Happy Birthday America!

Off Topic Politics & World Issues
1

It’s been ages since I started a PWI thread, but today seems as good a day as ever.

Two hundred thirty-seven years ago, on this day, a group of rebels met in a sweltering courthouse in Pennsylvania, to sign their names to a seditious and treasonous document, officially declaring that the political bonds that had heretofore bound them to to their government were no longer relevant, and were therefore dissolved.

In between enumerating a few of the natural rights of a free people, and pledging the lives, fortunes and honor of his compatriots and himself to seeing this audacious prospect through to fruition, the author of this document made a list of the reasons why this drastic step was necessary.

Now, my fellow Americans, here in the Homeland and around the world, I have a modest request. On this day, though you may likely be busy with your hot dogs and beer, with festooning your property with the Stars and Stripes, with putting on Chinese-made cardboard Uncle Sam hats and setting off Chinese-made fireworks to commemorate the greatest act of treason and rebellion ever recorded, I would ask you to do a simple thing.

Find yourself a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and read it. Particularly that middle section listing the injuries and usurpations of King George, in his bid to establish absolute tyranny.

Once you’ve done that, ask yourself two questions: if Tom Jefferson were alive today, how would he update this list? How many of the original items still belong?

I look forward to hearing your responses.

Happy Independence Day.

3

[quote]Varqanir wrote:
It’s been ages since I started a PWI thread, but today seems as good a day as ever.

Two hundred thirty-seven years ago, on this day, a group of rebels met in a sweltering courthouse in Pennsylvania, to sign their names to a seditious and treasonous document, officially declaring that the political bonds that had heretofore bound them to to their government were no longer relevant, and were therefore dissolved.

In between enumerating a few of the natural rights of a free people, and pledging the lives, fortunes and honor of his compatriots and himself to seeing this audacious prospect through to fruition, the author of this document made a list of the reasons why this drastic step was necessary.

Now, my fellow Americans, here in the Homeland and around the world, I have a modest request. On this day, though you may likely be busy with your hot dogs and beer, with festooning your property with the Stars and Stripes, with putting on Chinese-made cardboard Uncle Sam hats and setting off Chinese-made fireworks to commemorate the greatest act of treason and rebellion ever recorded, I would ask you to do a simple thing.

Find yourself a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and read it. Particularly that middle section listing the injuries and usurpations of King George, in his bid to establish absolute tyranny.

Once you’ve done that, ask yourself two questions: if Tom Jefferson were alive today, how would he update this list? How many of the original items still belong?

I look forward to hearing your responses.

Happy Independence Day.

[/quote]

Excuse me, Varqanir, is that a Scout you are holding in the pic? or an M1A?

4

[quote]theBeth wrote:

Excuse me, Varqanir, is that a Scout you are holding in the pic? or an M1A?[/quote]

It’s a Scout.

5

Happy 4th of July!!!

6

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/pages/static/my_father_s_speech

Yeah. It’s a link to Rush’s website - but this is a speech his father wrote around 50 years ago or so. It talks about what the signers of the DOI endured - how much they sacrificed because of their treasonous action.

Pretty danged sobering.

7

[quote]Varqanir wrote:
It’s been ages since I started a PWI thread, but today seems as good a day as ever.

Two hundred thirty-seven years ago, on this day, a group of rebels met in a sweltering courthouse in Pennsylvania, to sign their names to a seditious and treasonous document, officially declaring that the political bonds that had heretofore bound them to to their government were no longer relevant, and were therefore dissolved.

In between enumerating a few of the natural rights of a free people, and pledging the lives, fortunes and honor of his compatriots and himself to seeing this audacious prospect through to fruition, the author of this document made a list of the reasons why this drastic step was necessary.

Now, my fellow Americans, here in the Homeland and around the world, I have a modest request. On this day, though you may likely be busy with your hot dogs and beer, with festooning your property with the Stars and Stripes, with putting on Chinese-made cardboard Uncle Sam hats and setting off Chinese-made fireworks to commemorate the greatest act of treason and rebellion ever recorded, I would ask you to do a simple thing.

Find yourself a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and read it. Particularly that middle section listing the injuries and usurpations of King George, in his bid to establish absolute tyranny.

Once you’ve done that, ask yourself two questions: if Tom Jefferson were alive today, how would he update this list? How many of the original items still belong?

I look forward to hearing your responses.

Happy Independence Day.

[/quote]

HEAR HEAR

8

[quote]drunkpig wrote:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/pages/static/my_father_s_speech

Yeah. It’s a link to Rush’s website - but this is a speech his father wrote around 50 years ago or so. It talks about what the signers of the DOI endured - how much they sacrificed because of their treasonous action.

Pretty danged sobering. [/quote]

Indeed. I found and read that article about 15 years ago when I was researching John Hart.

These were remarkable men: they risked all, and in many cases sacrificed all, to reject the rule of their sovereign, and bring about the birth of a new political entity.

I wonder what they would think of their child now that it’s all grown up.

9

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/pages/static/my_father_s_speech

Yeah. It’s a link to Rush’s website - but this is a speech his father wrote around 50 years ago or so. It talks about what the signers of the DOI endured - how much they sacrificed because of their treasonous action.

Pretty danged sobering. [/quote]

Indeed. I found and read that article about 15 years ago when I was researching John Hart.

These were remarkable men: they risked all, and in many cases sacrificed all, to reject the rule of their sovereign, and bring about the birth of a new political entity.

I wonder what they would think of their child now that it’s all grown up.[/quote]

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

I’m glad you’re back.

10

Happy birthday USA :slight_smile: Since I am an foreigner I am now logged by your NSA, thanks.

11

Fireworks and BBQ day!

12

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

[/quote]

I recall there was one cantankerous old sumbitch on that thread that took issue with the flag I’d designed, pointing out that the inclusion of the Brownville area of Texas would make it look like our nascent confederacy had a dingleberry.

Wonder whatever happened to him. :wink:

Thanks. Likewise.

13

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

[/quote]

I recall there was one cantankerous old sumbitch on that thread that took issue with the flag I’d designed, pointing out that the inclusion of the Brownville area of Texas would make it look like our nascent confederacy had a dingleberry.

Wonder whatever happened to him. :wink:

Thanks. Likewise. [/quote]

That is the shape of true freedom.

Cantankerous? I resemble that remark.

And yeah. Great to be back. We should talk more.

14

Ooooh yeah, I do remember this fellow. Hello, and welcome back.

15

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

[/quote]

I recall there was one cantankerous old sumbitch on that thread that took issue with the flag I’d designed, pointing out that the inclusion of the Brownville area of Texas would make it look like our nascent confederacy had a dingleberry.

Wonder whatever happened to him. :wink:

Thanks. Likewise. [/quote]

That is the shape of true freedom.

Cantankerous? I resemble that remark.

And yeah. Great to be back. We should talk more.
[/quote]

Hmm, I have to admit I’m curious as to what your old moniker might have been…

16

[quote]Sloth wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

[/quote]

I recall there was one cantankerous old sumbitch on that thread that took issue with the flag I’d designed, pointing out that the inclusion of the Brownville area of Texas would make it look like our nascent confederacy had a dingleberry.

Wonder whatever happened to him. :wink:

Thanks. Likewise. [/quote]

That is the shape of true freedom.

Cantankerous? I resemble that remark.

And yeah. Great to be back. We should talk more.
[/quote]

Hmm, I have to admit I’m curious as to what your old moniker might have been…
[/quote]

I wished I could just come right out and say it. But that seems to be a no-no. Neither ----, nor snow, nor dark of night…

plus -

most of the internet players probably ---- off way more often than actually scoring any cooch.

Or - go to doogie’s over 35 log.

17

[quote]Sloth wrote:
Fireworks and BBQ day![/quote]

Yup. Just like Christmas has become “tree decoration and consumer electronics day”, Easter has become “dyed egg and parade day”, and Thanksgiving has become “turkey and football day”.

So many good men died defending the idea of a free, independent people exercising their right to self-determination in the face of an oppressive regime. What have we done with this freedom lately? The Declaration, let us recall, barely squeaked through the approval process. Many of the delegates were perfectly content living under the benign dictatorship of King George, whose regime provided them with a pretty comfortable life, albeit at the expense of the little man.

In 1776, a man paid the Crown about three percent of his income in taxes. Three.

We arguably have representation now, but how about that taxation? Federal income tax, state income tax, capital gains tax, sales tax, fuel tax, estate tax… I could go on, but you get the idea. Jefferson could not imagine the extent that representation would allow taxes to “eat out the substance” of the people. But Alexander Tytler certainly could:

A democracy … can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits with the result the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy ensuing

We are so there, baby.

And what would the signers of the Declaration say about the “multitude of New Offices” and “swarms of Officers” being “sent hither” to “harrass our people”, if he could only see a list of all the militarized federal agencies currently in existence?

So by all means, enjoy your tasty barbecues and your pretty pyrotechnics, but do let me know what your thoughts are about what, if anything, we are now celebrating.

18

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

[quote]Sloth wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

[/quote]

I recall there was one cantankerous old sumbitch on that thread that took issue with the flag I’d designed, pointing out that the inclusion of the Brownville area of Texas would make it look like our nascent confederacy had a dingleberry.

Wonder whatever happened to him. :wink:

Thanks. Likewise. [/quote]

That is the shape of true freedom.

Cantankerous? I resemble that remark.

And yeah. Great to be back. We should talk more.
[/quote]

Hmm, I have to admit I’m curious as to what your old moniker might have been…
[/quote]

I wished I could just come right out and say it. But that seems to be a no-no. Neither ----, nor snow, nor dark of night…

plus -

most of the internet players probably ---- off way more often than actually scoring any cooch.

Or - go to doogie’s over 35 log. [/quote]

/overly dramatic thumbs up and knowing wink

Your secret is safe with me.

19

[quote]Sloth wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

[quote]Sloth wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

[quote]drunkpig wrote:

I remember back 5-6 years ago you, me (under a now-silenced screen name) and a couple of other posters developed a map of a new nation that stretched from Washington to the coast of Texas.

I think of that map often. I think of that old-but-new expression of freedom.

[/quote]

I recall there was one cantankerous old sumbitch on that thread that took issue with the flag I’d designed, pointing out that the inclusion of the Brownville area of Texas would make it look like our nascent confederacy had a dingleberry.

Wonder whatever happened to him. :wink:

Thanks. Likewise. [/quote]

That is the shape of true freedom.

Cantankerous? I resemble that remark.

And yeah. Great to be back. We should talk more.
[/quote]

Hmm, I have to admit I’m curious as to what your old moniker might have been…
[/quote]

I wished I could just come right out and say it. But that seems to be a no-no. Neither ----, nor snow, nor dark of night…

plus -

most of the internet players probably ---- off way more often than actually scoring any cooch.

Or - go to doogie’s over 35 log. [/quote]

/overly dramatic thumbs up and knowing wink

Your secret is safe with me.
[/quote]

say it out loud. See if you get shushed. If not - spread the word. I’m back.

20

[quote]Varqanir wrote:

So by all means, enjoy your tasty barbecues and your pretty pyrotechnics, but do let me know what your thoughts are about what, if anything, we are now celebrating.
[/quote]

The independence that allowed for us to eventually get well on our way to a progressive-egalitarian nation!