Comments on: July 4, 2009…What Are We Celebrating Today, Exactly?

By: GDAEman

GDAEman — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:52:14 +0000

It might have been said in previous comments, but "being patriotic" shouldn't be equated with "exceptionalism." It is perfectly healthy to root for the home team, but that's different than having delusions of god-given, or founding-father given greatness. Taking pride in our country, and trying to make it good, doesn't necessitate mythologies that promote a false sense of unique, superior position among other nations. Exceptionalism is a belief in the later.

Apart from what I feel is a misuse of the word "exceptionalism," it was a good take on having pride in, and supporting our nation.

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:58:33 +0000

Obamessiatus; infected believe that the anointed one can do no wrong. Rational thought is the first to go with everything becoming the negative of reality; such as ‘evil’ becoming ‘good’, ‘socialism’ becoming ‘free market’, ‘fascism’ becoming ‘freedom’, ‘higher taxes’ becoming ‘tax cuts’ and ‘governmental extortion’ becoming ‘spreading the wealth’. The infected exhibit glazed over eyes as they mumble, “yes we can” while dribbling at the mouth and standing with their hand out

By: marc_danziger

marc_danziger — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:37:48 +0000

Mike – added to my reading queue – thanks!

Leadfingers – there is an incredible amount worth celebrating here. Read lots of American history- our leaders keep stepping in it, and somehow we pull through….hmmm, why might that be?

By: Leadfingers

Leadfingers — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:25:34 +0000

That's a great question Marc! I don't see our nation as being independent any longer as our "leaders" clamor for international approval and borrow money to pay for goods not even produced by our own citizens. We certainly are not energy independent and ironically our own government continues to ignore the existence and availability of our own resources. Perhaps I am missing the picture but I see little value in celebrating what our nation used to be especially considering where we are headed if we don't reign in this out of control government.

By: Driefromseattle

Driefromseattle — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:54:34 +0000

Nothing represents me either and extremism may very well be the rule of the day. I must say that right now I am standing firmly in "the wall" praying, interceding for this nation and her leaders. I guess because of that, and knowing from personal experience that prayer changes things, I remain hopeful. I hope that it won't come to extremeism in defense of liberty. But I am remembering my training. I am thinking tactically, as much as I can. Don't be discouraged. God hasn't flushed us as a nation–yet and the chances of that happening, not very great. As long as there is a remnant praying….Semper Fi!

By: Mark K

Mark K — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:20:01 +0000

Very interesting. I live in a town which was actually a "stop" on the Oregon trail, and named after emigrants who arrived on it. Within a short distance of my home are various remnants of that real history. However, the Oregon Trail wasn't even in use anymore, nearly forgotten, when my ancestors came here. I still claim it, however, as MY history. This is MY nation, even though not long ago, my last name was brought here through Ellis Island. Thanks for your insight.

By: 98ZJUSMC

98ZJUSMC — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:35:22 +0000

I am having the same argument with myself these days. These "days that truely try our souls". There is nothing in DC that represents me. The House is a cesspool of marxists and is defined by identity twaddle. The Senate is not that much better and getting worse. Very depressing. I don't know if I hold myself to that oath anymore. Perhaps "Extremeism, in the defense of liberty….is what it is going to take.

By: Driefromseattle

Driefromseattle — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:12:37 +0000

Our modern day heroes don't get play by the main stream media. It's time to self-publish.

By: Driefromseattle

Driefromseattle — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:11:22 +0000

You've checked out? And that is helpful how? I wish I had the luxury of checking out but, you see, at one time I took an oath to support and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign AND domestic. No longer in that line of work, but I do take my oaths very seriously and they are lifelong in my eyes because of the phraze "so help me God" and He's fairly eternal. When faced with these circumstances there are two options: stick together and fight by whatever means, or descend into anarchy. An old saying, "Cooperate and graduate." Stick together and we survive. Become anarchists and, well, there is the antithesis to the preceding statement. I wish you the best.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:06:06 +0000

Marc,
I hope you're still monitoring/reading comments here, as I hope other readers/commenters are.
If you really want/need to know what we celebrated 7/4/09, the much maligned Calvin Coolidge explained it all:
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index….

Speech on the Occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Calvin Coolidge
July 5, 1926