Protip: If your town only lets you use shitty fireworks like those spinner things or fountains take out all the gunpowder and explosive things from said shitty fireworks, put them in a giant pile, light that shit on fire and wait for a blinding light not unlike a flashbang
I was totally annoyed at the fireworks on Canada's day this year. Some stupid retard was setting them off well into the midnight.
EDIT: I remember on Fox, they had a cutscene from the Simpsons where Homer said something along the line of "You are an American. Now go blow something up."
I love watching fireworks but hate them too because whenever fireworks are heard from my house my dog freaks out cause she thinks its lightning. So instead of watching the fireworks I have to make sure she doesn't destroy the house in her panic .
On July 04 2010 17:22 flamewheel wrote: Coming again to save the motherfucking day yeah!
<3 America, </3 fireworks going off on July 2nd -____-
Agreed. My neighbor thought it would be great to shoot off a million god forsaken firecrackers. They didn't have anything good or pretty, just 45 minutes worth of loud stuff. /rage
Woo! I celebrated a day early by eating excessive amounts of grilled meat, getting drunk on cheap and terrible beer, then went out to a bar and wingmanned for my friend. Epic night.
AMERICA FUCK YEAH WOOOOOOOO I WE DEFEATED THE EVIL NAZIS AND SAVED THE WORLD FOR ALL MINORITIES WOOOT YEAHH FUCK YOU BRITIAN AND YOUR TAX ON TEA AHHAHA WE DON'T PAY TAXES HERE... oh wait..
On July 04 2010 17:16 UmmTheHobo wrote: Protip: If your town only lets you use shitty fireworks like those spinner things or fountains take out all the gunpowder and explosive things from said shitty fireworks, put them in a giant pile, light that shit on fire and wait for a blinding light not unlike a flashbang
Hey, at least you guys GET to use fireworks. All we can do here is launch nukes in Starcraft to celebrate.
After reading this topic, I guess you normally celebrate this day with fireworks + meal (BBQ or sth) with friends/family, right? I'm just curious because the German Union Day (3rd of October) is not really celebrated at all. You're just happy that you dont have to go to work, but thats about it. But well, happy Independence Day!
Even though I will once again be spending a sweet holiday inside playing SC2 I've set one of my monitor's background picture to an American flag and the other to fireworks! WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
[King George III is a tyrant]
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Since the Founders were a gentrified bunch of guys they didn't add this out of politeness (probably):
On July 05 2011 05:09 Node wrote: Got my dog all patriotic for when we watched the local parade. ^^ Happy 4th!
this looks like a "Haters gonna hate" meme with an AMERICA FUCK YEAH theme. hahaha love it. also the "we will kill you in your sleep on christmas!" is pretty much the greatest subtitle to that picture ever zomg lol
Happy 4th everyone!! Unfortunately in Texas there is a firework ban of all types cuz of the drought, but i'll make up for it by exploding some colossi in stupendous fashion.
America, it is a country of problems, flaws, conflicts, and fighting, but that's a country of "man". because of all the ideals of "men" coming together can we see the flaws, problems, only then there are conflicts and fighting but. That is the result of ideals. Which come from free will. And that's the beauty of this nation. Despite how much we all talk shit about our country I think it's safe to say, If you ask most americans if they hate america they'd say they love it.
Happy fourth of July. I didn't get to go to downtown to watch the fireworks show this year, so I had to settle for the show at my back porch. My neighbors need to buy more fireworks!
Went to my town's parade, then had a barbecue with about 20 family members, and about 100 friends of the family and their family members. I wound up doing all the cooking, but that was great, because I got to use that as an excuse to avoid help cleaning up.
Barbecued chicken, steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, kielbasa, italian sausage, fish, baked beans, corn on the cobb, cold beer, soda, potato chips, salad, and more.
Went to see the fireworks after as well, and now, getting ready for state of the game.
George Washington: Integrity and the Founding of America The remarkable tale of how America was founded, and the spirit of the people that was necessary in order to break away with all ties to everything they knew and start fresh. A story of courage, principle, integrity, risk... the story of "Give me liberty, or give me death"
I found this to be incredible, nearly brought me to tears. I plan to move to the USA one day (assuming it's not completely destroyed by that time.) Where are the heroes like this today?
I've always wondered how the brits feel on days like this when their former colonies celebrate independence. Upset? Or is it them just watching the little children celebrate a birthday? Something else?
On July 04 2012 14:09 Risen wrote: I've always wondered how the brits feel on days like this when their former colonies celebrate independence. Upset? Or is it them just watching the little children celebrate a birthday? Something else?
Yay, America
I had a couple of study abroad students from england say when they talk about the revolutionary war "england basically decided just to give us america"
On July 04 2012 14:00 1Eris1 wrote: That t-shirt is amazing... and now I really want to wear it in front of my French friends.
Hope you realise that it's due to France that the USA are independent xD
Yeah, you know, at this time, it was all about screwing the UK over, there was something of an history between us :D Anyway, USA payed us back...twice :p
On July 04 2012 14:00 1Eris1 wrote: That t-shirt is amazing... and now I really want to wear it in front of my French friends.
Hope you realise that it's due to France that the USA are independent xD
True story! We very much appreciate it and the Statue of Liberty is a great reminder of how much the French have meant to American sovereignty and history.
HB USA. Remember the courage that made her what she is today, and in any case, you always have to celebrate the 4th with the three Bs: Beer, Babes, and Blowing shit up.
As people get drunk and all for the fourth, do people realize how much the American colonist sacrificed during the American Revolution? Pretty sobering if you ask me.
On July 05 2012 00:12 autoexec wrote: As people get drunk and all for the fourth, do people realize how much the American colonist sacrificed during the American Revolution? Pretty sobering if you ask me.
On July 05 2012 00:12 autoexec wrote: As people get drunk and all for the fourth, do people realize how much the American colonist sacrificed during the American Revolution? Pretty sobering if you ask me.
I think July 4th should be a day where every American should look back and remember the ideals that the founding fathers built this country on and remember that they didn't intend on making america the shithole that it is today, and we have to choose whats best for us OURSELVES and not just rely on our politicians to do everything for us.
Ask what not your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. -J.F.K.
The 4th of July... A glorious celebration in remembrance of how hard we truly can party! It is commonly followed by a trail of tears and abortions. American Fuck yea!
On July 05 2012 02:40 MemenTo wrote: If anyone is interested here are some pictures I took following the flag ceremony at Lafayette's grave in Paris : http://imgur.com/a/NORc0#0
Happy 4th of July old friends ! :p
You know his namesakes are all across America? Public parks, street names, buildings, bridges, so on. Even if most of us do not remember who Gilbert du Motier was, we will always know the name Lafayette.
On July 05 2012 02:48 FeUerFlieGe wrote: The 4th of July... A glorious celebration in remembrance of how hard we truly can party! It is commonly followed by a trail of tears and abortions. American Fuck yea!
That line had me lolling, Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears and Abortions, a film by Quentin Tarantino.
On July 05 2012 02:48 FeUerFlieGe wrote: The 4th of July... A glorious celebration in remembrance of how hard we truly can party! It is commonly followed by a trail of tears and abortions. American Fuck yea!
That line had me lolling, Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears and Abortions, a film by Quentin Tarantino.
Wow I actually didn't even realize I made a reference to that! I was just referring to that we are going to party so hard many will not make it to July 5th alive, and how many girlfriends will be sobbing over the fact that her boyfriend impregnated several other women the night before.
On July 05 2012 02:48 FeUerFlieGe wrote: The 4th of July... A glorious celebration in remembrance of how hard we truly can party! It is commonly followed by a trail of tears and abortions. American Fuck yea!
That line had me lolling, Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears and Abortions, a film by Quentin Tarantino.
Wow I actually didn't even realize I made a reference to that! I was just referring to that we are going to party so hard many will not make it to July 5th alive, and how many girlfriends will be sobbing over the fact that her boyfriend impregnated several other women the night before.
Indeed, that is why it is felicitous on this day to simply allow the bright and entrancing display of fireworks distract one from their various impregnations :D
On July 05 2012 02:40 MemenTo wrote: If anyone is interested here are some pictures I took following the flag ceremony at Lafayette's grave in Paris : http://imgur.com/a/NORc0#0
Happy 4th of July old friends ! :p
You know his namesakes are all across America? Public parks, street names, buildings, bridges, so on. Even if most of us do not remember who Gilbert du Motier was, we will always know the name Lafayette.
It is the American people who have created this strong, vibrant society that is so attractive to so many. Happy 4th!
For once we agree good sir, and I too believe that on days such as today, it certainly bears worth mentioning that there are reasons why immigrants the world over consider the US such an attractive place to migrate to.
On July 05 2012 02:58 Probe1 wrote: You know his namesakes are all across America? Public parks, street names, buildings, bridges, so on. Even if most of us do not remember who Gilbert du Motier was, we will always know the name Lafayette.
I do, sacré Gilbert :p. Rochambeau, de Grasse and many others should be remembered too. Unfortunately few people know about them.
The interesting thing about Lafayette's tomb is that almost no one in Paris knows where it is since he wasn't buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery. He lies in a private cemetery with an entry fee, meters from a mass grave containing the remains of 1300 victims of the guillotine. Even today there were no more than 4 to 5 persons at a time in the cemetery, most quiet place in Paris !
Ok, enough about history it's time to go drink some wine in their honor !
On July 05 2012 02:58 Probe1 wrote: You know his namesakes are all across America? Public parks, street names, buildings, bridges, so on. Even if most of us do not remember who Gilbert du Motier was, we will always know the name Lafayette.
I do, sacré Gilbert :p. Rochambeau, de Grasse and many others should be remembered too. Unfortunately few people know about them.
The interesting thing about Lafayette's tomb is that almost no one in Paris knows where it is since he wasn't buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery. He lies in a private cemetery with an entry fee, meters from a mass grave containing the remains of 1300 victims of the guillotine. Even today there were no more than 4 to 5 persons at a time in the cemetery, most quiet place in Paris !
Ok, enough about history it's time to go drink some wine in their honor !
They should all definitely be remembered, especially LaFayette - if Washingon was the "indispensable man" to the Revolution, LaFayette was the "indispensable man" to Washington. And without Rochambeau and De Grasse the arms smuggling to the Revolutionaries through the Caribbean would have been significantly hampered by the Royal Navy. Plus we wouldn't have been able to besiege Cornwallis at Yorktown and force him to surrender. French-American cooperation during the war once France came in was incredibly tight and well-executed, a testament to both sides.
Nah we named kicking each other in the nutsack after Rochambeau. What would you rather have, a street named after you OR your name invoke fear in men to this day. I thought so.
u know it should be captain Russia here. with sergeants France and England
Yeah, fuck you. Happy fourth of july everyone!! had to get drunk alone because I'm studying in spain, but happy independence day you americans! down with the fucking brits!
u know it should be captain Russia here. with sergeants France and England
Yeah, fuck you. Happy fourth of july everyone!! had to get drunk alone because I'm studying in spain, but happy independence day you americans! down with the fucking brits!
Today we celebrate 16 years since Will Smith saved us from the alien invasion! This will definitely be an interesting year for the USA, it'll be interesting to see where it stands a year from now...
u know it should be captain Russia here. with sergeants France and England
nope
(sorry)
all three of them wearing "Made in the USA" superhero outfits would be appropriate though, for some reason some people don't like to remember how muchwe helped them
There's some illegal Mexicans (i live in New Jersey, we get a lot of spillover from NYC) about half a mile north of me, and they've been shooting off fireworks since July 1st. They're about to start their show tonight.
When I get on the roof of my house I get a clear view of the show
u know it should be captain Russia here. with sergeants France and England
Sergeant France couldn't be in this picture because he was busy being occupied and Captain Russia was busy looking for food that his government didn't provide him with. But Sergeant England A.K.A. Churchill is actually a bad ass. But who knows what would have happened had the Americans not entered the war, they did not endure the same violence as other countries, but they certainly helped the Allied effort. Don't be an ass hole, it's a cartoon picture, get over yourself.
Although I honestly have nothing against the celebration of our Independence Day, I just honestly have to say that I hate fireworks, and peoples mindless obsession with them. I can't even move around outside because the streets are flooded with spectators.
On July 05 2012 09:37 gulati wrote: Although I honestly have nothing against the celebration of our Independence Day, I just honestly have to say that I hate fireworks, and peoples mindless obsession with them. I can't even move around outside because the streets are flooded with spectators.
WTF? Fireworks own. You should get yourself checked out.
HAPPEH AMERICA DAY! I like July 4th normally, but this year I went to a shitty redneck waterpark and it sucked, needless to say. I am still semi-nauseous. Though I had a good time spending time with my girlfriend despite the shit park haha.
On this topic, you may heard about the Marquis de Lafayette right?
He came in America with a ship named L'hermione in 1780 to help your ancestors to fight english troops.
This original ship was destroyed in 1793 because of an incompetent crew in the south of french Britanny, but since 1997, a group of people is rebuilding it with 18th century's technics.
And guess what? The ship is finished ! It will be launch tomorrow the 6th july (the 4th would have been better, but nvm).
The ship will travel thru the ocean again and join Boston and many other cities, you may see/visit it if you live on east coast !
This touch me personnally because I was born 32 years ago and lived 20 years in the small city where both ships were built, and i followed the rebuilding very closely
On July 04 2012 17:55 thezanursic wrote: Such a pointless holiday.
Obviously must be. It's not like there is such a holiday in Slovenia...
Oh wait, what's December 26th again? Something about Unity and Independence... ?
In any event, a very wonderful "Giving ol' King George the raised finger of freedom" day to all my fellow citizens.
The important one is on 25th June and that's kinda my point. I don't mind Americans throwing a fus about their holiday, but everyone else is we don't go and make a thread for Canadian holidays, Mexican, Italian, German etc etc I'm just saying keep it to yourself.
On July 04 2012 17:55 thezanursic wrote: Such a pointless holiday.
Obviously must be. It's not like there is such a holiday in Slovenia...
Oh wait, what's December 26th again? Something about Unity and Independence... ?
In any event, a very wonderful "Giving ol' King George the raised finger of freedom" day to all my fellow citizens.
The important one is on 25th June and that's kinda my point. I don't mind Americans throwing a fus about their holiday, but everyone else is we don't go and make a thread for Canadian holidays, Mexican, Italian, German etc etc I'm just saying keep it to yourself.
On July 04 2012 17:55 thezanursic wrote: Such a pointless holiday.
Obviously must be. It's not like there is such a holiday in Slovenia...
Oh wait, what's December 26th again? Something about Unity and Independence... ?
In any event, a very wonderful "Giving ol' King George the raised finger of freedom" day to all my fellow citizens.
The important one is on 25th June and that's kinda my point. I don't mind Americans throwing a fus about their holiday, but everyone else is we don't go and make a thread for Canadian holidays, Mexican, Italian, German etc etc I'm just saying keep it to yourself.
Why the hell are you shitting on a cherished American holiday in a cherished American holiday thread? Please be respectful of it, especially since you said you don't mind Americans throwing a fuss. And since I think you do mind just stay out of the thread if you're going to be negative toward it.
Today is a day America celebrates its freedom, sadly in light of recent events, there seems to be less to celebrate this year as our freedoms (and the freedoms of everyone else) are being encroached upon.
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." -John Adams
On July 04 2013 14:52 Tewks44 wrote: I'm curious how the founding fathers would think of where we are today.
Part of me thinks we would say "hey, we're the most powerful nation in the world" and they would go "wow! that's fantastic"
part of me thinks they would respond "so... are we just?"
I don't know how I would answer the ladder.
You should re-balance the percentages to make divisions and T8/25/50 and 100 ranks more obviously separated by skill.
And on topic, HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA! Almost 250 years ago, great men set out to test their compromises and theories as a solution to tyranny. That not only has this nation survived this long, but thrived and inspired other countries is a tremendous feat.
No matter how cynical I get about our government or culture, I'll always love my country.
On July 04 2013 14:55 lethal111 wrote: Well im not American! But as a Canadian, I wish you guys a safe and happy July 4th!
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
John Adams
(yes, this is for the second of July, the day Congress decided on independence, but still applicable!)
Happy 4th all, try to remember it is hard to play most any sort of video game if you mess your hands up with firecrackers, bottle rockets, or similar small explosives. So mind yourself.
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
On July 04 2013 14:52 Tewks44 wrote: I'm curious how the founding fathers would think of where we are today.
Part of me thinks we would say "hey, we're the most powerful nation in the world" and they would go "wow! that's fantastic"
part of me thinks they would respond "so... are we just?"
I don't know how I would answer the ladder.
Their brains would explode over cars, computers, internet, airplanes, 10000 types of beers and alcohol, having Alaska and Hawaii as a state, nuclear bombs, nuclear plants, etc.
I've one question.. Why do you always say "fuck yeah america?" or "yea america we are the best"? You should say Yea Northamerica we are the best blalblaba .. these people
On July 04 2013 14:52 Tewks44 wrote: I'm curious how the founding fathers would think of where we are today.
Part of me thinks we would say "hey, we're the most powerful nation in the world" and they would go "wow! that's fantastic"
part of me thinks they would respond "so... are we just?"
I don't know how I would answer the ladder.
A heart attack his more realistic.
I mean...no horses in the street, everybody speaking in little boxes while walking...made in...China...higher buildings than kheops' piramid...mini skirts !!
The world changed so much last 250 years, I doubt their heart could endure it.
As much as I distance myself from some of my country's current closed-minded beliefs, I very much appreciate all of the ideals that America was founded with. I truly believe this is, historically speaking, the greatest country in the world. I only wish we could inspire as much change within our own country as we have in the rest of the world.
On July 04 2013 14:52 Tewks44 wrote: I'm curious how the founding fathers would think of where we are today.
Part of me thinks we would say "hey, we're the most powerful nation in the world" and they would go "wow! that's fantastic"
part of me thinks they would respond "so... are we just?"
I don't know how I would answer the ladder.
A heart attack his more realistic.
I mean...no horses in the street, everybody speaking in little boxes while walking...made in...China...higher buildings than kheops' piramid...mini skirts !!
The world changed so much last 250 years, I doubt their heart could endure it.
On July 04 2013 14:52 Tewks44 wrote: I'm curious how the founding fathers would think of where we are today.
Part of me thinks we would say "hey, we're the most powerful nation in the world" and they would go "wow! that's fantastic"
part of me thinks they would respond "so... are we just?"
I don't know how I would answer the ladder.
A heart attack his more realistic.
I mean...no horses in the street, everybody speaking in little boxes while walking...made in...China...higher buildings than kheops' piramid...mini skirts !!
The world changed so much last 250 years, I doubt their heart could endure it.
God bless the illegal Mexicans who set up the best fireworks show in the county, maybe even the state, on their own money. They've been firing off tons of fireworks since the 28th of June and today is going to be their grand finale for the year.
(Until they do their September 16 show to celebrate Mexican Independence Day)
On July 05 2013 00:51 arb wrote: MURICA, HAPPY 4th OF JULY, EAGLES AND AMERICA AND FREEDOM
lol this is awesome :D
e pluribus unum!
My mindset: 237 years of independence is awesome because 2, 3, and 7 are all prime, as are 23 and 37... but together it makes a composite number of 237, in the same way that all the things that makes us individuals still don't take away from the fact that we can all relate to one another through our glorious American nationality (albeit one that generally dislikes such mathematics).
On July 05 2013 00:51 arb wrote: MURICA, HAPPY 4th OF JULY, EAGLES AND AMERICA AND FREEDOM
lol this is awesome :D
e pluribus unum!
My mindset: 237 years of independence is awesome because 2, 3, and 7 are all prime, as are 23 and 37... but together it makes a composite number of 237, in the same way that all the things that makes us individuals still don't take away from the fact that we can all relate to one another through our glorious American nationality (albeit one that generally dislikes such mathematics).
the part of my home town that I live in is celebrating 1250 years of existence this year. What is your mindset about that number?
On July 05 2013 00:51 arb wrote: MURICA, HAPPY 4th OF JULY, EAGLES AND AMERICA AND FREEDOM
lol this is awesome :D
e pluribus unum!
My mindset: 237 years of independence is awesome because 2, 3, and 7 are all prime, as are 23 and 37... but together it makes a composite number of 237, in the same way that all the things that makes us individuals still don't take away from the fact that we can all relate to one another through our glorious American nationality (albeit one that generally dislikes such mathematics).
the part of my home town that I live in is celebrating 1250 years of existence this year. What is your mindset about that number?
Happy 4.7. for everyone in the US!
1250 in Roman Numerals is MCCL, which stands for "MC Crushes Losers", and that's something I fully support.
Furthermore, the only factors of 1250 (besides 1, obviously) are multiples of 2 and 5, which clearly makes it supportive of humanity (with our bilateral symmetry, five fingers and toes, etc.).
So in short: 1250 is about as American as apple pie and baseball. Very nice!
Happy birthday to the Union! Still ballin' after 237 years and many more to come.
Spoken by American Badass Who Most Americans Have Never Heard Of, Senator Daniel Webster
While the Union lasts, we have high, exciting, gratifying prospects spread out before us, for us and our children. Beyond that I seek not to penetrate the veil.
God grant that in my day, at least, that curtain may not rise! God grant that on my vision never may be opened what lies behind! When my eyes shall be turned to behold for the last time the sun in heaven, may I not see him shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once glorious Union; on states dissevered, discordant, belligerent; on a land rent with civil feuds, or drenched, it may be, in fraternal blood! Let their last feeble and lingering glance rather behold the gorgeous ensign of the republic, now known and honored throughout the earth, still full high advanced, its arms and trophies streaming in their original luster, not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single star obscured, bearing for its motto, no such miserable interrogatory as "What is all this worth?" nor those other words of delusion and folly, "Liberty first and Union afterwards"; but everywhere, spread all over in characters of living light, blazing on all its ample folds, as they float over the sea and over the land, and in every wind under the whole heavens, that other sentiment, dear to every true American heart-Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable!
On July 05 2013 13:38 micronesia wrote: I proudly bbq'd at my place. The burgers came out perfectly if I say so myself. That's evidence that I support the USA!
Miscooked grilled meats are the best litmus test for patriotism imo.
constant fireworks with the big ones going off like some sort of bombing every 10 secs until midnight, and then every minute until morning. a little concern that some punk will shoot at my window or something or get something on fire. i feel old
I gotta be honest, when I see so many of my fellow Americans blatantly flaunting the law, shooting illegal fireworks in front of their homes (though they may come from China and Mexico, that is simply the American way), my heart swells with pride and the hope that resistance from tyranny and oppression is still possible, if only liberty is clothed in equally bright and incandescent colors.
The Fireworks are for tomorrow, I can wait... The Fireworks are for tomorrow, I can wait... The Fireworks are for tomorrow, I can wait... The Fireworks are for tomorrow, I can wait...
My impulse to blow stuff up in celebration of freedom is overwhelming but I'm holding on strong..... Maybe just some of the daytime stuff right? there's nothing wrong with that?!
I have 3 Native reservation within 45 mins of my house but I only go on them for alcohol, tobacco (not anymore), gambling, and fireworks you can only get there. Oh and frybread and Salmon so I guess it's not so bad.
Years ago my family would host this massive 4th of july fireworks show synchronized to music. We had I think 2k people at our largest audience. This was in the middle of the city and we even had the police and fire department just show up uninvited and start directing traffic and watching it. I think everyone just assumed we had a permit.
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays because of this
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
I love you America, even though I'm Canadian. I couldn't care less for Canada day. GO AMERICA!!! BEST COUNTRY (and also Germany). Also I love that shirt XD
But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.
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I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
To all Americans on this site - I guess being in the US you sometimes don't see the country in the same way that the rest of the world does. And actually, it's not all "dumb american" jokes. Because for each time you gave us a George Bush, you have also done things like put people one the moon, robots on mars, and invented the internet (this last one with some help from Mother England). So thanks for being a superpower all this while, just try not to be so stupid all the time.
We are obliged to conclude that the Declaration of Independence represented the movement of a people. It was not, of course, a movement from the top. Revolutions do not come from that direction. It was not without the support of many of the most respectable people in the Colonies, who were entitled to all the consideration that is given to breeding, education, and possessions. It had the support of another element of great significance and importance to which I shall later refer. But the preponderance of all those who occupied a position which took on the aspect of aristocracy did not approve of the Revolution and held toward it an attitude either of neutrality or open hostility. It was in no sense a rising of the oppressed and downtrodden. It brought no scum to the surface, for the reason that colonial society had developed no scum. The great body of the people were accustomed to privations, but they were free from depravity. If they had poverty, it was not of the hopeless kind that afflicts great cities, but the inspiring kind that marks the spirit of the pioneer. The American Revolution represented the informed and mature convictions of a great mass of independent, liberty loving, God-fearing people who knew their rights, and possessed the courage to dare to maintain them.
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It was not because it was proposed to establish a new nation, but because it was proposed to establish a nation on new principles, that July 4, 1776, has come to be regarded as one of the greatest days in history. Great ideas do not burst upon the world unannounced. They are reached by a gradual development over a length of time usually proportionate to their importance. This is especially true of the principles laid down in the Declaration of Independence. Three very definite propositions were set out in its preamble regarding the nature of mankind and therefore of government. These were the doctrine that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that therefore the source of the just powers of government must be derived from the consent of the governed.
If no one is to be accounted as born into a superior station, if there is to be no ruling class, and if all possess rights which can neither be bartered away nor taken from them by any earthly power, it follows as a matter of course that the practical authority of the Government has to rest on the consent of the governed. While these principles were not altogether new in political action, and were very far from new in political speculation, they had never been assembled before and declared in such a combination. But remarkable as this may be, it is not the chief distinction of the Declaration of Independence. The importance of political speculation is not to be underestimated, as I shall presently disclose. Until the idea is developed and the plan made there can be no action.
It was the fact that our Declaration of Independence containing these immortal truths was the political action of a duly authorized and constituted representative public body in its sovereign capacity, supported by the force of general opinion and by the armies of Washington already in the field, which makes it the most important civil document in the world. It was not only the principles declared, but the fact that therewith a new nation was born which was to be founded upon those principles and which from that time forth in its development has actually maintained those principles, that makes this pronouncement an incomparable event in the history of government. It was an assertion that a people had arisen determined to make every necessary sacrifice for the support of these truths and by their practical application bring the War of Independence to a successful conclusion and adopt the Constitution of the United States with all that it has meant to civilization.
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About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers.
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No other theory is adequate to explain or comprehend the Declaration of Independence. It is the product of the spiritual insight of the people. We live in an age of science and of abounding accumulation of material things. These did not create our Declaration. Our Declaration created them. The things of the spirit come first. Unless we cling to that, all our material prosperity, overwhelming though it may appear, will turn to a barren scepter in our grasp. If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism. We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed. We must keep replenished, that they may glow with a more compelling flame, the altar fires before which they worshiped.
"Knavery seems to be so much a the striking feature of its inhabitants that it may not in the end be an evil that they will become aliens to this kingdom" - George III
4th of july is just when the Declaration of Independence was approved but it took about a month to get it signed and ratified by all the colonies. Anyways happy 4th of July
On July 05 2015 03:53 Dagobert wrote: Happy hypocrisy day everyone!
User was warned for this post
As an American, I'd like to cosign this. We celebrated nearly 100 of these while owning people. We celebrate now with 10's of thousands of innocent people in prison performing labor for practically free.
Probably worth noting that the people most bothered by the 4th are the veterans without proper access to mental health care to deal with the PTSD it triggers.
You didnt celebrate 100 of these while owning people, some other people in the past did and its not your's or anyone's fault that lives in present times. Cut the crap and and just say happy 4th of July.
There are so many good things I could post here this year.. but I'll reference my current sig:
In late 1773, there was another event after the Boston Tea Party. Another ship with tea came to Philadelphia, but was not allowed to unload the tea and eventually left. A month before it landed, a rather humorous broadside was circulated-
[1773, Nov. 27] 25 TO THE Delaware Pilots.
WE took the Pleasure, some Days since, of kindly admonishing you to do your Duty; if perchance you should meet with the ( Tea, ) Ship Polly, Captain Ayres; a Three Decker which is hourly expected.
We have now to add, that Matters ripen fast here; and that much is expected from those Lads who meet with the Tea Ship. —There is some Talk of a handsome Reward for the Pilot who gives the first good Account of her. —How that may be, we cannot for certain determine: But ALL agree, that Tar and Feathers will be his Portion, who pilots her into this Harbour. And we will answer for ourselves, that, whoever is committed to us, as an Offender against the Rights of America, will experience the utmost Exertion of our Abilities; as THE COMMITTEE FOR TARRING AND FEATHERING.
P. S. We expect you will furnish yourselves with Copies of the foregoing and following Letter; which are printed for this Purpose, that the Pilot who meets with Captain Ayres may favor him with a Sight of them.
Committee of Taring and Feathering.
TO Capt. AYRES, Of the Ship POLLY, on a Voyage from London to Philadelphia.
SIR,
WE are informed that you have, imprudently, taken Charge of a Quantity of Tea; which has been sent out by the India Company, under the Auspices of the Ministry, as a Trial of American Virtue and Resolution.
Now, as your Cargo, on your Arrival here, will most assuredly bring you into hot water; and as you are perhaps a Stranger to these Parts, we have concluded to advise you of the present Situation of Affairs in Philadelphia —that, taking Time by the Forclock, you may stop short in your dangerous Errand—secure your Ship against the Rafts of combustible Matter which may be set on Fire, and turned loose against her; and more than all this, that you may preserve your own Person, from the Pitch and Feathers that are prepared for you.
In the first Place, we must tell you, that the Pennsylvanians are, to a Man, passionately fond of Freedom; the Birthright of Americans; and at all Events are determined to enjoy it.
That they sincerely believe, no Power on the Face of the Earth has a Right to tax them without their Consent.
That in their Opinion, the Tea in your Custody is designed by the Ministry to enforce such a Tax, which they will undoubtedly oppose; and in so doing, give you every possible Obstruction.
We are nominated to a very disagreeable, but necessary Service.—To our Care are committed all Offenders against the Rights of America; and hapless is he, whose evil Destiny has doomed him to suffer at our Hands.
You are sent out on a diabolical Service; and if you are so foolish and obstinate as to compleat your Voyage; by bringing your Ship to Anchor in this Port; you may run such a Gauntlet, as will induce you, in your last Moments, most heartily to curse those who have made you the Dupe of their Avarice and Ambition.
What think you Captain, of a Halter around your Neck—ten Gallons of liquid Tar decanted on your Pate—with the Feathers of a dozen wild Geese laid over that to enliven your Appearance?
Only think seriously of this—and fly to the Place from whence you came—fly without Hesitation—without the Formality of a Protest—and above all, Captain Ayres let us advise you to fly without the wild Geese Feathers.
Your Friends to serve Philadelphia, Nov. 27, 1773 THE COMMITTEE as before subscribed
On July 05 2015 03:53 Dagobert wrote: Happy hypocrisy day everyone!
User was warned for this post
As an American, I'd like to cosign this. We celebrated nearly 100 of these while owning people. We celebrate now with 10's of thousands of innocent people in prison performing labor for practically free.
Probably worth noting that the people most bothered by the 4th are the veterans without proper access to mental health care to deal with the PTSD it triggers.
#murica
Aye. The right to freedom of speech largely includes the right to blatantly misrepresent your intentions or actions to people you don't like, at least in the general public, and largely in the corporate world. I think it's unfair to moderate someone for pointing to that, even if not explicitly.