Patterico's Pontifications

7/4/2013

Happy Independence Day

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 11:32 am



A day to rededicate ourselves to fighting big government, whose presence means there is no true independence.

53 Responses to “Happy Independence Day”

  1. Freedom, the most expensive drug in the world. The way to insure your supply is to give it to others.

    Happy 4th, everyone!

    htom (412a17) — 7/4/2013 @ 11:40 am

  2. and to fighting oppressive and abusive government, such as this:

    http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/07/03/59061.htm

    (as seen on the AoSHQ sidebar)

    redc1c4 (403dff) — 7/4/2013 @ 11:45 am

  3. patriotism is gayer than putin’s Edward Snowden photoshop pinup collection

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 11:45 am

  4. Why don’t we focus on government deriving its just powers from the consent of the governed?

    Slight shudder to see by Walker tweeting this a day we celebrate “independence from government”, a cute trick of words but not what this day is about.

    That our current government in action has affronted this prinicple – I dare say Obama, in form of a tyrant “has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.”

    And will not honor, let alone defend, the laws passed by our own legislative check on his power…

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/4/2013 @ 11:54 am

  5. Another viewing of “John Adams”, relaxing poolside and BBQin’ some Saratoga lamb ka-bobs are on tap for our day. Happy Independence Day to all!

    Colonel Haiku (a11a66) — 7/4/2013 @ 12:51 pm

  6. well done, SarahW

    elissa (18e70c) — 7/4/2013 @ 12:57 pm

  7. Maybe a government that serves rather than to be obeyed

    E.PWJ (bdd0a6) — 7/4/2013 @ 1:07 pm

  8. Thanks guys! This link is to a list and short biographies of the men who signed their names, and along with that their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor 237 years ago today.

    http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/signers/index.htm

    elissa (18e70c) — 7/4/2013 @ 1:41 pm

  9. I think that’s the wrong link.

    Sammy Finkelman (ad84eb) — 7/4/2013 @ 1:58 pm

  10. Amen, Patrick. A day to count our blessings and rededicate ourselves to defending them.

    Patricia (be0117) — 7/4/2013 @ 2:02 pm

  11. I haven’t been feeling terribly fourthy. Hubs told me to buck up via this quote from Dr. Joseph Warren ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Warren )

    “Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/4/2013 @ 2:55 pm

  12. me neither

    I’m just not feeling it

    I like your quote except for the part about not despairing

    my back is strong and all and my shoulders are wide and staunchy but

    c’mon this America thing is a farce

    as in cue the mckayla maroney meme

    thank you for that McKayla you’re what passes for a great American anymore

    love you

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:02 pm

  13. HF

    What ever has happened to you, and it seems something has, I wish you well, in dealing with it.

    E.PWJ (bdd0a6) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:05 pm

  14. thank you so much

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:07 pm

  15. Let’s look at the major grievances of the Colonials and compare them to today’s world, shall we?
    1. Taxation Without Representation
    — Well, we DO have representation; and yet, we’re still about to be taxed FOR BREATHING.
    2. No Free Trade
    — Gibson Guitars; XL Pipeline. Plus, all of the restrictions on trade (commerce) WITHIN our borders.
    3. Unlimited Search and Seizure
    — Oh, but it’s okay; they’re just collecting metadata.
    4. Destruction of Colonial Government
    — Substitute “state” for “colonial” and what’ve you got?
    5. Oppression of Political Protesters
    — IRS scandal, anyone? (See also: GIbson Guitars)
    6. Immunity for Corrupt and Abusive British Officers
    — Current administration, examples too numerous to mention. Lean forward and fail upwards!
    7. Direct Control of the Criminal Justice System
    — WHO made the decision to try Zimmerman for Murder2? (“If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon.”)
    8. Guilty by Parliament
    — “Snowden is a TRAITOR!!!” and so say all of us!
    9. Forced Quartering of Soldiers
    — Not yet; but it’s in the Bill of Rights, so they’ll get around to it, just as soon as they’re done trashing the others.
    10. Closure of the Boston Port
    — Anybody been on a White House tour, lately?

    Icy (48d2a0) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:17 pm

  16. Dear Happyfeet,

    please have a comfort bunny.

    http://www.foozine.com/images/panneaux_picdump/81/1%20(7).jpg

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:18 pm

  17. All right. I’ve got some things to do. I’ll see all of you racists later.

    Icy (48d2a0) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:18 pm

  18. Ace’s Dave in Texas has a pretty awesome post up about Gettysburg. It is an important reminder that our country has faced great peril and insecurity on other Fourths of July.

    http://minx.cc/?post=341426

    elissa (18e70c) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:19 pm

  19. Hard to feel good about a countries independence when your govt. is leeching off it’s own people.
    Shoot me.

    mg (31009b) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:21 pm

  20. Rebunny:

    http://i.imgur.com/dlB3KXu.jpg

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:22 pm

  21. mckayla bunny!

    i love her

    that is indeed oddly cheering

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:24 pm

  22. OH, that face, SarahW. LOL

    elissa (18e70c) — 7/4/2013 @ 3:25 pm

  23. The theme song for Independence Day, 2013.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWP-AsG5DRk

    Steve57 (c74c87) — 7/4/2013 @ 5:38 pm

  24. In Chicago’s Northwest Side, and my neighbors give a flying fig about Sheriff Dart’s warning that if they’re caught with fireworks they’ll be charged with possession of a destructive device. It’s like the bombing of Baghdad outside.

    daleyrocks, I haven’t been up 94 lately. Are the Wisconsin fireworks stores still just over the border?

    nk (875f57) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:26 pm

  25. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMTOXAcCkIw

    Real American Heroes commercial.

    papertiger (c2d6da) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:41 pm

  26. I think I got this from one of you guys but it seems appropriate.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJKmPa42PM

    “Over 30 bald eagles in the backyard”

    perfect.

    papertiger (c2d6da) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:43 pm

  27. what if

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:44 pm

  28. what if the only way is in fact NOT essex?

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:44 pm

  29. now i’m just being silly

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:44 pm

  30. 29. now i’m just being silly

    Comment by happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:44 pm

    Can I just call you Sherlock from now on?

    Steve57 (c74c87) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:53 pm

  31. Boo and nay. Got a surprise neckbrace for the fourth of July.

    Quite a shock in the Russian dashcam way. I wasn’t rear ended, it was a busig fellow in a red T top who lost control on his protected turn onto the street where I was idling at a light.

    I had to be told what happened, but it was rather freakish. He lost control, and regained traction just in time to plow into my rear wheel on the driver’s side, breaking axle on my beloved Flex. I was on a little thoughway with a speed limit of 25, and he was hotdogging it off the turnpike, to beat other’s who were making the turn, according to a kind woman I am very grateful to, who assisted me and called police and even talked to the other driver when I was hardly able to think.

    I thought I was just shaken up badly and confused, but then a little niggle in my neck started to say “EXCUSE ME YOU WILL HAVE PAIN NOW” and starting in burning and spreading.

    Everyone was so kind and competent who helped me. Right now I have a false sense of well being from an ultram but will ice up like they told me and then go to bed.

    It could have been so much worse – And even the fellow who crashed into me stayed on the scene, and was abashed and sorry as he could be.

    My poor car. My husband found it and bought it for me and its everything I ever wanted in a car plus the love in it an thought to please me. It was just perfection and so trusty it might have been a collie with AWD. I hope it can be fixed.

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/4/2013 @ 8:20 pm

  32. Sorry to hear it, SarahW. Get well soon.

    nk (875f57) — 7/4/2013 @ 8:39 pm

  33. Wow SarahW. I hope both you and your beloved car will be able to return to service good as new.

    elissa (18e70c) — 7/4/2013 @ 8:53 pm

  34. both you and flex have used up all your bad luck for the whole summer

    now you’re just gonna have to deal with the surfeit of unicorns and rainbows what is sure to follow

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 9:10 pm

  35. pain is the worst though

    and especially when the medical authority figures start yammering about “discs”

    acupuncture is something to try for reals with neck pain

    I never tried it myself but keep an open mind cause of I know people what vouch

    chiropractics on your neck is…

    I dunno but the whole idea is kinda spooky

    acupuncture not so much

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 9:21 pm

  36. Why is it always so hot on July 4?

    Sammy Finkelman (704f59) — 7/4/2013 @ 9:25 pm

  37. that was weird

    it actually wasn’t very hot here today but we just came off a scorching heat wave so there weren’t as many people out this afternoon as there should’ve been

    they’d been conditioned to stay inside like lab rats I think

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/4/2013 @ 9:27 pm

  38. Sarah, I’m sorry to hear about your neck and car. Hope it all gets fixed.

    Dustin (d1e510) — 7/4/2013 @ 9:38 pm

  39. Sarah, I hope you and the Flex get well very soon.

    htom (412a17) — 7/4/2013 @ 10:07 pm

  40. best wishes for a speedy recovery Sarah

    E.PWJ (bdd0a6) — 7/4/2013 @ 10:17 pm

  41. I sincerely hope sarah that things will start rolling out good soon.

    sdlc (3ab848) — 7/4/2013 @ 10:28 pm

  42. SarahW – I’m glad it wasn’t much much worse !

    Alastor (2e7f9f) — 7/4/2013 @ 11:28 pm

  43. elissa #8 – common misconception – about which I am sensitive, since most signers of the Declaration of Independence signed it on what would be (and is) my birthday – August 2nd. … (and a bunch of them were either themselves Scots, or of Scots descent) …

    From here , you find this – “On August 2nd John Hancock, the President of the Congress, signed the engrossed copy with a bold signature. The other delegates, following custom, signed beginning at the right with the signatures arranged by states from northernmost New Hampshire to southernmost Georgia. Although all delegates were not present on August 2nd, 56 delegates eventually signed the document. “

    So you didn’t get off Scot-free !

    Alastor (2e7f9f) — 7/4/2013 @ 11:41 pm

  44. Bummer about the car.

    Good time to invest in a teeter hangup.

    https://www.teetertv.com/

    Harshing my buzz.

    papertiger (c2d6da) — 7/5/2013 @ 12:55 am

  45. In Massachusetts, on Fourth of July, illegal and unconstitutional search and seizure against blogger TJIC because police there did not like a blog post of his.

    http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2013/07/cradle-and-grave-of-liberty-part-deux.html

    Outrageous behavior that I hope TJIC and his wife are able to sue these cops for conducting a violation of the First, Second and Fourth Amendments.

    SPQR (768505) — 7/5/2013 @ 6:14 am

  46. In Chicago’s Northwest Side, and my neighbors give a flying fig about Sheriff Dart’s warning that if they’re caught with fireworks they’ll be charged with possession of a destructive device. It’s like the bombing of Baghdad outside.

    daleyrocks, I haven’t been up 94 lately. Are the Wisconsin fireworks stores still just over the border?

    Comment by nk (875f57) — 7/4/2013 @ 7:26 pm

    Heh. You and I must be neighbors, nk.

    We’re in Humboldt Park, at North and Grand.

    I love this country, and would die to protect her, but it takes this festering sewer of a neighborhood to make me loathe Independence Day.

    To paraphrase the Jews, “Next year, in Los Angeles.”

    My Sharia Moor (59f74c) — 7/5/2013 @ 6:46 am

  47. Sorry to hear about your injury, SarahW. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

    Leviticus (b98400) — 7/5/2013 @ 7:58 am

  48. I’m sorry to hear about your accident. At least the guy stuck around. Get well soon, Sarah.

    31. …It was just perfection and so trusty it might have been a collie with AWD. I hope it can be fixed.

    Comment by Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/4/2013 @ 8:20 pm

    I know how you feel about the car. I have a 2011 Tacoma Pre-Runner I’ve grown to feel the same way about. And it makes me feel guilty as it’s like I’m being unfaithful to my ’76 International Scout II, which I formerly thought was the pinnacle in all-terrain vehicles. With the factory limited slip in the rear and the Aussie Locker in the front diff the thing can climb trees. Plus it’s a convertible and then there’s the nice, rumbly V8.

    Actually it’s not just a convertible. It’s modular. I have the tops and other parts to turn it into a pickup (Terra) or SUV (Traveler). Which I always thought was just cool. But I never use those parts; I just leave the tops off.

    And now I live in Tejas. The Toyota is only 2wd but goes everywhere I need it to go even after a heavy rain with the electric locking rear end. The people who told me you don’t need 4wd in Texas were right. Plus the Toyota doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg in gas to get to the hunting lease or ride like a paint mixer; the Scout does both.

    I really like that Tacoma, but then I see the Scout sitting in the garage and I feel like a guy who abandoned a faithful wife of 20 years for some new young thing.

    In other news, two Marines received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their exploits in the V-22 Osprey in Afghanistan.

    http://www.newbernsj.com/news/military/two-osprey-pilots-decorated-with-distinguished-flying-cross-1.164300

    The first pilots ever in that machine.

    Steve57 (c74c87) — 7/5/2013 @ 8:12 am

  49. Thank you for the kind words.

    Woke up on farr and in need of stat ice pak. Ain’t nobody got time &c.

    I still sort of shocked and quivery. Thank God for people who stop and help other people.

    I had very little idea of what happened, was just sitting there waiting, then “roar” and “Crunch.” As they say on the reddit, Thanks Obama.

    http://www.reddit.com/r/thanksobama

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/5/2013 @ 9:46 am

  50. it’s hard not to feel just a twinge sorry for the guy who is getting his head around the idea that he just nailed a beloved car and brought need of an ice pack to someone married to an attorney of prodigious capability

    here is a chelada for you, ya lil miscreant please to enjoy it in contemplation of the life you could have had

    happyfeet (8ce051) — 7/5/2013 @ 11:50 am

  51. x I was told, if he hadn’t hit the Flex standing athwart destiny, he would have hit a car in the nest lane at an angle much more likely to squash the occupants, and possibly end his own existence.

    Flexes are made boron steel and bears, and have top crash ratings. The wheel had some bounce in it I presume. I don’t know if the frame is kajiggered or if the wheel just broke off or what.

    The sprain hurts like a twisted ankle and really bad sunburn, I’m stiff as LURCH when asked about working night and day on a boat.. but I hope it will not last.

    I do the frozen peas every 20 minutes I’m awake, Monday I’m supposed to switch to heat.

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/6/2013 @ 12:03 pm

  52. Steve57 Some cars are meant to be….

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 7/6/2013 @ 12:08 pm

  53. I’m stiff as LURCH

    You rang?

    Lurch (c1642d) — 7/12/2013 @ 2:08 am


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