While we were all subjected to the glaring contrasts and the stomach-churning substance of Trump's visual July 4th narrative, I really feel for Ms. Cohen. She had to look at all that more deeply in order to speak to us. I just wanted to look away and had the luxury of doing so. Thank you, Azza, for making sure we stay vigilant, even when we don't want to see. Maybe we should all put a candle in the window as a reminder to our fellow Americans.
WE MUST DO BETTER next year! Trump owns the White House lawn next year and two more, but we must plan and stage a 250th birthday party that celebrates the progress we have made toward realizing the values of our Declaration of Independence and emphasizes the unity and basic decency of our people. We can not let him turn this important milestone into another vulgar celebration of MAGA without the strongest challenge we can mount.
I love this idea David! I cringe to imagine what the 250 will look like under our current president … we should counter with an inclusive and beautiful celebration.
Now these were the days - "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4th, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." - Erma Bombeck (she would be heartsick for her America today)
Has anyone else noticed military worship creeping into every national holiday? Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrate military service and sacrifice. Independence Day is not a military holiday, although a lot of people apparently assume it always has been and should be. Everyone in America can contribute to our country’s greatness. At a time when many people are being deliberately excluded from military service, this is a message we all need to hear and amplify.
Do more of this (communication). Start a list, see what the Constitution Center may be doing, see if anyone not under Trump's control is doing anything and go to work. First, start a contact list. I just opened an e-mail account for this project which, as of July 5, is a top priority.
So - we need to start a list of people willing to work on it. And keep posting, keep publicizing. I plan to contact the Constitution Center - they're independent of government and may already be working on it. The national archives is working on something but they are part of government so who knows. My wife is a retired law librarian and she's also working on finding documents etc. I don't know if it's allowed here but tomorrow I will set up a separate e-mail for this project and list it here. As of July 5 this is one of my primary projects.
My idea of an ideal 250th anniversary celebration of democracy. The Boston Pops playing classic July 4th music accompanied by the military bands and chorus. No tanks or military vehicles, hardware etc.
While we were all subjected to the glaring contrasts and the stomach-churning substance of Trump's visual July 4th narrative, I really feel for Ms. Cohen. She had to look at all that more deeply in order to speak to us. I just wanted to look away and had the luxury of doing so. Thank you, Azza, for making sure we stay vigilant, even when we don't want to see. Maybe we should all put a candle in the window as a reminder to our fellow Americans.
Oh my gosh thank you for the kind words! We ALL have to stay vigilant. And we have to stick together ❤️
WE MUST DO BETTER next year! Trump owns the White House lawn next year and two more, but we must plan and stage a 250th birthday party that celebrates the progress we have made toward realizing the values of our Declaration of Independence and emphasizes the unity and basic decency of our people. We can not let him turn this important milestone into another vulgar celebration of MAGA without the strongest challenge we can mount.
Thank you Ms. Cohen for this report.
I love this idea David! I cringe to imagine what the 250 will look like under our current president … we should counter with an inclusive and beautiful celebration.
I agree! What to do, what to do? And where? Let's get started. Thanks for the idea, David.
Now these were the days - "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4th, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." - Erma Bombeck (she would be heartsick for her America today)
Has anyone else noticed military worship creeping into every national holiday? Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrate military service and sacrifice. Independence Day is not a military holiday, although a lot of people apparently assume it always has been and should be. Everyone in America can contribute to our country’s greatness. At a time when many people are being deliberately excluded from military service, this is a message we all need to hear and amplify.
A really excellent point Cindy.
Do more of this (communication). Start a list, see what the Constitution Center may be doing, see if anyone not under Trump's control is doing anything and go to work. First, start a contact list. I just opened an e-mail account for this project which, as of July 5, is a top priority.
ldavidritchie250@gmail.com
So - we need to start a list of people willing to work on it. And keep posting, keep publicizing. I plan to contact the Constitution Center - they're independent of government and may already be working on it. The national archives is working on something but they are part of government so who knows. My wife is a retired law librarian and she's also working on finding documents etc. I don't know if it's allowed here but tomorrow I will set up a separate e-mail for this project and list it here. As of July 5 this is one of my primary projects.
Go David go!
Next year: PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING on the Mall. Count on it!!
I would not be surprised, David.
My idea of an ideal 250th anniversary celebration of democracy. The Boston Pops playing classic July 4th music accompanied by the military bands and chorus. No tanks or military vehicles, hardware etc.