Happy 4th

Comments

1. Diana McGinness says:
   July 4, 2012 at 12:36 pm

   In the words of John Adams:

   It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forever forward.

   Happy Independence Day everyone!
2. Arthur L. says:
   July 4, 2012 at 12:59 pm

   I agree with Diana and Adams. I’ll just leave out the guns. Happy July 4th.
3. Gary D. says:
   July 4, 2012 at 1:05 pm

   It’s truly a WONDERFUL country. Where idiots have the right to say stupid things and we have the right to call them ridiculous.
   Happy Day to you Mario and all your followers.
4. Charlie Sommers says:
   July 4, 2012 at 1:16 pm

   I hope everyone has a great day, now go spit watermelon seeds at each other.
5. E.A. Blair says:
   July 4, 2012 at 1:29 pm

   Many years ago, NPR’s Morning Edition’s program of 4 July featured a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, which, performed by their announcers, was quite stirring. I don’t think I’d been through the entire thing since school days. The following year, they repeated the performance and I had a copy to follow along with the recitation.

   In the years since, I added a reading of the complete Constitution to my Independence Day ritual, and, when I’m feeling ambitious, I also go through the Articles of Confederation. One year, when I felt particularly up ‘n’ at ‘em, I even read through the Confederate States of America Constitution, which differs very little from the real thing* except for invoking the blessing of the Christian deity and emphasizing states’ rights in several areas, most importantly preserving the institution of slavery**.

   Other interesting reading for the day includes United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, also known as the Flag Code, which notes, among other things, that the flag is not to be worn as clothing or made into a costume, is not to be used in advertising and is not to be printed on anything intended for temporary use and discard, such as napkins, boxes, paper plates and cups, cake decorations or party favors {technically, that provision also makes flag-bearing postage stamps illegal – see §8.(i)}. The Federalist Papers is a bit long and involved for a single day’s reading. I definitely recommend taking some time out to go through some of these, all of which are available online.

   It’s too bad some of the wingnuts, teabaggers and the politicians they idolize don’t take time out from swilling bear, stuffing their faces and lighting M-80s to actually read some of these documents and really think about what they mean.

   *The Wikipedia article on the Confederate Constitution highlights the differences between the two documents.

   **This clearly shows the difference between a secular and a Christian-based foundation of government
6. E.A. Blair says:
   July 4, 2012 at 3:47 pm

   Ignore that link in my previous comment. The Wikipedia article is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Constitution
7. Sofia Velgara says:
   July 4, 2012 at 3:58 pm

   Yes, yes, yes!!!!! Enjoy the 4th of July :D!!!
8. Jan says:
   July 4, 2012 at 4:17 pm

   Mario, yes indeed this is a great country and will continue to be in spite of the RWNJ’s who are hell-bent on changing that.

   Happy 4th Everyone!

   It is never too late to give up our prejudices.

   ~~Henry David Thoreau

   It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.
   ~~Henry David Thoreau
9. Diana McGinness says:
   July 4, 2012 at 4:31 pm

   Arthur – I agree with you on the guns – I almost did a strike through, but wanted to keep the integrity of the quote.
10. Tommy Pane says:
    July 4, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Thanks Mario. I’ll have a brat and a beer for you.
11. Melody Brynne DeGagne says:
    July 4, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Happy 4th of July to everyone and, for me, it is truly independence since I am now living with just me and my dog! I watched a great parade and had a chance to meet some bright, eager little kids who I offered a blanket to sit on in the shade by my spot and proceeded to have a great conversation with the 8 year old and the twin 6 year olds! I learned a lot about card collections, collecting candy at the parade and how delightful these young boys could be and I watched their parents keep a proud and loving eye on them. It was over 100 degrees and we all helped each other get through the day! I am home now in the air conditioning with my Golden Retriever, Lucky Lady, sleeping peacefully at my feet as I type here! I feel so blessed that I just had to thank all of you for sharing your opinions here and letting me get to know each of you better!

    One more thing I saw today……the entire crowd coming to their feet for the returned vets from our wars and how proudly they bore the duty of being the honorary color guard for the parade followed immediately by the vets of earlier wars and the motorcycle vets who safeguard funerals to keep protesters from invading those sacred and painful moments in time for the families. I thank all of them deeply on this day for their service and devotion to their country. They deserved every bit of the standing ovation and immense cheers they got today! As do all who have served….in my heart I am giving all of you a standing ovation, immense cheers but most of all….respect and gratitude! Thank you! Happy 4th of July everyone!
12. Peter Hockley says:
    July 4, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Happy 4th from the far side of The Atlantic.
13. GoldenSun says:
    July 4, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    Thanks everyone for your comments, Mario for his great website and our military for being the BEST !
    Happy Birthday Fellow Americans !!
14. esd2000 says:
    July 4, 2012 at 10:58 pm

    Happy 4th to everyone. Even to you Republicans who would BOO a gay soldier and the Candidates who chose to remain silent. May our Troops stay safe and come home soon.
15. fidlerten says:
    July 5, 2012 at 8:22 am

    I’m a day late but Happy July the 5th I suppose and glad to see another holiday over with and that no one burned down my home with their fireworks.