I wish I could feel happy about our 250th anniversary that is next week. At the moment I feel a great sense of stoicism and depression at our current situation in this country. Yes, we have won some battles, but too many have been lost due to a corrupt and political Supreme Court who more often than not helps to tear away at our freedoms. The needless suffering that is occurring daily, inflicted on those who are poor, wanting asylum, losing their jobs at the whim of a destructive government, and fearing for their continued existence, seems overwhelming at times. The sustained attacks on the most vulnerable in this country, is something that no American should ignore. Those who are complacent, wealthy, narrowminded, and feckless are riding a wave of regression that has been directed by Trump and his cronies. Things may look good to them right now, but a reckoning is coming. There are many in this country who deem that our independence and prosperity for all Americans, is something worth keeping. The importance of raising our voices and putting forth our vote has never been more needed. We have a long way to go at the moment, to restore our faith in this country and the worlds trust in our vision.
“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. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated”
Paine is a great person to quote, particularly with regards to the bogus use of "anti-Americanism by the MAGA mob. Paine, one of the Founding Fathers, wrote directly to Washington while he was still President:
“This is the ground upon which America now stands. All her rights of commerce and navigation have to commence anew, and that with loss of character to begin with. If there is sense enough left in the heart to call a blush into the cheek, the Washington administration must be ashamed to appear.———And as to you, sir, treacherous in private friendship (for so you have been to me, and that in the day of danger) and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide, whether you are an apostate or an impostor; whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any?"
Thank you, for sharing this Paine quote. It inspires me/us to rise above the frustrations of the current moment and remember that now is the time by to stand by and stand up for our country.
Regarding "He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.", one could also add his promotion of coal burning, the acceleration of climate change, and the attempts to block offshore wind energy production.
I believe in the promise of the United States. I celebrate July 4 with protest, patriotic protest. I believe we will overcome these dark times. It will require effort, time and courage but in the end we will prevail. Resist, Obstruct, Fight.
Thank you Susan for this article and the work you do.
I wish I could feel happy about our 250th anniversary that is next week. At the moment I feel a great sense of stoicism and depression at our current situation in this country. Yes, we have won some battles, but too many have been lost due to a corrupt and political Supreme Court who more often than not helps to tear away at our freedoms. The needless suffering that is occurring daily, inflicted on those who are poor, wanting asylum, losing their jobs at the whim of a destructive government, and fearing for their continued existence, seems overwhelming at times. The sustained attacks on the most vulnerable in this country, is something that no American should ignore. Those who are complacent, wealthy, narrowminded, and feckless are riding a wave of regression that has been directed by Trump and his cronies. Things may look good to them right now, but a reckoning is coming. There are many in this country who deem that our independence and prosperity for all Americans, is something worth keeping. The importance of raising our voices and putting forth our vote has never been more needed. We have a long way to go at the moment, to restore our faith in this country and the worlds trust in our vision.
“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. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated”
― Thomas Paine, The Crisis
Paine is a great person to quote, particularly with regards to the bogus use of "anti-Americanism by the MAGA mob. Paine, one of the Founding Fathers, wrote directly to Washington while he was still President:
“This is the ground upon which America now stands. All her rights of commerce and navigation have to commence anew, and that with loss of character to begin with. If there is sense enough left in the heart to call a blush into the cheek, the Washington administration must be ashamed to appear.———And as to you, sir, treacherous in private friendship (for so you have been to me, and that in the day of danger) and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide, whether you are an apostate or an impostor; whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any?"
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-20-02-0329
It sounds like someone we know.
Thank you, for sharing this Paine quote. It inspires me/us to rise above the frustrations of the current moment and remember that now is the time by to stand by and stand up for our country.
Regarding "He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.", one could also add his promotion of coal burning, the acceleration of climate change, and the attempts to block offshore wind energy production.
I believe in the promise of the United States. I celebrate July 4 with protest, patriotic protest. I believe we will overcome these dark times. It will require effort, time and courage but in the end we will prevail. Resist, Obstruct, Fight.
Thank you Susan for this article and the work you do.