July 4th 2010 - Happy Independence Day America
Two hundred and thirty-four years. Happy Birthday America.
May God continue to watch over us and give us the strength to keep ourselves safe from the evils of the world, to give us the wisdom to know when to act and the fortitude to do the job that needs doing when the time comes.
For over two hundred years this country has existed. No where near as long as the Roman Empire - but then we're not out there trying to take over the world, merely to keep it safe from those tyrannical dictators and forces that would see this Great Country fall.
This country IS a great country and regardless of both our foreign and domestic detractors we will continue. The debate about whether or not America falls is moot, as this country will not fall.
Not because we can't, for as surely as the water flows down a mountain and to the sea, the winds blow and the stars shine, America will, inevitably cease to exist, as will Mankind at some very distant point in the future.
No, America is not just a country. It is an idea, a flag, a Constitution and it is the people of this country that make her strong. It is the idealism of Freedom, individual freedoms that we all enjoy and even give hope to others who haven't what we have.
Many see our lives as arrogance. We see it as independence.
Some eye us jealously and think we are too rich. Our richness is not in money, but in freedom, the ability to live free, to die free. To fight for that freedom and to wish that freedom and independence upon all others of the world.
Some believe Americans to be racist. Racism is a thing of the past, except from those who believe they can use it against us. There are a few people living in the US today who are indeed racists and need to change themselves, rather than accuse the rest of us of their crime. Most Americans do not see color, only deeds.
Some other countries believe us to be like John Wayne in our every day lives. And to some extent John Wayne, the great actor did indeed embody in his films those qualities we find admirable in America. Patriotism, strength of character, standing up and fighting for what is right, stopping the evil, bad, criminal and just plain "stupid" from getting an upper hand.
Americans, contrary to popular myth aren't cowards, we aren't arrogant, and we do stand up and fight for what is right in spite of those who believe we should be "more humble" or "peaceful".
America is a peaceful country and Americans are a peaceful people. We're not the people currently shooting across a border in the south, aiming at innocent people. We are standing up in Congress saying how this or that country should be obliterated from the face of the Earth.
Yes, we are strong, yes, we have nuclear weapons and yes we have used them before. But to use nuclear devices again goes against the grain. But, give them up? That would be giving in to those who wish us weaker. While we have them, countries like China and Russia think twice about going to war. Iran tries to develop them in an effort not to protect their country but to threaten others.
Therein lies the difference between the US and everyone else. Might does NOT make RIGHT. Might however can protect what is Right and Rights of individuals.
Today our country appears to be in crisis. We're going broke due to a spending spree. Our President is an apologist to everyone and everything for perceived ills we supposedly have caused.
Mr. President, do not apologize for me or my family. We never held slaves. We have never unduly threatened another country. We are not "arrogant Americans".
We are FREE AMERICANS... and this author states right now that we will remain free, or die. Don't forget, Mr. President what America stands for.
It's not just a country of people. It's an idea which will live on even if there were country and no people. Yes, America is made up of people from everywhere and everywhere there are Americans, even if in name only.
God Bless America.
Happy Independence Day!
Re: July 4th 2010 - Happy Independance Day America
Of Jefferson, Franklin and the Republic - if we can keep it
The weather in heaven is always beautiful, for that is the nature of the place. Even so, the two gentlemen in fitted coats and knee breeches take care to appreciate it properly before settling themselves at the very edge.
It is their custom to come here now and again, for the view is good, and it gives them pleasure to mark the progress of the earth - especially of the United States, a nation in which they take a pleased and proprietary interest.
"Whoever could have thought it would come to this?" says the one with the ink-stained fingers (such things are badges of honor in heaven). "Who would have thought it would become so...big?"
"Who indeed," says the other, sighing with a contentment that has more of earth than of heaven in it. "My dear Thomas, do you ever contemplate how fortunate we were? Our poor old friend Plato could only write about his Republic...."
"And a good thing too," whispers the one called Thomas, for a Virginia gentleman does not speak such things loudly. "A more sterile and dull place one could not imagine."
"...While we - we were given the chance to bring ours into being. I remember well that someone asked me what we had made, and that I replied, 'A Republic - if you can keep it.' And so far, indeed, they have kept it."
"By luck and miracle," says the one called Thomas. "They still have no idea no idea at all - of what they have, and sometimes they seem determined to rid themselves of it. Do you see that man there? He has no concept of what has been given to him. He has just declared publicly that God has called him to go into the very halls of Congress - his words, Benjamin, 'the very halls of Congress' - in order to make his own morality the law of the land."
"Though of course he does not say that - he says it is God's morality," murmurs Benjamin. "It has always been so."
"As indeed it has," replies Thomas. "The Pilgrims came from England so they might worship as they pleased, and what was the first thing they did? They made laws banning all other religions. 'Tis human nature, it seems, to believe religion must be regulated by the state."
"Yet we wrote it another way, didn't we, Thomas."
"And still they do not understand, Benjamin. How could we have been plainer? Did we need to spell it out word by word, saying 'You can believe in God in any way you choose, or in no god at all. You can call God by any name you like, and you may worship in any way you like, so long as you harm none. You may sing or chant or dance or sit in silence, you may even roll on the floor and handle snakes. You may speak or write your beliefs without fear, and you may persuade anyone you can to come and believe with you.
"The only thing you cannot do is use the law to force your beliefs on those who do not share them. What could be simpler?"
"Yet we were roundly criticized, Thomas, as well you know, and many said it would never work. But look you there."
"I am looking, Benjamin, and with some astonishment. What on the green and blessed earth are those people doing?"
"They call themselves Wiccans, and they are worshiping God - or in this case the Goddess - in the way that seems good to them."
"It seems that things have become complex since our day," says Thomas. "In our time, most Americans were Puritans or Anglicans, a few Roman Catholics, a small smattering of Jews...."
"And yonder," Benjamin goes on, "is a Jewish woman making ready for her family's Passover. While the Christians are observing the season of Lent, the Muslims have finished their celebration of the Hijra and are looking forward to the anniversary of the birth of Muhammad. The followers of Shinto have ritually purified their shrines and honored their ancestors. The Buddhists have just welcomed their New Year, and at this very moment a Navajo shaman is singing a healing chant for an old woman.
"And how good it is - how good it is! There is not a catacomb nor a priest's hole in all the land, not a burning court nor a pogrom nor an inquisition, nor one small, fearful group whispering prayers behind a locked door...."
"Yet there are still some," says Benjamin, "who would like to see these things return - all in the name of God."
"It has always been so. For them we wrote the Amendments."
"But still, Thomas, why can they not understand? When you take a freedom from one, you will find that, in the turning of fortune, you have taken it from yourself as well."
"Some are incapable of such imaginings, Benjamin. But, by God's grace we have given even them a Republic."
"If they can keep it."
The Rev. Anne McConney of Omaha, Neb., is a columnist for Episcopal Life, where this article first appeared.
Re: July 4th 2010 - Happy Independence Day America
Re: July 4th 2010 - Happy Independence Day America
I'm sorry if it's late to post this but I have to.
I want to let a message from Brazil to the great nation United States of America.
The USA is a shinning candle in the darkness of the World.
That this candle of Freedom and Liberty remain lighted for many years to come. Your revolution will be always an inspiration for many countries throughout the world.
That the peace of Our Lord be upon your country.
http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content...iers-grave.jpg
http://www.transasianaxis.com/vb/dat...AASUVORK5CYII=
Re: July 4th 2010 - Happy Independence Day America
I think this was a year late. Look at the post date. 2010 haha
It's ok BR, thanks from all of us
Re: July 4th 2010 - Happy Independence Day America
Oh :D I didn't see the date Rick :rofl2::rofl2::rofl2:
But it's good to remember that you were and ARE an inspiration for many countries.
Keep the good fight :2thumbs:
