Author Topic: Three Cheers for July Second  (Read 253 times)

Offline Toad

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 18415
Three Cheers for July Second
« on: July 02, 2008, 08:34:50 AM »
Interesting article about the Founders and some of their not-ready-for-prime-time ideas that didn't make the cut.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/01/AR2008070102234.html

Like: 

Quote
A truism during the early years of the Revolution was that "where annual elections end, tyranny begins." At this point in our quadrennial spectacle of electing a president, though, I suspect few in this country would support making the campaign an annual process.

An annual Presidential dog and pony show? Damn, that might make ME move to Canada!


But here's one excellent idea I really liked at the beginning of the article.

Quote
Today we celebrate the greatest day in our national history. Sound ridiculous? Not to John Adams, who in 1776 wrote to his wife, Abigail: "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 solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfire and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."



Of course, he meant guns ONLY in the hands of selected government goverment functionaries like the army, police and ..... militia?  :rofl

Just one more bit of additional evidence that the Founder's viewed it as an individual right.

Enjoy.
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!

Offline lasersailor184

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 8938
Re: Three Cheers for July Second
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2008, 09:51:43 AM »
I really wish that the revolution and subsequent governments were about giving people freedom.  That would have been more fun.
Punishr - N.D.M. Back in the air.
8.) Lasersailor 73 "Will lead the impending revolution from his keyboard"

Offline ZetaNine

  • Persona Non Grata
  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1685
Re: Three Cheers for July Second
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2008, 09:59:48 AM »
what a great read......thanks.

I still feel adams boyish giddyness on the 4th........along with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.  I don't suppose that feeling you had as a kid on the 4th...ever goes away..........and I do suposse if it every does....feel free to bury me.

Offline Hajo

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6034
Re: Three Cheers for July Second
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2008, 12:14:58 PM »
Great read Toad.  I watched the entire series of John Adams on HBO.  Laughingly they portrayed the part where Adams suggest the leader of the new country be addressed as his Royal Highness.  The look on the other Forefathers faces as he expressed his opinion made me laugh.

Some were quizical and some were like say...wtf???
- The Flying Circus -