Dear America,
I'll admit it; I do not know my history the way I should. But at nearly a half century old, I do believe there is still hope for me. And I can tell you this, the more I begin to know, the more I want to know; the deeper I get into it, the deeper I want to go. It's as if uncovering America's true birth, with all the ages in between, completes a part of me I never knew existed.
The truth is, our history is not just a story like out of the movies or as told by book or by Nook -- it is real life, real people, countrymen we have descended from, in one way or another, who remarkably live on only in our memory. When we forget the stories, when we stop telling them, we will lose that which binds.
SO the good news this happy monday morn... now that Sarah Palin has caused such a stir (again) having made crazy claims about Paul Revere and the British and all....having the audacity to go a step further and claim Revere was also alerting the Brits who were here and living among us, as they say (because they were), to not even try -- is that, rest assured, she did it again!
She made us all think about our past; while, she just might have, caused a few of us to crack open a book to get the facts straight -- if only in our own little heads -- or to write a commentary on the HuffPo or Politico; she made us give pause, long enough to give the ride deeper thought, in hopes of trying to understand what we have all grown up to pass off as just a man, and his horse, running through town, yelling and screaming, 'the British are coming, the British are coming.'
Funny -- as they were already here. and in force!
The British were forcing upon the colonies such servitude to the King and beyond, we had to rise up and take arms against the crown; the whole reason of coming to the new world, fleeing religious persecution in the name of religious freedoms, was to get as far away from tyranny as possible, and it would have been in vain if we did nothing.
In the middle of Patrick Henry's speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses, March 23, 1775 -- you know, the famous one where he ends it with the often repeated cry...."but for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -- he gave us this:
What will it take, he says, until a "British guard shall be stationed in every house?" This had become customary, our homes were not our homes; our lives were not our lives -- British rule surrounded us and made us subjects of British rule, even though an ocean separated us, even while a brand new ideology was beginning to shape us.
In Henry's opening statement, he sets up the audience saying:
Sarah Palin is a living example of a Paul Revere, a Patrick Henry -- going right smack up against the rising tide, set forth by rudimentary standards, enforced by the clear and present narrow-mindedness of mainstream media and left wing pundits. They feast upon her so-called gaffes; they profit from every move she makes, whether by bus or by fuss. And through it all, she fears not of giving offense.
Like any battle, victory goes to the "vigilant, the active, the brave."
For me, I love Henry's second paragraph, when he gives us this:
continuing,
continuing,
Every facet of the truth is essential; it is a way to expand our understanding and grow a deeper connection, not only with each other through story, but forging our path forward, knowing everything there is to know, having been thoroughly bathed in our shadow. Shining light upon our history, even through our most darkest hours, is what gives relevance and meaning to each new generation that comes.
Sure, maybe a Palin does not speak for everyone -- just as a George Schwartz (now Soros) does not speak for me. But no matter which side you fall, Palin is making us get it -- you know, a history lesson or two along the way; we are delving deeper into our past more now than we have been for years, generally speaking. We are talking about Paul Revere in the town square -- can it be any more self-evident than that?
And how about that Alec Baldwin, telling us if he thinks Mitt is our man. Or, how about anyone on the left telling the right how we should think about the long list of able bodied, patriotic Americans willing to throw their hat into the ring and become the next President of the United States of America.
Are you kidding me? and how did Patrick Henry put it...
Who are you to tell any of us how to think -- considering, you are basically speaking for all the rest of us who happen to fall just right of center, and sit as a majority in these here colonies now standing united? Hey, FYI, only about 20% of Americans buy into the whole hard core social justice fundamental transformation mania thing...and only about another 20% are best described as left tilt...the rest -- ah, how do you say -- and the rest is history. It is that 60% you need to look out for -- the "vigilant, the active, the brave" -- a band of citizenry respective of our past, knowing full well what is at stake -- who will make a history that changes everything.
ah details...as "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?
the thing is, today, in spirit -- I piggy-bareback with the man and his horse taking a midnight ride... alongside the man who said "there is no longer any room for hope"...and not to be left out, or outdone, sitting alongside that girl riding the bus somewhere in New England this morning...God only knows what she will say today. And amen to that.
Make it a Good Day, G
To really dig deep into the psyche of her adversaries -- especially the media trying to keep up with her, in hopes of making sense out of her every move -- my thoughts tell me she should make it as uncomfortable as possible for them; something Palin might use, to add to her ensemble, is a Snaps Cup (only Legally Blonde aficionados will enjoy that); every time she pops open the door she could have a 'snaps for Americana' just itching to be told and attacked with eyeball rolls, deep rooted indignation, and intolerance a plenty. one man's annoyance might just be another girl's bliss. it happens everyday. even here. with a little pink lipstick, it really brings the whole look together.
I'll admit it; I do not know my history the way I should. But at nearly a half century old, I do believe there is still hope for me. And I can tell you this, the more I begin to know, the more I want to know; the deeper I get into it, the deeper I want to go. It's as if uncovering America's true birth, with all the ages in between, completes a part of me I never knew existed.
The truth is, our history is not just a story like out of the movies or as told by book or by Nook -- it is real life, real people, countrymen we have descended from, in one way or another, who remarkably live on only in our memory. When we forget the stories, when we stop telling them, we will lose that which binds.
SO the good news this happy monday morn... now that Sarah Palin has caused such a stir (again) having made crazy claims about Paul Revere and the British and all....having the audacity to go a step further and claim Revere was also alerting the Brits who were here and living among us, as they say (because they were), to not even try -- is that, rest assured, she did it again!
She made us all think about our past; while, she just might have, caused a few of us to crack open a book to get the facts straight -- if only in our own little heads -- or to write a commentary on the HuffPo or Politico; she made us give pause, long enough to give the ride deeper thought, in hopes of trying to understand what we have all grown up to pass off as just a man, and his horse, running through town, yelling and screaming, 'the British are coming, the British are coming.'
Funny -- as they were already here. and in force!
The British were forcing upon the colonies such servitude to the King and beyond, we had to rise up and take arms against the crown; the whole reason of coming to the new world, fleeing religious persecution in the name of religious freedoms, was to get as far away from tyranny as possible, and it would have been in vain if we did nothing.
In the middle of Patrick Henry's speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses, March 23, 1775 -- you know, the famous one where he ends it with the often repeated cry...."but for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -- he gave us this:
"They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our back and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery?"
What will it take, he says, until a "British guard shall be stationed in every house?" This had become customary, our homes were not our homes; our lives were not our lives -- British rule surrounded us and made us subjects of British rule, even though an ocean separated us, even while a brand new ideology was beginning to shape us.
In Henry's opening statement, he sets up the audience saying:
"for my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to this magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, to fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards country, and of an act of disloyalty town the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings."
Sarah Palin is a living example of a Paul Revere, a Patrick Henry -- going right smack up against the rising tide, set forth by rudimentary standards, enforced by the clear and present narrow-mindedness of mainstream media and left wing pundits. They feast upon her so-called gaffes; they profit from every move she makes, whether by bus or by fuss. And through it all, she fears not of giving offense.
Like any battle, victory goes to the "vigilant, the active, the brave."
For me, I love Henry's second paragraph, when he gives us this:
"Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.[isn't that just stellar] We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it."
continuing,
"...And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir, it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss..."
continuing,
"There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free -- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending -- if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained -- we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!"
Every facet of the truth is essential; it is a way to expand our understanding and grow a deeper connection, not only with each other through story, but forging our path forward, knowing everything there is to know, having been thoroughly bathed in our shadow. Shining light upon our history, even through our most darkest hours, is what gives relevance and meaning to each new generation that comes.
Sure, maybe a Palin does not speak for everyone -- just as a George Schwartz (now Soros) does not speak for me. But no matter which side you fall, Palin is making us get it -- you know, a history lesson or two along the way; we are delving deeper into our past more now than we have been for years, generally speaking. We are talking about Paul Revere in the town square -- can it be any more self-evident than that?
And how about that Alec Baldwin, telling us if he thinks Mitt is our man. Or, how about anyone on the left telling the right how we should think about the long list of able bodied, patriotic Americans willing to throw their hat into the ring and become the next President of the United States of America.
Are you kidding me? and how did Patrick Henry put it...
"They tell us, sir, that we are weak;
unable to cope with so formidable an adversary..."
Who are you to tell any of us how to think -- considering, you are basically speaking for all the rest of us who happen to fall just right of center, and sit as a majority in these here colonies now standing united? Hey, FYI, only about 20% of Americans buy into the whole hard core social justice fundamental transformation mania thing...and only about another 20% are best described as left tilt...the rest -- ah, how do you say -- and the rest is history. It is that 60% you need to look out for -- the "vigilant, the active, the brave" -- a band of citizenry respective of our past, knowing full well what is at stake -- who will make a history that changes everything.
ah details...as "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 for me,
give me liberty, or give me death!"
the thing is, today, in spirit -- I piggy-bareback with the man and his horse taking a midnight ride... alongside the man who said "there is no longer any room for hope"...and not to be left out, or outdone, sitting alongside that girl riding the bus somewhere in New England this morning...God only knows what she will say today. And amen to that.
Make it a Good Day, G
To really dig deep into the psyche of her adversaries -- especially the media trying to keep up with her, in hopes of making sense out of her every move -- my thoughts tell me she should make it as uncomfortable as possible for them; something Palin might use, to add to her ensemble, is a Snaps Cup (only Legally Blonde aficionados will enjoy that); every time she pops open the door she could have a 'snaps for Americana' just itching to be told and attacked with eyeball rolls, deep rooted indignation, and intolerance a plenty. one man's annoyance might just be another girl's bliss. it happens everyday. even here. with a little pink lipstick, it really brings the whole look together.
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