It is our country's birthday month, which usually conjures up images of broad stripes and gallant ramparts. Yet after a chaotic year of events including the financial crisis, the sickening BP oil spill, and the disgrace of Tiger Woods, America's red white and blue has been given a black eye. This photograph exemplifies the murky phase that the U.S. is currently undergoing. The flag is not valiantly undulating in the breeze; it's not even a real flag. It's some sort of trashy synthetic material, placed askance in the window in front of some severely outdated blinds. The apartment building itself is sad and ominous with no sign of July jubilation to be seen. There are even bars covering the windows, completely contradicting any notion of freedom. The upside to this newfound American modesty - we may finally be more liked by France.