Happy Fourth of July, America! Thank you for allowing this immigrant the privilege of living in your country every day. Thank you to our servicemen and women for guaranteeing our freedoms.

Thank you, America.

May God bless them all, and God bless America!

And on some art forum, a Twoofer snidely asks if it was all worth it.

/massive facepalm

//needs teh clue bat

I can hear the moonbats now: They were forced to re-up.

Good Morning Charles and a Happy Independence Day to you.
Thank you, again, for flying Old Glory at the Masthead.
And a special treat for you and all lizards:

I don't envy those brave men and women in Iraq, but boy do I respect them!

Happy fourth of July all.

{hands over ears, eyes shut}

I'm not listening. There is no progress in Iraq. I'm not listening. There is no progress in Iraq. I'm not listening. There is no progress in Iraq. I'm not listening.

/half of America, all of Europe.

General David Petraeus, the head of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, said he was “proud of their decision to re-enlist and help the people of Iraq win their most important battle ... freedom.”

Because if America doesn't help fight for Freedom- who will?

re: #4 MandyManners

I can hear the moonbats now: They were forced to re-up.

The Moonbats will never understand the tears which run down so many of those 1200 faces, when they hear Lee Greenwood singing God Bless The USA:

Where do we find such wonderful men and women?

John Hancock is looking down from Heaven and smiling.

re: #10 rawmuse

Where do we find such wonderful men and women?

The United States of America.

re: #9 vbspurs

Or they will "understand" it to mean that we shouldn't be there, and these 1200 are crying out of desperation

re: #8 Sharmuta
Hi Sharm - Happy Independence Day to you!
And you're quite correct: there are freedom loving people all over the World, but only One Nation which has, over her 232 year history given so much of it's national treasure and the lives of it's sons and daughters in the cause of Freedom: The United States of America.
God Bless Her.

Thank You America!

On a side note, the Philippines was finally granted independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. In 1964, President Diosdado Macapagal (the father of our current president) changed the official celebratory date of Philippine Independence Day to June 12 to mark the 1898 signing of the local Declaration of Independence.

Mainly because what happened was Spain sold the Islands to America.

>___> Mmm, heritage conflict.

If you like that story on Yahoo, vote on it. I say 5 stars is fitting. Average vote right now is one star.

Thank you veterans, one and all!

My father was sworn into the Coast Guard, by himself, 66 years ago today. Sent him straight to Cape May, NJ and put him on a commandeered yacht to begin patrolling for U-boats...

re: #10 rawmuse
That is a question I've asked myself all the time ever since my own time in the Army.
God Bless all of our troops, and a hearty Thank You for Your service to our great nation.

re: #14 realwest

Thank you, realwest- Happy Independence Day to you, and to all American Lizards!

I hope the non-American Lizards have a nice Fourth of July.

Their sacrifice, dedication, and honor protects the liberties we cherish. Happy Fourth of July to one and all.

we are so blessed to have such wonderful, patriotic, selfless men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and extend freedom to Iraq and elsewhere. May God bless them and their families and watch over them always!

God bless everyone of them.

Happy Fourth of July!

US is the best country on earth

re: #13 rlevitin

Or they will "understand" it to mean that we shouldn't be there, and these 1200 are crying out of desperation

Did you read Larisa Alexandrovna's rebuttal to Jonah Goldberg's piece? He spoke about the outward signs of patriotism, and she almost coughed up a spleen. PATRIOTISM?! NEVER!

America is only ever bad in some people's minds, but she finds it in her heart to love her like a mum hooked on smack, anyway...

My take on it: "America The Crack Baby".

And what th' hell am I doing today?!?
I feel inadequate.

*salute*

I stopped calling today "the Fourth of July" many years ago- I call it Independence Day because that means something.

Happy Independence Day! Always the right day to remember those who make/made it possible.

A tribute to a Navy Seal, Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor.

The story provides the YouTube footage.
(Worth repeating from from the precious thread)

I truly thank the patriots of our country. Let us here in the states who are not in a capacity to serve make sure that we do our part to support them.

re: #17 rawmuse Done and the average, btw, is 4 stars.

re: #26 pre-Boomer Marine brat

And what th' hell am I doing today?!?
I feel inadequate.

*salute*

Celebrate our Liberty.
Celebrate the founders wisdom, foresight, and bravery.
Celebrate ever man and women who has put on the uniform.
Celebrate in their honor and in recognition.

re: #25 vbspurs

Did you read Larisa Alexandrovna's rebuttal to Jonah Goldberg's piece? He spoke about the outward signs of patriotism, and she almost coughed up a spleen. PATRIOTISM?! NEVER!

America is only ever bad in some people's minds, but she finds it in her heart to love her like a mum hooked on smack, anyway...

My take on it: "America The Crack Baby".

Nope, haven't read it... and for some reason or another no blogspot link will load correctly on my work computers, so I'll have to follow the link later.

(at the very end of the AFP story on Yahoo, emphasis mine)

The US military has lost 4,113 personnel since the March 2003 invasion, according to independent website [Link: www.icasualties.org....]

But it says that overall violence has now fallen to its lowest levels since the invasion.

AFP just HAD to take a final dig, didn't it.

It's comforting to know, that when the excrement hits the fan, the boys and girls of the U.S. military will be on my side.

re: #25 vbspurs

Did you read Larisa Alexandrovna's rebuttal to Jonah Goldberg's piece? He spoke about the outward signs of patriotism, and she almost coughed up a spleen. PATRIOTISM?! NEVER!

America is only ever bad in some people's minds, but she finds it in her heart to love her like a mum hooked on smack, anyway...

My take on it: "America The Crack Baby".

"Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great and, hopefully, that will be a testimony to my patriotism."

It already is great, you fucking moron.

definitely braver than I am for sure

re: #13 rlevitin

Or they will "understand" it to mean that we shouldn't be there, and these 1200 are crying out of desperation

Exactly I was going to replace understand with interpret. But you had it right with the quotes.

re: #17 rawmuse

Re: your comments on the previous thread - have you ever read The Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn?

re: #18 christheprofessor Hey there CtP - Happy Independence Day to you my friend!
That's a very interesting story about your Dad. A commandeered yacht?
Do you know if they ever sank a U-Boat or if he ever managed to get transferred to a ship that was designed for warfare?

At HotAir:
The Declaration: Timeless and of its time

Obama must assume they're all PTSD sufferers who can't think straight.

"I will end this war."- saith Barack the Great.

Oh, no you won't, Barry.

These fine men and women will.

re: #38 Temujin

Re: your comments on the previous thread - have you ever read The Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn?

Require reading IMHO.

Our fighting men & women are the Best!

re: #38 Temujin

Yes. Also a good book about the same experience in China "Troublemaker"

re: #41 profitsbeard

Obama must assume they're all PTSD sufferers who can't think straight.

"I will end this war."- saith Barack the Great.

Oh, no you won't, Barry.

These fine men and women will.

Wars end when one side is defeated.

We know BHO won't defeat the enemy.

That leaves one option.

Thanks to all the men and women who have fought and defended our unparalleled freedom, including my father and my two sons, of whom I am very proud. God bless this land and guide us in the right direction (pun intended).

re: #44 rawmuse

How about An American In the Gulgag by Dolgun?

Outstanding! I wish an old fart like me could enlist and join them.

re: #33 pre-Boomer Marine brat Huh, yesterday they were all lit up over the fact that June was the worst month for casualties for the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, 42.
MUCH later on they had a story that ONE American platoon (roughly 40 men) was ambushed by the Taliban with the result that 55 Taliban were killed. In that one encounter. If we maintain the kill ratio we have had, pretty soon there won't be any Taliban left to fight.
But you'd never know or guess that from following the MSM - unless you dig deep into their stories.

Gulag, not Gulgag - PIMF.

re: #47 Temujin

No. I'll put it on my list. My house often gets too small for all the books (and musical instruments) in it. I have to give some away soon.

Happy Independence Day to all Lizards! And in case you're wondering, here's what Google has up.

re: #31 jcm

For you, my friend, on this day.

/though I'm certain you have it

OT:

Koskidz remember Jesse Helms...

Rather than a moment of silence in respect of the memory of Jesse Helms it is more appropriate to bellow a jingoistic, racist, msogynistic, homophobic inconmprehensible diatribe that pushes all the wrong buttons and increases the forces of intolerance because Jesse would have wanted it that way.

Why you bunch of pointy headed mommy cat lovers get off my lawn! Praise god and pass the ammunition for the forces of darkness are about to homogenize this great nation into a bowl of soft gooey brown porridge. It's time for all God fearing true patriots and the little women who love them to stand as one against the godless communists bent on polluting our precious bodily fluids. Give them the right to vote and they take our daughters next.

And the first comment...

I know i'm not supposed to speak ill of the dead (6+ / 0-)

Recommended by:
melvin, baldheadeddork, Granny Doc, NogodsnomastersMary, LaFajita, realwischeese

but fuck Jesse Helms.

by Dave the Wave

Progressive!

Note to LLL: these people who just re-upped are more qualified to run for office than any of you have any hope to be. We are more free today because of brave people like these than anything you ever did in front of a court of law.

So go ahead, enjoy your freedom, but don't forget to defend your country, or tomorrow you may just find yourself attempting to defend someone who has violated Sharia Law.

Good Luck With That...

re: #48 NJDhockeyfan

Outstanding! I wish an old fart like me could enlist and join them.

You and me both. Contemplation of a future death as an old man in his bed, during times like these, is not satisfying. I envy them, really.

re: #51 rawmuse

I'm sure you'd enjoy it, in light of your own experiences.

re: #53 pre-Boomer Marine brat

For you, my friend, on this day.

/though I'm certain you have it

That's a good one!

America! Why I lover her.

re: #54 NJDhockeyfan

OT:

Koskidz remember Jesse Helms...

Progressive!

My god, thats disgusting...

I don't even know much about Jesse Helms, and still that is appalling.

re: #39 realwest

Hi, and happy Independence Day to you as well.

I don't think they ever saw a U-boat but they were nearly blown out of the water by a US Navy patrol boat one night. The yacht only had one side painted navy gray at the time. The unpainted side was suddenly lit up with a search light and the boat with the light identified itself as US Navy and demanded to know who they were. Well, at the time, when the Coast Guard commandeered yachts, they made the owners auxiliary officers of the Coast Guard and gave them CG crews. Turns out that the owner, who was an American citizen, was German and had in fact served as a cook on a U-boat in WW1. So, out he pops yelling, "Vas is los?" and my father and the others are telling him to shut the hell up, he is going to get them all killed. They finally pursuaded to Navy boat to go around to the painted side and all was well thereafter. At a later meeting, the captain was told that they came a few seconds away from being sunk...

My father eventually ended up on an LST that landed the first troops in the Okinawa invasion (at Keramo Retto, I believe it was called) about 5 days before the main landings on Okinawa proper.

God Bless those who serve! May all people live in Freedom.

re: #57 Temujin

I'm sure you'd enjoy it, in light of your own experiences.

You know, like a bad toothache, I had repressed the very memory of that entire experience, until some other Lizards starting recounting unpleasant 4ths that they had spent abroad. Then, it all came back.

Now, I need to continue to repress it, thank you. ;)

re: #60 rlevitin

Disgusting, yes ... but as predictable as the sunrise.

When you re-up and you retake the oath to "uphold and defend the Consttitution of the United States of America from ALL enemies foreign and domestic", thatis when the magnitude of what you are doing and have done(me 4x) hits you. It isn't about college tuition, seeing different places, it is about defending this last best hope for man. It is serious. Not for the faint of heart.

I was shocked this evening as I Skyped with my sister in Iowa who says she "may" vote for Obama.
Shocked I tell you... what are you people over there thinking?

Not at LGF I know - but - pleeease. What is happening?
She said "everyone" is "tired" of "Bush." Not even a President in the front of his name. And she has always been a conservative. Her husband is a cop.
Now - fess up... what the heck?
Obama? Really?

re: #60 rlevitin

My god, thats disgusting...

I don't even know much about Jesse Helms, and still that is appalling.

Read the comments...it gets worse.

re: #60 rlevitin

I do know that he was one of those old crones who just refused to die. Kinda like Strom Thurmond. That and the "Senator NO" bit.

That's about it though.

Wow, google actually has fireworks in the logo.

re: #66 LindaMarie

I was shocked this evening as I Skyped with my sister in Iowa who says she "may" vote for Obama.
Shocked I tell you... what are you people over there thinking?

Not at LGF I know - but - pleeease. What is happening?
She said "everyone" is "tired" of "Bush." Not even a President in the front of his name. And she has always been a conservative. Her husband is a cop.
Now - fess up... what the heck?
Obama? Really?

NOPE!

I did not find aught to make me weep on this day, until coming across this article & headline posted up above, here.

That act of those soldiers, will do more than anything, to fix my heart on continual prayer for them all, "over there"......as this has burned awareness unto "realness" in a new, special way.

Any soldiers reading this......thank you. For eternity.

New England farmers did not think of war as a game, or a feudal ritual, or an instrument of state power, or a bloodsport for bored country gentlemen. They did not regard the pursuit of arms a noble profession. In 1775, many men f Massachusetts had been to war. They knew its horrors from personal experience. With a few exceptions, they thought of fighting as a dirty business that had to be done from time to time if good men were to survive in a world of evil.

(snip)

Once committed to what they regarded as a just and necessary war, these sons of Puritans hardened their hearts and became the most implacable of foes. Their many enemies who lived by a warrior-ethic always underestimated them, as a long parade of Indian braves, French aristocrats, British Regulars, Southern planters, German fascists, Japanese militarists, Marxist ideologues, and Arab adventurers have invariably discovered to their heavy cost.

-from Paul Revere's Ride, David H. Fischer

Former Sen. Jesse Helms Dies At 86

re: #66 LindaMarie

I'm not voting for Obama, but I'm rather ashamed to admit that I keep swearing to myself that I'd re-jump party lines if he got elected.

I wish I could serve. I don't think there's much place for 42 year old near-sighted guy with 97% neurosensory hearing loss in one ear and 85% in the other, though.

My father was assigned to the 181st Infantry, but was mustered out due to his asthma. My uncle volunteered but was rejected due to his heart irregularlity (he had 4 bypasses over the next several decades, before passing away of heart failure). My mother told me he cried inconsolably at being unable to enlist.

re: #63 rawmuse

Just curious. Did you see the quote by Thoreau that I posted on the previous thread?

/if you did not, please read it before you resume repressing ...

re: #66 LindaMarie

Maybe she is one these Creative Destructionists. Like the commies, she may think that the entire construct of the US of A needs to be burned to the ground, so that it may be reformed.

re: #58 jcm

That's a good one!

I looked on the web for something from the Liberty Weekend video (which I have out to watch this evening.) Wanted to post a link to it this morning. Danged thing must be copyrighted to the HILT. There's nothing out there! RATS!

/Reagan, tall ships and fireworks -- nothing better

re: #76 Temujin

Yes, and like me, his quote is based on a real life experience. ;)

re: #66 LindaMarie

I was shocked this evening as I Skyped with my sister in Iowa who says she "may" vote for Obama.
Shocked I tell you... what are you people over there thinking?

Not at LGF I know - but - pleeease. What is happening?
She said "everyone" is "tired" of "Bush." Not even a President in the front of his name. And she has always been a conservative. Her husband is a cop.
Now - fess up... what the heck?
Obama? Really?

I hope you tried to talk some sense into her head and will continue clear up to election day. How about pointing out that Bush is not up for re-election?

re: #61 christheprofessor I know from your prior comments out here how close you are to your Dad and you should rightly be proud of him. I hope you'll have the chance to see him today.

re: #69 newsjunkie_ky

Wow, google actually has fireworks in the logo.

But nary a flag (of course)

re: #81 realwest

I'll give him a call later today, but I won't get down to see him...

re: #80 Tigger2005

I hope you tried to talk some sense into her head and will continue clear up to election day. How about pointing out that Bush is not up for re-election?

The media has foreseen that people will be saying this. That's why it's already spreading in the media that McCain will be Bush II.

re: #82 pre-Boomer Marine brat

But nary a flag (of course)

I thought the same thing. At least the fireworks are red, white, and blue...

re: #85 christheprofessor

I thought the same thing. At least the fireworks are red, white, and blue...

There must be a conservative mole inside Google.

/couldn't be intentional

re: #83 christheprofessor Well when you call him, please thank him for his service to our Nation for me.

Hitler returns to Berlin.

re: #82 pre-Boomer Marine brat
Dogpile has nothing.
Ask.com is nice
altavista has nothing

Thanks to all that have protected our country and those that will continue to do so.

Happy Fourth of July.

re: #49 realwest

Huh, yesterday they were all lit up over the fact that June was the worst month for casualties for the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, 42.
MUCH later on they had a story that ONE American platoon (roughly 40 men) was ambushed by the Taliban with the result that 55 Taliban were killed. In that one encounter. If we maintain the kill ratio we have had, pretty soon there won't be any Taliban left to fight.
But you'd never know or guess that from following the MSM - unless you dig deep into their stories.

They have thousands more in Pakistan in training in the Madress'.
Sad but true. And now with the NW and SW tribal areas in fundamentalist control there are more waiting in line.
They have to pay for children to attend school and the poor go to the Madress' - it is the only way they can ever learn to read an write.
There they are indoctrinated. But it is free indoctrination.

re: #66 LindaMarie
I suppose you tried that old gambit "What has he ever done to make him worth of becoming POTUS and the Leader of the Free World?"?
Ya know, what are Obama's qualifications to be President?

re: #85 christheprofessor

Much like referring to Christmas as "Xmas", or wishing for "Happy Holidays".

re: #92 realwest

Uh...he has VISION! And...uh...he brings HOPE for CHANGE!

/where's my DRINK?

What Being An American Means To Me-

When I look at the state of the world around me, I can only thank God for my American Liberties. That I can disagree with my government and not be sent to jail. That I can disagree as a woman with my father and not be murdered for dishonoring him. That I am entitled to be treated equally under the law as much as the next American. That I am guaranteed a defense in the court system with witnesses and protections. That I have as much opportunity as any other American based on my abilities and not a birth right. That I have freedom to Worship my Creator and not be forced to believe as the government would dictate to me. I am a free woman, I am an American, and I thank God for it today and every day.

Happy Independence Day!

this makes me teary-eyed.

there ARE young people who know what freedom is worth and what it costs!

may God bless and protect each one of these souls who have sworn to protect our uniquely American freedom.

in a world full of compromise and mealy-mouthed PC bullshit, these are our best and brightest. a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have served and are still serving!

re: #78 pre-Boomer Marine brat
Spent 1989 in NY Harbor for the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. Now that was a fireworks display. Plus we were the tailend ship so had a great view as the rest of the INR and tall ships came past.

re: #93 Temujin

Much like referring to Christmas as "Xmas", or wishing for "Happy Holidays".

Yup...

Happy Birthday American brothers and sisters!

MB

re: #97 pingjockey

That reminds me. By strange coincidence I was actually in New York for its centennial in 1998. My aunt, of course, was still working for the UN at the time...

re: #77 rawmuse

Maybe she is one these Creative Destructionists. Like the commies, she may think that the entire construct of the US of A needs to be burned to the ground, so that it may be reformed.

She does not - that is what really is freaking me out. Weird. She does not like McCain much, nor do I. But Obama?
Whoud of thunk?

re: #2 Sharmuta

May God bless them all, and God bless America!

Amen!

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

And God Bless the US Armed Forces. Can't say thank you enough.

re: #91 LindaMarie
Yes, I'm very much aware of that. Two of my friends here are Pakistani's - one became an American Citizen before 9/11 and goes back to visit his remaining family for about 6 weeks every year.
They both had, seperately, told me stories about Pakistan that were worrisome indeed. Apparently there is no ONE politician around whom the majority of the Pakistanis can rally.
Oh, and it is their very strong belief that ALL Pakistani politicians are as corrupt as anyone in the Chicago Machine! LOL!
Well, except for a fellow who's name I've forgotten, who was a famous, World Champisonship caliber Cricket Player, but he ran for President and barely mustered 10% of the vote.

Good mornign to all lizards and I wish you all have a very happy Happy Independence Day.

re: #27 Sharmuta

I stopped calling today "the Fourth of July" many years ago- I call it Independence Day because that means something.

Ditto. The same here. I sent some emails of yesterday from the office and closed by wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day. Many people just do not know what the 4th of July stands for. To them it is just another holiday.

re: #87 realwest

Well when you call him, please thank him for his service to our Nation for me.

Will do. If you go to this page and scroll down about half-way, you'll see this picture (full sized in this link) with the caption "Coast Guard Combat Artist John J. Floherty captures the tense activity of No. 4 gun of Coast Guard manned LST 770 under aircraft attack at Iwo Jima." That is my father's ship, and they were never at Iwo Jima (he should know -- he was on it from the time it left New Orleans until it returned to the states after the war and occupation duty in Japan). He does remember there being a combat artist aboard. I've e-mailed the site's administrator about it, but he never changed it.

re: #97 pingjockey

Spent 1989 in NY Harbor for the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. Now that was a fireworks display. Plus we were the tailend ship so had a great view as the rest of the INR and tall ships came past.

ooooooooooooooooH !

re: #80 Tigger2005

I hope you tried to talk some sense into her head and will continue clear up to election day. How about pointing out that Bush is not up for re-election?

Darn - so shocked I forgot to say that.
But she said everyone is so tired of Bush.

After the brigade had marched, Gage himself intervened, and sent two ammunition wagons with an escort of one officer and thirteen men. This little convoy was intercepted on the road by a party of elderly New England men from the alarm lists, who were exempt from service with the militia by reason of their age. These gray-headed soldiers did not make a formidable appearance, but they were hardened veterans who made up in experience what they lacked in youth, and were brilliantly led by David Lamson, described as a "mulatto" in the records.
With patience and skill these men laid a cunning ambush for the British ammunition wagons, waited until they approached, and demanded their surrender. The British drivers were not impressed by these superannuated warriors, and responded by whipping their teams forward. The old men opened fire. With careful economy of effort, they systematically shot the lead horses in their traces, killed two sergeants, and wounded the officer in command.
The surviving British soldiers took another look at these old men, and fled for their lives. They ran down the road, threw their weapons into a pond, and started running again. They came upon and old woman named Mother Batherick, and promptly surrendered to her, and begged her protection.
"If one old Yankee woman can take six grenadiers, how many soldiers will it require to conquer America?"

-Paul Revere's Ride, David H. Fischer

re: #108 LindaMarie

A lot of people here seem tired of him for cuddling up to the Saudis...

{United States of America}

re: #106 christheprofessor Huh, I'm surprised that the site administrator didn't change it. Did he ever reply to you at all?

Happy Independence Day y'all!

G-d bless the United States of America

I remember when I re-upped for 3 more years when I was on my 2nd tour in 'Nam, they flew me out of the "Bush" and gave me a steak dinner, and then promptly said grab your ruck and put me on a chopper and sent me back to my guys. LOLOLOL

re: #92 realwest

I suppose you tried that old gambit "What has he ever done to make him worth of becoming POTUS and the Leader of the Free World?"?
Ya know, what are Obama's qualifications to be President?

re: #104 realwest

Too surprised to say anything. Really.
Kind of mentioned that - maybe - I was so shocked that she might vote that way that I do believe that I hummed and hawed and changed the subject.

I did say a bit later that if Obama wins, I am immigrating. Went through a list of countries, no Europe, Canada to cold and to left. South America - maybe. Australia looks possible.
And I am not joking. Better the Aussies have my tax money then "him" the changeling.

God Bless Our Troops!

Happy Independence Day, everyone.

Obama's theme song, sound up!

re: #104 realwest

Oh, and it is their very strong belief that ALL Pakistani politicians are as corrupt as anyone in the Chicago Machine! LOL!

They are. They are right. No LOL about that. It is the same here. If you do not "know" someone or are a relative you pay out the nose in bribes to just survive. It is the old tribal connections that people work with. Until - if ever - that tie is broken and all men (much less women) are equal there is no Democracy in this land.

Why I Am Patriotic: A Love Letter to America

[Link: www.villainouscompany.com...]

Some surprisingly accurate writing from AFP:

At least 1,215 troops re-enlisted for periods ranging from two to six years at the ceremony held at the spacious Al-Faw palace of executed dictator Saddam Hussein near Baghdad airport.

That typically reads: "Iraqi President Saddam Hussein"

And in the NY Times: "Mr. Hussein"

Menotomy (modern day Arlington, MA.) was the home of Samuel Whittemore, seventy-eight years old and badly crippled, but an old soldier and a strong Whig. When he heard the Regulars were coming, Whittemore armed himself with a musket, two pistols and his old cavalry saber, and took a strong position behind a stone wall, 150 yards from the road. He waited patiently for the British column to approach. When it came in range, Whittemore got off five shots with such speed and accuracy that a large British detachment was sent to root him out. As the Regulars assaulted his position, Whittemore killed one soldier with his musket, and shot two more with his pistols. He was reaching for his saber when a British infantryman came up to him and shot away part of his face. Others thrust their bayonets into his body. After the battle he was found barely alive, bleeding from at least fourteen wounds. Friends carried him to Dr. Cotton Tufts of Medford, who shook his head sadly. But Samuel Whittemore confounded his physician. He lived another eighteen years to the ripe age of ninety-six, and populated a large part of Middlesex County with a progeny of Whittemores who are today as tough and independent as the sturdy old rebel who stood alone against a British brigade.

-Paul Revere's Ride, David H. Fischer

Humbling. Thank you.

god bless america

re: #82 pre-Boomer Marine brat

But nary a flag (of course)

Some sort of unknown celebration going on today?

re: #38 Temujin

Re: your comments on the previous thread - have you ever read The Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn?

I read the entire tedious, depressing 3 volume thing. Socialism is beautiful isn't it?
(I started to write: 'Amoral socialism is...' but is there any other kind?)

re: #105 Beobachter

Good mornign to all lizards and I wish you all have a very happy Happy Independence Day.

Ditto. The same here. I sent some emails of yesterday from the office and closed by wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day. Many people just do not know what the 4th of July stands for. To them it is just another holiday.

At least it hasn't been turned into a generic Monday holiday, yet.

re: #118 LindaMarie

Please send her this for starters.

[Link: www.antiobama.net...]

re: #112 realwest

Huh, I'm surprised that the site administrator didn't change it. Did he ever reply to you at all?

Sorry for the delay in responding -- yes, he did. He indicated that that's what the artist had said, as I recall. But the artist was wrong (there is an island called something Jima -- I forget what -- near Okinawa, I think that might be the source of the confusion).

re: #120 William

Some surprisingly accurate writing from AFP:

That typically reads: "Iraqi President Saddam Hussein"

And in the NY Times: "Mr. Hussein"

The Butcher of Bagdad....

More than 1,200 soldiers serving in Iraq gave America a precious gift today.

...

General David Petraeus, the head of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, said he was “proud of their decision to re-enlist and help the people of Iraq win their most important battle ... freedom.”

Wait. Are these 1200 soldiers working for America or Iraq?

Resolving this confusion is necessary to defeat the jihad.

The feckless sons-of-bitches on the left who sneer at our military are compensating for the thing that haunts them--they know that behind all of their excuses, their moralizing, their smug superiority to those who Get Things Done--they are staring down the barrel of a lifetime of reproach and recrimination that they didn't go. Others went for them.
The temperature of the hatred on the left is in direct proportion to the burning shame each one of those biological males feels at never having become a Man, and while you don't have to be in the military to become one--when your country is in danger that is a very good place to start.

Males are wired to protect. Men actually do it. Leftists shout excuses.

I thank God that my mom made the decision to come to this country some 50 yrs ago..."we are going to the land of 'milk and honey' " she would tell our neighbors. I never looked back to Indonesia and Holland; America became the country that completely embraced our family and never looked down on our olive complexion and never questioned our accents...

What a country! Thank you soldiers who signed up to protect all this country stands for!

God Bless America!

re: #130 ragnardD

Wait. Are these 1200 soldiers working for America or Iraq?

Resolving this confusion is necessary to defeat the jihad.

Nobody here is confused except you.

re: #128 christheprofessor Hey, well at least he wrote back to you!
And yes, the various islands in the Pacific Campaign can be hard to keep straight; I'd wager the Artist, when he made that drawing, didn't have a real clue as to where they were, just trying to draw while ducking or from a (faulty) memory.

re: #131 haakondahl
Hey Hawk! Hope you're still around! That was a spot on post, except I would add that patriotism and the willingness to go in harm's way to protect your country and your freedom isn't limited to the Male of the species!

And I just have to add that I am truly surprised - and not in a good way - that the thread on the death of former Senator Jesse Helms has 100 more comments (as of this writing) than does this thread.
And, even more regrettably, SOME of those comments could easily be put into Kos or HuffPoo without changing a word.

re: #134 realwest

Hey, well at least he wrote back to you!
And yes, the various islands in the Pacific Campaign can be hard to keep straight; I'd wager the Artist, when he made that drawing, didn't have a real clue as to where they were, just trying to draw while ducking or from a (faulty) memory.

Yes, you may be right. I hadn't thought of that.

re: #133 haakondahl

Nobody here is confused except you.

Do you believe that working for the sake of Iraq is the same as working for America?

re: #138 ragnardD

Do you believe that working for the sake of Iraq is the same as working for America?

I am not at all confused. Working in Iraq is working for the sake of America. This is a global war. Not getting exactly what your wish list was? Tell Santa.

Great article for Independence Day
[Link: www.dallasnews.com...]

<saluting troops>

    Thank you, troops, for protecting our freedoms, and honoring us by helping bring those freedoms to people not of this country.  In honor of you ...

}:)     [Talk about being made to feel small ... ]

re: #141 Kulhwch

I do not remember the quote completely but something like:
This country has shed more of it's own blood for the
freedom of complete strangers than any country on earth.

re: #139 haakondahl

I am not at all confused. Working in Iraq is working for the sake of America. This is a global war. Not getting exactly what your wish list was? Tell Santa.

OK, so all the confusion is cleared up. You believe that giving democracy is giving freedom, and that giving freedom to Iraqis is working for the sake of America.

I don't suppose I could convince you that democracy != freedom?

Or that freedom has a prerequisite: a rational culture? Without this prerequisite, it will degenerate into some form of dictatorship.

More importantly, this colossal waste of time and money in Iraq is keeping us from a critical project. Iran and Saudi Arabia are the biggest financiers of terrorism and have been so for decades. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are waging a war against us via their terrorist proxies.

While we're all bogged down in Iraq, we can't muster the resources, energy, or determination to defeat these enemies.

By the way, Iran is getting closer every day to having a nuclear bomb. They are also working on ballistic missile technology.

It is not "confusion" to say that overseeing elections, rebuilding schools, and hunting down armed gangs in Iraq is not worth the lives of Americans nor is it a higher priority than dealing with our enemies.

I am extremely concerned that Iran will detonate nuclear bombs in the US and in Israel. Even if not, I think it is likely that al-queda style terrorists will commit another act of mass-murder on US soil.

I hope I am wrong. I would rather be called "confused" on a LGF forum 1000 times over than be proven right by such atrocities.

I think we still have time to act to stop it. But not if we lose sight of the real goal or the actual enemy. Not if we devote 100% of our resources to giving a "gift" to Iraqis.

Happy Fourth Of July to all the US LGF lizards from all the ZA LGF lizards! Regardless of what many may think, America is still the "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave" to many around the world ;-) If ever given the opportunity [I've even entered the Green Card Lottery for this very purpose], I wouldn't hesistate to enlist in the US military...Pity that I'm 36 and live at the arse-end of Africa! :-)

Thank you to them. They are the guardians of our Independence.

Happy Independence Day, America.

Thank you, all that have gone before to keep us - US - free.

/present arms

Happy Independence Day All! Happy 232nd Birthday USA.

thanks for putting the flag up, charles.
:D
i love it there.

re: #143 ragnardD

1,200 men and women just re-enlisted to continue what you call a colossal waste of time and money. Say thank you or shut up.

Whatever their personal circumstances, these men and women who re-enlisted have done a good, noble, and honorable thing. Anyone who casts aspersions on their free choice is vile, ignoble, and dishonorable.

Period.

re: #143 ragnardD

What you and the left don't get is that it is in Iraq that we are absolutely slaying Al Qaeda, and this is not an accident. We are not chasing them down around the world; they are coming to us, and where we wanted them.
Iraq is an unparalleled success story. Oh, and there's a lot of political crap that comes with it--get over it.

THANK YOU to the shit-hot men and women of the U.S. Military who are making this happen, from General Petraeus on down the line, from the Horn of Africa in the west to the southern Philippines in the east, and to the patriotic contractors who make possible the continuing core missions.

re: #135 realwest

Hey Hawk! Hope you're still around! That was a spot on post, except I would add that patriotism and the willingness to go in harm's way to protect your country and your freedom isn't limited to the Male of the species!

RW, good to see you. Thanks, and I gratefully accept your addition--quite proper.

re: #27 Sharmuta

I stopped calling today "the Fourth of July" many years ago- I call it Independence Day because that means something.

You got that right.

}:)     [I do the same.  Why?  Because ... ]

re: #35 MandyManners

"Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great and, hopefully, that will be a testimony to my patriotism."

It already is great, you fucking moron.

Now Mandy, don't hold back, say what you really feel.

}:)     [Really, don't be shy now ... heh heh heh ... ]

These fine soldiers are the very reason why I am avoiding the humidity of a summer day in DC in my air conditioning while I read my favorite blog.

The world owes them gratitude and I, like many here, thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Only two entities are willing to die for people who don't even like them:
Jesus Christ
The American GI

re: #142 NonNativeTexan

I do not remember the quote completely but something like:
This country has shed more of it's own blood for the
freedom of complete strangers than any country on earth.

I think this is it:

This country has shed more blood for the freedom of other people than all the other nations in the history of the world combined, and I'm tired of people feeling like they've got to apologize for America. -- the Honorable Fred Thompson

}:)     [And an amen to that ... ]

re: #157 Kulhwch

Too bad Fred didn't jump in earlier. His few campaign speeches
were some of the most lucid , inspiring, unapologetic I've ever heard.
Thanks, Kulhwch

re: #158 NonNativeTexan

Too bad Fred didn't jump in earlier. His few campaign speeches
were some of the most lucid , inspiring, unapologetic I've ever heard.
Thanks, Kulhwch

Yeah, I miss him too.  He and Rudy and (in some lights) Tancredo gave me hope for a strong wall against the Islamofascists.  Our current candidate will have to do, though I admit that my optimism slips from time to time.  But it's the only game in town, right?

And the pleasure was all mine, sir.

}:)     [It's be nice if Thompson, et al, could be Veep Candiates, though ... ]

There are 1200 mothers, and 1200 fathers, countless brothers and sisters, probably a thousand spouses, and who knows how many children...... ........

probably at home today, weeping on the one hand and cheering on the other. Proud, and ready to slap them all at the same time :)

God bless them all.

Thank you.

re: #161 mama winger

Amen, amen, amen, mama!

OT in name only ...

Ack.  TMZ's salute to patriotism.  Ah, to live in a country where this can be posted, what freedoms we have!  Thanks again to those who re-upped, their familys, and their chidlren ...

Though I like a couple, like Reba's photo ... but I'm wondering if they did burn the flag that Paris Hilton was wearing, my understanding was that it had to be burnt if it ever touched dirt.

}:)     [Glad that Google, finally got something a tad patriotic going, even if they wimped out before execution ... ]

re: #165 buzzsawmonkey

re: #164 Kulhwch

Ack. TMZ's salute to patriotism.

Several of those pictures give new meaning of the term "clueless boobs."

You got that right.  I'm torn on the Kid Rock photo because on one hand I think he's really trying to get it right, on the other hand his parents probably shouldn't let him wander out alone in public.

}:)     [Axel Rose's photo bothers me for other reasons ... ]

Say, I just went to Google, U.S.A. (the default "Google" search engine here in Canada is Google, Canada). Anyway, I went to the Google, U.S.A. website -- and there are no fireworks, no flag, nothing...

re: #167 J.S.

Say, I just went to Google, U.S.A. (the default "Google" search engine here in Canada is Google, Canada). Anyway, I went to the Google, U.S.A. website -- and there are no fireworks, no flag, nothing...

When I go here I see the red, white, & blue fireworks display logo ... but you don't?

}:)     [Maybe those clever rascals at Google have set it only to be displayed to those who appear to be on the net in the US?]

I just got back from BWI...about 250 troops came home and were welcomed by 400 people at the gate.

I've done this several times now...there's a group that has organized to greet as many troop flights as possible.

This one happened to be on the 4th of July...of the groups I've greeted, this one seemed especially moved. Many tears of joy from our soldiers. Most are not stopping at BWI, so they are all surprised anyone is there to greet them.

Here are my pics from just a couple hours ago:

[Link: community.webshots.com...]

What a great way to spend the 4th. Happy Birthday America!

oops...link issues. Try this one:

[Link: community.webshots.com...]re: #169 jcbunga

I just got back from BWI...about 250 troops came home and were welcomed by 400 people at the gate.

I've done this several times now...there's a group that has organized to greet as many troop flights as possible.

This one happened to be on the 4th of July...of the groups I've greeted, this one seemed especially moved. Many tears of joy from our soldiers. Most are not stopping at BWI, so they are all surprised anyone is there to greet them.

Here are my pics from just a couple hours ago:

[Link: community.webshots.com...]
What a great way to spend the 4th. Happy Birthday America!

oops...link issues. Try this one:

[Link: community.webshots.com...]

American Lizards -
It might be evening here in England but I hope you are all having a happy and peaceful Independance Day.
Regards

A very happy Independence Day to all on the other side of the pond.

re: #171 Is it me?

American Lizards -
It might be evening here in England but I hope you are all having a happy and peaceful Independance Day.
Regards

Still raining over there?

National Anthem - Whitney Houston at the Super Bowl - 1991

Happy Birthday, USA, and THANK YOU to our military - always

re: #171 Is it me?

American Lizards -
It might be evening here in England but I hope you are all having a happy and peaceful Independance Day.
Regards

Thank you, yes, we're doing okay.  Glad we are still allies in this war against the Islamofascism.  The West (and we members of it) owes a gratitude to GB that can't ever be repaid.  The US is proud to stand beside you as, I suppose, are New Zealand, Australia, etc.

}:)     [And happy Tynwald's Day tomorrow for folks on the Isle of Man ... ]

re: #170 jcbunga

Wow.  Watched the slideshow of your photos, and all I can say is wow.  I have no words but: thanks for posting these ...

}:)     [ ... and you made me tear-up, ya !@#$% <grin>]

re: #170 jcbunga

I can only ding up once. Great job!

I've been making a patriotic CD to take to a party tonight.
I've been shedding tears of pride all afternoon.

God Bless America!

re: #176 Kulhwch

Wow.  Watched the slideshow of your photos, and all I can say is wow.  I have no words but: thanks for posting these ...

}:)     [ ... and you made me tear-up, ya !@#$% <grin>]

Please share. It was a remarkable moment.

I forgot to mention, there was an Iraqi national on the flight. I don'y have all the details, but he was supposedly in their military and was making his first trip to America. He was quite stunned.

Also, one of the troops was weeping and couldn't go on. He said he had served 27 years and nobody had ever greeted him when he returned from a deployment.

One of the folks took him by the hand and walked him through.

If you can make one of these events, they are quite moving.

Thanks,

--JB

re: #170 jcbunga I went to your photo/slide display and must say that I was very moved.
Thank you very much.
God Bless America.
God Bless Americans.

To all Americans and especially the lizards reading here. I'm am very glad that you are Canada's neighbours, and celebrate with you in your country's birthday and it's Constitution. Your forefathers did you a great service!

...and yes I know it is its when it's possessive and not it's. PIMF is my friend and yours. ;-)

If you reenlist in a combat zone your reenlistment bonus is tax free.

I'm not trying to take anything away from their actions, just pointing out that there is a monetary reason to reenlist there.

It's cool with me, they earned it.

(I'm retired military so please don't freakin jump on me for this post)

re: #183 1dogfoodzip9

If you reenlist in a combat zone your reenlistment bonus is tax free.

I'm not trying to take anything away from their actions, just pointing out that there is a monetary reason to reenlist there.

It's cool with me, they earned it.

(I'm retired military so please don't freakin jump on me for this post)

I agree with you and I think they deserve a lot more than even that.  If it was up to me, the warriors for our country would never pay a tax again in their lives.  Think of how few, out of the entire nation, serve.  It would be a drop in the bucket and I doubt it would economically hamper us at all.  Of course, my mind is full of such crazy notions ...

}:)     [Like a small tax break for those who vote, etc.]

Kulhwch

Most veterans don't want a lot of perks for serving, they jsut do their duty and move on.

Everytime I see a homeless bum on a corner holding up a sign that reads veteran it makes my blood boil. (And I hate to have boiled blood.) I have mused of standing on the same corner with my own sign that reads

Veteran, I have a house, a job, and food; like almost all veterans, I don't want a handout.

It seems to me that tonight and for the past couple of nights there have been more fireworks sounds (unsanctioned, free-lance, illegal), than on previous Independence Days. It might be casual contempt for our city's fireworks laws, but I prefer to think it's a pure sign of patriotism, and I applaud those responsible.

This seems like the perfect thread to allow John Adams to have his say:

Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony "that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States may rightfully do." You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the Causes, which have impell'd Us to this mighty Revolution, and the Reasons which will justify it, in the Sight of God and Man. A Plan of Confederation will be taken up in a few days.

When I look back to the Year 1761, and recollect the Argument concerning Writs of Assistance, in the Superiour Court, which I have hitherto considered as the Commencement of the Controversy, between Great Britain and America, and run through the whole Period from that Time to this, and recollect the series of political Events, the Chain of Causes and Effects, I am surprized at the Suddenness, as well as Greatness of this Revolution. Britain has been fill'd with Folly, and America with Wisdom, at least this is my judgment. -- Time must determine. It is the Will of Heaven, that the two Countries should be sundered forever. It may be the Will of Heaven that America shall suffer Calamities still more wasting and Distresses yet more dreadfull. If this is to be the Case, it will have this good Effect, at least: it will inspire Us with many Virtues, which We have not, and correct many Errors, Follies, and Vices, which threaten to disturb, dishonour, and destroy Us. -- The Furnace of Affliction produces Refinement, in States as well as Individuals. And the new Governments we are assuming, in every Part, will require a Purification from our Vices, and an Augmentation of our Virtues or they will be no Blessings. The People will have unbounded Power.

Time has been given for the whole People, maturely to consider the great Question of Independence and to ripen their judgments, dissipate their Fears, and allure their Hopes, by discussing it in News Papers and Pamphletts, by debating it, in Assemblies, Conventions, Committees of Safety and Inspection, in Town and County Meetings, as well as in private Conversations, so that the whole People in every Colony of the 13, have now adopted it, as their own Act. -- This will cement the Union, and avoid those Heats and perhaps Convulsions which might have been occasioned, by such a Declaration Six Months ago. But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

He wrote this to his wife on July 3, 1776. I wish we hadn't let him down.

re: #185 1dogfoodzip9

Sorry, it was never my intention to do other than give to those who would do so much for us.  I never meant to imply any kind of dole, etc., please believe me.  I just think people like yourself deserve more rewards for what you do than you often end up getting.

}:)     [Are we cool now?]

As usual, I'm late to the thread but I think that this link is very appropriate.

RE: #189 NEVER FORGET!

Kulhwch,

I was never uncool with you so we are still cool now as far as I'm concerned