Happy Independence Day!
In thinking of our Indepence Day celebrations , I am reminded of an address that President George W Bush gave on July 4, 2004:
On Independence Day, we remember names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Franklin ” and we honor their courage and vision. We are grateful that our founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to create an independent America. And we are thankful that this nation under God is still free, independent and the best hope of mankind.
America is a place of freedom and opportunity. We are caring toward neighbors in need and generous to the sick and struggling. We are a strong, decent and goodhearted country. All of us are blessed to be citizens of the United States and are proud to call America our home.
This Fourth of July weekend, we think of the men and women who are defending our freedom as members of the United States military. In Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, they are fighting the terrorists who threaten America and the civilized world. Our nation honors these brave men and women, and their families, for their service and sacrifice.
As John Kennedy said:
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans–born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage–and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
Please take a moment out of your day to think of our brave men and women stationed all over the world. These people put country before self and we owe them our utmost gratitude.
Trackposted to <a href=”http://rosemarysnews.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/wednesday-hero-cpt-kent-g-solheim/”>Rosemary’s News and Ideas</a>, <a href=”http://www.petsgardenblog.com/2008/07/03/the-most-effec:-training-tips”>Pet’s Garden Blog</a>, <a href=”http://thepinkflamingo.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/7/2/3767345.html”>The Pink Flamingo</a>, and <a href=”http://leaningstraightup.com/2008/07/02/poll-shocker-americans-dislike-high-gas-prices-and-favor-drilling-for-oil/”>Leaning Straight Up</a>, thanks to <a href=”http://www.linkfests.us”>Linkfest Haven Deluxe</a>.
July 3, 2008 - 10:48 AM on July 3rd, 2008
Time for a new Independence Day: Energy Independence Day! Now why aren’t the brain-dead or comatose Republicans picking up this concept and running with it? Talk about something that not only is critically needed, but a sure election winner, that is it!
You stupid, moronic fools in the Republican leadership! You stand there like buffoons and watch the Democrites take over Congress! The answers are right in front of your noses and you are too damn stupid to see the obvious!
That’s why I am now registered Independent.
July 3, 2008 - 12:28 PM on July 3rd, 2008
You should run Robert! I would vote for you. Happy Fourth of July – Pray, for Independence from our LOUSY Government!
God Bless America, in Christ and you guys at Right Voices!
July 3, 2008 - 03:23 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Thanks, carolyne. That makes 2 votes now (yours and mine):”>
July 3, 2008 - 03:45 PM on July 3rd, 2008
I’d vote for you Robert.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe July 4th weekend. I’m actually doing something I’ve never done before and that is to go see the fireworks on the National Mall. It’s always so crowded and I get nervous in crowds but I’m braving it this year and heading over there.
Carolyne, stay cool my friend and God Bless you.
July 3, 2008 - 03:56 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Hi BonBon; that makes 3 and counting! :”>
I’ll be the crowds on the Mall will be huge and that would make me nervous too. But with the DC gun ban struck down maybe you can pack?
About 6 years ago I was in Baltimore and got a half day to see DC. I got to visit Ford’s theater, the house across the street where Lincoln died, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the National Archives, and some of the Smithsonian. It was incredible; every American some time in their lives should visit.
July 3, 2008 - 04:11 PM on July 3rd, 2008
I’ve seen all those things and more. DC, and Baltimore, are really rich in history. I would recommend everyone make time to visit at least once in their life.
As for me packing? Well, I confess, I am scared to death of guns but having said that I am all for the second amendment and people owning guns.
Which Smithsonian did you get to? They moved some of the historic planes down to Dulles so they could put up the Predator and other such neat things in the air and space.
July 3, 2008 - 04:46 PM on July 3rd, 2008
[...] Maggie’s Notebook: Black National Anthem Replaces America’s, and Right Voices: Happy Independence Day!, thanks to Linkfest Haven [...]
July 3, 2008 - 05:09 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Columbia rescues 15 hostages from FARC.
Today we are receiving news that three of our men that were taken hostage in February 2003 when their plane crashed while doing survellance and recon for the narco squad were finally freed. There was also a French presidential candidate among them, along with 11 Columbian police and military personnel…
PS. Just wanted to let you know that your link over at Linkfest is wrong. It says, 2008/07/02 instead of 03. The pinger kept telling me you did not have a valid URL, and I KNEW that not to be true!
So I blamed it on the heat, and hit ‘home’, then I searched for your post. Great post, by the way! I pray everyone has a wonderfully blessed Independence Day. I know of three Americans who may be celebrating a whole lot more than we will, because they understand what it is like to be hostages for more than 5 years. Praise God for their freedom!
July 3, 2008 - 06:28 PM on July 3rd, 2008
I did get to the Air and Space museum, then another one where they had printing presses. I was amazed when I looked at the tiny capsule in which John Glenn orbited the earth. There was almost no room, and his face would have been about 1 foot from the instrument panel. It had a small window you could looki through; that might not even have been there originally.
I tried to imagine being jammed into that tiny capsule, with my knees against my chest and the instrument panel 12 inches in front of my face. Blasted into space on top of a rocket, the G forces would have been tremendous. Then orbiting inside that thing for however long, before returning to earth. Try as I might I couldn’t imagine doing it without puking, which probably would have occurred for me before I even got off the ground.
Amazing, amazing stuff…
I was half joking about carrying a concealed weapon; I know that is still illegal w/out a permit which is near impossible most places. The mentally-ill crowd wants only criminals to be armed.
July 3, 2008 - 08:07 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Robert,
I don’t always agree with you, but you’d get my vote as well. Our government would be well served by your passion for our country!
To the other readers on this list, I appreciate the honest dialog and debate. Such a spirit is what made this country great and God has certainly shed his grace upon it.
Blessed Independence Day to everyone!
NY-David
July 3, 2008 - 08:07 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Robert,
I don’t always agree with you, but you’d get my vote as well. Our government would be well served by your passion for our country!
To the other readers on this list, I appreciate the honest dialog and debate. Such a spirit is what made this country great and God has certainly shed his grace upon it.
Blessed Independence Day to everyone!
NY-David
July 3, 2008 - 08:08 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Robert,
I don’t always agree with you, but you’d get my vote as well. Our government would be well served by your passion for our country!
To the other readers on this list, I appreciate the honest dialog and debate. Such a spirit is what made this country great and God has certainly shed his grace upon it.
Blessed Independence Day to everyone!
NY-David
July 3, 2008 - 08:18 PM on July 3rd, 2008
Hello David, and happy Independence Day to you too! I know we don’t always agree but you make a lot of sense. You have self-identified as Liberal, but I don’t think that label fits.
I’m now up to 4 votes.
I have often talked about the need for a viable third party to challenge the status quo. I’d like to see the Energy Independence party. Just think what a comprehensive, serious effort to achieve that would solve in terms of problems and issues and how greatly it would benefit America and Americans.
July 3, 2008 - 09:53 PM on July 3rd, 2008
I sure enjoyed reading all these comments, and Bon Bon, ditto! You all are very smart interesting real people. Third party, YES! RIGHT NOW.
Miracles happen everyday!
Just letting everyone know, I’m visiting my daughter in Sunny Fl. the 14th-21st of JULY – then back when she has the baby girl in September So the next few weeks I’ll be busy, catch up with you – when and where I can after this week. Summer is going too fast for me.
July 4, 2008 - 06:22 AM on July 4th, 2008
Robert,
5 votes.
July 4, 2008 - 08:26 AM on July 4th, 2008
Happy Independence Day all! Hope all is well with you and yours!
July 4, 2008 - 08:28 AM on July 4th, 2008
Nice to hear from you John…here’s to you.
July 4, 2008 - 10:10 AM on July 4th, 2008
Hey, John, do be so scarce.
July 4, 2008 - 01:56 PM on July 4th, 2008
Robert
Make that 6 votes, do I hear 7, do I hear 7. Keep it up we’re only about 30 million short, write in candidate, get this country back on track.
July 4, 2008 - 03:07 PM on July 4th, 2008
Thanks for the compliment PCD, happy Independence Day!
Good to see John galt around here.
lb, thanks for the kind words.
America needs a new Independence day: Energy Independence Day!
This is how it can be done:
1. Changeover to nuclear power for electric generation. Phase out completely burning of natural gas, coal, and oil (if it is still used) for power generation. Invest in upgrading the nation’s power grid. The huge amounts of natural gas formerly used for power generation can be liquified and used for vehicle fuel, reducing the demand for gasoline and diesel. The extra natural gas supply will reduce prices, lowering the cost of heating homes and putting more money in the pockets of consumers that will be spent elsewhere to boost the economy. So-called nuclear waste is a non-issue and through the use of breeder reactors the supply of nuclear “fuel” is unlimited. There is not even a single reason not to go nuke.
2. The abundance of cheap electric power from nuclear power will enable change over to plug-in hybrids, further reducing the need for gasoline.
3. A Manhattan project to develop the hydrogen fuel cell for full commercialization and productization will further reduce the need for oil as a transportation fuel. Power from nuclear plants at night can be used to generate Hydrogen. That plus the proliferation of plug-in hybrids will almost eliminate the need for oil for transportation. Pollution from transportation will be almost eliminated, the emission of C02, if you care about that, will be reduced by ~40%, and as the price of oil sharply declines the costs of all the products made from oil will also decline, further enhancing the economic boom.
4. Ethanol? If it can be made to compete, like with development of other biomass that enables a better output to input ratio of net energy from the process, it will find its own level. Otherwise, it can go away. Sorry, agribusiness, but let the chips fall where they may. It’s time.
5. America’s balance of trade will nearly balance as we will import no more energy, and America will experience a clean, healthy economic boom that will be unprecedented.
This is a very simplified version of the model, but if I can figure it out, why can’t Congress? This is a multiple choice question:
A. Ignorance
B. Utter incompetence
C. Corruption
D. Mental illness
E. All of the above
July 5, 2008 - 11:43 AM on July 5th, 2008
You can significantly lessen the need for oil for personal transportation, but unless you blow off the corn based ethanol (highly inefficient by any standards) and switch that production to biodiesel (an alternative fuel that is efficient) you’ll still have no way to transport anything in this country other than diesel fuel powered trains and trucks. Trucks and trains can run perfectly well on biodiesel, nothing runs well on corn based ethanol. Ethanol has horrible energy output in comparison to the cost of production. A guy here in Phoenix makes his own biodiesel and gets over 50 mpg in a diesel VW station wagon. Ethanol gets substantially worse mpg than gasoline.
We should also get the coal to liquid technology up and running. We have more coal than anyone on the planet. We just need to burn it cleanly. The technology has been there to scrub out the pollutants since the 70s. If all else fails, bubble the exhaust through a water bath, ala a huge bong. It will cool the smoke, remove the pollutants and can be used to produce electricity and chemicals from the heat and filtered out pollutants.
July 5, 2008 - 12:39 PM on July 5th, 2008
Now there’s a great PR and marketing spin: We bubble the output gases through a huge bong! A huge bong, bongs, that’s something the young liberals can relate to! Package and sell the idea of constructing huge bongs all over. They’ll be so happy, so content to think of the idea of all those bongs they’ll like the idea!
I’m only half joking. The young are generally so ignorant, many heads so filled with Leftist mush, it might take such creativity to reach them.
July 5, 2008 - 08:06 PM on July 5th, 2008
Hey Robert, why don’t we take a portion of the mush heads and have them be breakage testers on a CFL production line? If they break it, it fails the test. If it doesn’t it passes. The vast majority of them won’t even realize they’re inhaling mercury fumes, and the rest of us probably won’t even notice any change in their mental capabilities.
For those who don’t know, the character of the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland was partially based on reality. Not that long ago, hats were blocked using mercury to force the felt to take the shape of the mold. From the extended exposure to mercury vapors, the milliners (hat makers for those who attended public schools in the last 25 years) would develop central nervous system damage and literally go insane.
July 7, 2008 - 03:03 AM on July 7th, 2008
Good idea. You know, it is so interesting how what is toxic has now also been politicized. C02, a necessary part of the Carbon life cycle and a plant food, is baaad. Mercury was baaad but now it’s okay in CFLs. MTBE was just wonderful in gasoline, until it was shown to be bad. But it was politicized so now we can ignore all of the polluted wells.
July 8, 2008 - 12:08 PM on July 8th, 2008
[...] names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Franklin ?? and we honor their courage and visiohttp://rightvoices.com/2008/07/03/happy-independence-day/The Human Torch… escaped and became the human Torch. The torch fought for good against such … [...]