose Coke over Pepsi. The latter is just too sugary for even my tastes.

I know a subject sure to raise some dander: Dogs vs. Cats. I actually have to tread lightly here. My preference has always been canines, but one of the biggest reasons for that is I’m allergic to cat fur. I would classify myself as a dog LIKER while my wife is definitely a dog LOVER. I’ve lived with six (dogs, not wives) during my lifetime, and have definitely felt as if they were each part of the family. However, one of my sisters, well, mainly her husband, has rescued and attended to many felines over the course of the last couple of decades. And I have to say, I liked their choices.

Other debatable options? Ruth’s Homers vs. Aaron’s, Pumpkin Pie vs. Pecan, Vodka Martini vs. Gin, Red Licorice vs. Black.

And finally, not a one vs. another, but this query: Where’s the best place to watch fireworks on the 4th? The cul-de-sac where we lived for 35 years was ground zero for our subdivision. One of our neighbors was a firefighter who oversaw the festivities. Some coastal cities will shoot off colorful salutes from boats out in the water. My favorite spot was the Mall in Washington, D.C. I happened to be in the Capital one summer, and the night sky turned to daylight for an hour.

Just remember, wherever you are, whatever you eat, however you celebrate our country, be grateful you can do it your way.

©MMXXIV. William J. Lewis, III – Freelance Writer