JonRoss on July 4, 2008 at 4:20 PM

It takes the last three lines to give me the impact of that speech. And I always shudder to remember that those “chains and slavery” are no longer foreign.
I have to say that I do not really enjoy the 4th, because I always re-read the DoI on that day and am horrified at the extent and the pace of its applicability today.

God Bless America!

I’d like to say that you have all the charm and utility of ants at a picnic.

That would be slandering ants, though. Ants have a place in the scheme of things.

You, however, are both worthless and unwelcome.

Seek professional help.

trigon

Actually, I see Gocht as Elmer Fudd.

In the 1953 short “Ant Pasted”, Fudd has a 4th of July picnic, and decides to terrorize the ants with firecrackers.

The ants decide to fight back, and Elmer ends up getting blown sky high.

I’d like to say that you have all the charm and utility of ants at a picnic.

That would be slandering ants, though. Ants have a place in the scheme of things.

You, however, are both worthless and unwelcome.

Seek professional help.

To our troops: We’re think of all of you today. Thank you. You make all of this possible.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
TugboatPhil on July 4, 2008 at 10:30 AM

Great quote for a great day. I have read the entire speech a hundred times. And you have to read the entire speech to its conclusion to get the impact of this last sentence. But the last sentence can stand on its on. Like the Declaration its self. Read it from beginning to end without pausing and you can feel the passion and determination of the Founders.

It came in just over the Sheraton hotel in the background, clipping a light pole, bounced off the freeway, killing a cab driver, and hit just short of the Pentagon.

I never knew that! All this time, this is the first I’ve heard of it.

Pentagon and the military has a 9/11 memorial. New York City … has a hole in the ground. – Nancy

Exactly what I was thinkin’ too.

New York City, watched over by the NY Times, has a hole in the ground.

The NY 9/11 memorial is a national thing. It should be taken away from the pols and pricks in NY and given to someone who can make something happen. I’m tired of everyone giving their opinion, being anti-American sticks, and trying to protect Manhattan’s environment over everything else.

New York – the city and the state – should be ashamed of itself.

Although, now that I think about it, the Muslim crescent memorial for the crashed plane in Pennsylvania is even *more* shameful.

Sheesh.

THANK YOU to our men and women who served in our Armed Forces for making this holiday possible and for keeping us free and Independent.

Say a prayer that I’ll come home
and remember who’s got your back.

-Autumn Parker

Limerick on July 4, 2008 at 8:25 AM

Damn right. Many thanks to our soldiers and their families.

Pretty good rabble-rousing effort on the vid. It seemed to have lots of phrases and words from bygone eras and it felt at times as though I could hear various voices down through history.

———-

Happy Independence Day everyone here and elsewhere.

On this anniversary of each and everyone’s Independence and our decision to collectively ensure it, I’d like to thank all, who, since the last one, have contributed to the betterment of this fine Republic by raising their voices in support or dissent. And that thanks goes alike to all those fine patriots who agreed with me as well as those dirty rotten traitors who didn’t, those who not only did so with deliberation but also the ranting lunatics, the ones who could clearly and astutely voice their opinions, and the ones who couldn’t talk their way out of a paper bag; to those who are right and those who are wrong.

To Marxist Barack, Shamnesty John, Incomprehensible Bob, Perpetually Crazy Ralph and the others who are competing this election year for the honor of dragging me kicking and screaming in ways you’ll never persuade me to go, I thank you this day for your service to our country.

Say a prayer or don’t, bow your head or don’t, see the parade or don’t, cook on the grill or don’t, eat a nice big burg or a veggie salad, um or don’t, but, and it’s only a suggestion, recognize that we are always right to some degree, whether 100% or 1% and either at the right or wrong time, and together, we temper one another as a result of being the greatest cacophony of interests bound by one set of ideals that a people can be expected to produce. Oh and do hang out the flag. Lapel pins are optional, um, or not.

And a last nod to our admirers and well-wishers abroad. Without qualification this day, wishing you were here.

Back to the regular program of a few lone voices crying in a wilderness of babble tomorrow.

J_Gocht on July 4, 2008 at 9:17 AM

Go back to France baby.

I would suggest that at some point during this celebration of our country that all of you pause for a moment and give thanks to those who made this day possible.

irongrampa on July 4, 2008 at 9:01 AM

And let’s also say a prayer for those in the Pentagon who lost their lives on 9/11.

Oh, and take a hike, J_Gocht.

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

They tell us, sir, that we are weak — unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, “Peace! Peace!” — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Happy Independence day, y’all.

J_Gocht at 9:17AM

BDS doesn’t take a holiday off, does it?