On the road to Independence.
"Give me liberty or give me death" is a famous quote from a speech made by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses. It is in my opinion one of the top 3 speeches in American History. It also ranks in my top 3 events of the Revolution. It's number 3 on my list. Without this speech, Virginia doesn't raise an army and we do not declare independence.
The speech was given March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. The irony of this is amazing. Richmond was a key city for the south during the Civil War. Here is the last section of this glorious speech.
"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!"
Patrick Henry had big balls. I get goosebumps every time I read this speech.
On Independence.
"The Crisis" by Thomas Paine. A must read for all who love American History. Here is an exceprt--some of the greatest words ever written:
"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
For more on this, go to: http://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm" title="http://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm" target="_blank"http://www.ushistory.org/pain...
I particularly like the phrase "The summer soldier and sunshine patriot". How insightful that was. What guts it took to pen such a masterpiece. And make no mistake about it--this document had a monumental effect on the course of American History. As we head toward the 4th of July, let us not forget one of the truly great Patriots, Thomas Paine.
I'm a yankee doodle dandy
For those that know me well, July 4th is one of my favorite days of the year. I celebrate Independence Day each year the same way. I wake up and make a 4th of July breakfast and while I eat I read the Declaration of Independence. It is important for us all not to suffer from Historical Amnesia--this document is the foundation with which our country was formed. The men who signed their names to it had an idea of what they wished to accomplish, but I seriously doubt they knew the magnitude of their decision.
Of course, I like to jam all of the classic songs for Independence Day as well. I hang up all of my flags--to which I have many. And of course, I celebrate my mother's birthday. What a great day to be born.
I ran across an interesting website tonight--apparently they linked to me somehow based on a quote I posted awhile back. Check this site out--it's a good one.
More to come on this. I am feeling patriotic lately.
Rush Limp-baugh.
So, Rush was caught red-handed with viagra. Let the jokes begin...
I love almonds.
I am eating wasabi/dry roasted almonds right now. My freaking word they are good.
It's raining cats and dogs here today. Big storms--the kind that make you say "why do I think I love thunderstorms again?"
I miss sushi. Haven't had it in months. I need some soon or I will cry.
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
The simple answer to the question is: in the ground, he is dead.
Some people would argue that he went to heaven, where upon reaching the pearly gates he was met by St. Peter and offered a halo, and in his case, a baseball glove. I'd like to think the baseball glove was filled with candy, since it is heaven.
Others may argue that his spirit is here on earth watching and helping those who need him. Like really crappy hitters who need more confidence at the plate. His ghost brings them skill and endurance. I still like the candy in the glove thing better.
Where am I going with this? I have no friggin clue.
My first father's day.
What a great day. I got to do something I have wanted to do for a long time. Nothing. It is amazing how much fun doing nothing is these days! I watched the US open golf (nice 18th hole, Phil) and the World Cup.
I'll always remember this first father's day as a special one.
My dear god it's hot here.
It feels like I live at the equator today. The sad thing is the temp is only like 85 and sunny. Still, I hate hot weather.
I could really use a snow cone :) I like snow cones.
third pic
second pic
Just click it--it's the only way I can post pics on tblog lately....
thanks photobucket
I have to do it this way since I can't get pics to post. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Anyway, she's getting big ;)
I have a serious question to ask
Do you think Donnie ever gets sick of Marie? Dear god they are together all the time.
She would drive me insane.