And on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring: “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.”
It’s still perfect and I find a small measure of comfort in Lincoln’s words and in yours. Thank you for guiding us through this terrible, frightening time.
“Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.””
What happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Thank you. It is amazing and sad to read the account of the lives of the men and families of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. It reminds me of the shocking images of the men who marched through Boston this week with their white face coverings and uniforms, drums and flags. I don’t know if their purpose was given, but it strikes me that somehow they thought they were ‘right’ and had a good reason be in our faces. It’s an awful comparison, but comes to mind - there is so much to be concerned about at this time.
oh no, Gigi ... just looked this up. Boston... i am very sorry to hear of this in Boston, of all places. I have chills and tears on hearing this about Boston. I love Boston. So awful.
Heather suggested that our 'civil war' might be this... and not look at all like the first one.
I hadn't thought of it that way till i heard her say it in a video i've recently watched/listened to - like maybe her invaluable American History series from 2020? When i heard her say that, it suddenly made sense to me.
How could I live this long and not know this!?! I knew in general of the costs in lives and treasure but not specifically about the sacrifices of the signers and their families. Thank you for sharing this.
In the name of "freedom" we are ceding our freedoms to Christofascists who permeate every level of government; none more completely than the federal courts.
Hmmm ... my take on it all ... the 'god of this world' (father of the lie) will have his way, come what may ... according to his 'only begotten son' if we want to live in peace, we need to honor all laws ... that is a talll order ... more than I can wrap my head around - I can't even figure out what the law is about in this twisted world of ours (so clearly, there is no excuse for me!!) ... so, I follow the call of my own heart and trust, whatever challenges arise, at least I will be in tune with the core essence of being that lives in me ... keepin' it simple, however so ... one breath at a time ....
Thanks. Will edit. Did you see that the Supreme Court is asking the governors of Maryland and Virginia to enforce the federal law making it a crime to protest at a Federal Judges home (as I understand it).
I thought the clerk of the court was asking them to enforce state and local laws to the same effect - if it was federal law the clerk wanted to enforce, she could mandate that the US Marshall's service enforce it.
Many commentators have noted that for the most part, the laws she mentioned aren't actually being broken.
Apparently a few of the snowflake justices didn't like hearing what the protestors had to say.
Want to guess with me that the revocation of the rights to peaceably assemble and petition for the redress of grievances will be the next rights they figure out how to eliminate?
Clearly there is one who is defiantly feeling unbound, but there are others who are not far behind.
Congress needs to start processing a bill to require each Justice to
1) release their tax returns for the last ten (10) years
2) declare their financial stakes in all companies, public and private, no matter how small
2a) recuse themselves from any and all cases where a financial interest would be in conflict with a possible decision
3) publish two months ahead their intention to attend any public or private meeting where financial interests of companies registered in the United States or any other countries will be discussed.
4) report all meetings with office holders and political group leaders by themselves or any members of their families
4a) recuse themselves from any and all cases where they have attended meetings where the subjects of the cases were discussed
5) failure to meet any of these requirements would mean the beginning of an FBI investigation into their financial interests and meetings with business leaders and political groups and lobbyists
6) confirmed transgressions would bring penalties of up to 5% nondeductible tax on their AGI line on their tax filing for at least five years and with possible wealth taxes of up to 5% for ten (10) years.
That might be a big enough "shot across the bow" to bring them out of their radical right wing delusions. It would likely require the Democrats to do reasonably well in this fall’s elections.
Thank you. That was a good read. I especially liked how it was written. I do a lot of reading these days, and some I struggle to understand. I appreciate clear writing such as this. Hope to read more by him.
My home state abolished that title about 35 years ago, just after I started practicing law. Most JPs here were (maybe still are elsewhere?) non-lawyer judges, like you said, for traffic court.
But when I had cases in their courts, they were always "Judge Gillespie" or "Judge Kirk," never "Justice."
You are correct - and the rules that govern lawyers also ask us to always hold judges in the highest regard (though that's sometimes tough). Part of that is the courtesy of using the name Judge Smith or Justice Brown Jackson.
But if they act like children, then they are just John, Clarence, Brent, Neil and Sam.
When I was clerking for a federal district judge I apologized one day to the lawyers for the judge running late. Without missing a beat one lawyer reminded me that a judge is never “late.” Whatever schedule the judge runs on is the right time. ;)
I have to agree and as I listen to all the fireworks that are illegal in Oregon going off, I am not celebrating. Someone popped off a couple at 5:30 this morning which I did not appreciate. Our dog has on his thunder vest. That being said, I enjoyed this letter very much because I do respect our ideals and of course, Lincoln, for guiding us through the Civil War. I do wish everyone here a safe holiday with time to contemplate the work we have before us.
I heard a huge explosion just as I was going to bed at about 9 last night; it rattled the windows; shortly after it fell dark there was another that managed to light up the sky enough that it was revealed through my blackout blinds.
It is always the same people. The closest one is a few doors down the street who are Oregunians. They can't keep up their property, but can somehow drive to WA and spend big bucks on fireworks. Lots of big blasts. I have come to hate the 4th as have many others. I do enjoy watching the The Capitol Fourth on PBS although I didn't watch during death star's regime. This is my spouse's birthday weekend, his 80th, but we will be going out next weekend because we can't leave the dog alone with all the fireworks going off. I just hope that it is done after tonight.
Same here. Did you know that in Italy (Milan?) they have silent fireworks? I saw that a few years ago. So wish we had those here in USA. Happy Birthday to your hubby!
I didn't know that there were silent fireworks. That would be nice. However, the irresponsible and selfish like to make as much noise as possible because it's fun to be in other people's faces. Just read that a rooftop shooter shot up a parade in Highland Park, near Chicago and affluent. Killed six and I don't think they have caught him, but described as a white male between 18 and 20. This is a sorry time.
Take heart. We on the side of progress - of civil rights realized - have prevailed in hard times.
The forces of injustice, personified at this moment by dark lord of dark money Leonard Leo, are in control because racist right wing religious extremists united to achieve their goal. We need to overcome the voter suppression efforts of the left which proclaims - still - that there is no difference between the parties.
Thank you for being a clear and measured voice for our most sacred institutions that we all share as people. I’m a relatively new subscriber, and I have already learned so much from you. I appreciate your tireless efforts to bring us along.
Welcome Sarah! We hope you will share Heather's Letter with friends as well. BTW, this is a lively group here. Hope you enjoy the discussions.
Many of us also read "Today's Edition" by Robert Hubbell. Check it out. He brings us facts and opinions from a legal perspective. He is also a fine human who lifts our spirits with an optimism I find refreshing and energizing.
Last week I visited cousins in Washington DC and we went to the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial. This statement he made is so relevant today.
“We must scrupulously guard the civil liberties of all citizens, whatever their background. We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization.”
I like this too . . . I've been sending 'round 4th of July emails for a few years now . . . having some technical difficulties this year but thought you might like to see . . . I so very much count on and appreciate your letters, thank you . . . Sharon Rawlins
Thank you for sharing your beautiful art, Sharon Rawlins. Wishing you, and Heather and readers, too, a peaceful and meaningful Independence Day. Hoping each person can think about the meaning of “United “ as we continue to live under one flag and so many interpretations. Onward.
This "astonishingly radical document" is indeed a shining light that should guide us all through the darkness settling upon us. If only the puffed-up, flag-wearing, self-parody "patriots" dragging us into hatred and violence would bother reading and grasping its intent.
With all the fear and danger intensifying, we need to keep reminding ourselves of the extraordinary gains made in the quest for equality. And stiffen our resolve not to let the gains be stolen away.
My history professor at UCLA in the fifties, whose last name was Hyman, spoke of the three miracles of the United States. He said the colonists were reading the radical English philosophers and didn't realize the rights they claimed were not already in effect for Englishmen. So, he said it was a miracle that this nation was actually born. Then he said it was a miracle that it survived, referring to the Civil War. Finally he said it was a miracle that it is still here. Hearing that, one understood and needs to be reminded of the fragility of democracy in this world.
This is pretty darn great, Heather, for writing going out the door or for doing in any amount of time! Yes, we as a country now need to acknowledge deeply and truthfully where we have failed to live up to these ideals - what harms were done in the horrendous facts of both slavery and of the genocide of the Indigenous peoples, and we need to treat all people equally and with respect, always, but it was at least a start...what these founders wrote.
Well, HCR, you've made me cry - again. It feels as though we're on the edge of the abyss - that we're about to lose it all. I appreciate the reminder of how many times we've had to struggle. I just wish I had faith that we can recover from this. Heaven help us all. And thank you for putting things in some sort of context every night. It helps. Good night.
I am awed at the brevity and eloquence with which Lincoln made this timeless principle a part of our national heritage. Thank you for repeating it. We need to have it inscribed on a card which we can carry over our hearts.
I listened to Bruce Springsteen sing, as a young performer, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”. It was beautifully done on an acoustic guitar and a harmonica around his neck. It’s on YouTube. Please, everyone, have a happy Fourth of July. This land is OUR land, all of US.
Thank you for the link! I concur about making it our National Anthem. I have been singing that song since I was two or so, and will be seventy-three in a few weeks….
Personally, I favor Katherine Lee Bates' "America the Beautiful", written in 1893 and set to music by Samuel Ward. There are a couple of verses in there appropriate for today:
I was so very glad that Jennifer Lopez performed this song “This Land is your Land” at President Biden’s inauguration. I always find this song has an essence. I was just singing it to my baby grands this weekend.
As Heather finished the letter today with a note… “It is a dark Independence Day in many ways this year, but I hope everyone is able to find at least a little respite, and to recall the whole point of what we’re up to in this country.” That’s exactly why I am humming and singing this song this weekend. It reminds me what President Lincoln said…
“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.”
That’s what we are up to. We the people…all of us this time.
Credit Greg Olear today for posting what he considers a “relevant for this day” version of the Star Spangled Banner. https://youtu.be/TBeI33dPosted as “National Anthem 2022”.
Well said and good to read it again. You cannot say it more eloquently than you said it the first time. Peace and Courage in these very strange and unsettling days in which we live. Happy Fourth of July----celebrate the Declaration of Independence!
I read it was actually July 2nd. But of course my kind was not included at all. And good old Clarence Thomas would be 3/5 of a man with no vote. I wonder if those predominantly slave holding, mostly racist and misogynistic white men would believe their eyes if they could see this country now.? Some place in at least a few of their minds was the sweet smell of freedom for more than just them. A hope against all hope that there was decency in this world. On this momentous day, I prefer to read:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus
That was why my poor family came here. To get work, to have food, to have a chance if not for them, then their children.
It’s still perfect and I find a small measure of comfort in Lincoln’s words and in yours. Thank you for guiding us through this terrible, frightening time.
Amen
“Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.””
What happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence?
This is the Price They Paid -
https://michaelwsmith.com/the-sacrifices-made-by-the-declaration-signers/
Amazing post! Thank you!
Thank you. It is amazing and sad to read the account of the lives of the men and families of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. It reminds me of the shocking images of the men who marched through Boston this week with their white face coverings and uniforms, drums and flags. I don’t know if their purpose was given, but it strikes me that somehow they thought they were ‘right’ and had a good reason be in our faces. It’s an awful comparison, but comes to mind - there is so much to be concerned about at this time.
G.Miele
oh no, Gigi ... just looked this up. Boston... i am very sorry to hear of this in Boston, of all places. I have chills and tears on hearing this about Boston. I love Boston. So awful.
Heather suggested that our 'civil war' might be this... and not look at all like the first one.
I hadn't thought of it that way till i heard her say it in a video i've recently watched/listened to - like maybe her invaluable American History series from 2020? When i heard her say that, it suddenly made sense to me.
How could I live this long and not know this!?! I knew in general of the costs in lives and treasure but not specifically about the sacrifices of the signers and their families. Thank you for sharing this.
... a mighty high price to pay for freedom - and just how free are we ...? Have we traded one set of masters for another?
In the name of "freedom" we are ceding our freedoms to Christofascists who permeate every level of government; none more completely than the federal courts.
Hmmm ... my take on it all ... the 'god of this world' (father of the lie) will have his way, come what may ... according to his 'only begotten son' if we want to live in peace, we need to honor all laws ... that is a talll order ... more than I can wrap my head around - I can't even figure out what the law is about in this twisted world of ours (so clearly, there is no excuse for me!!) ... so, I follow the call of my own heart and trust, whatever challenges arise, at least I will be in tune with the core essence of being that lives in me ... keepin' it simple, however so ... one breath at a time ....
Thank you for sharing this essential companion to the Declaration of Independence. My, we humans are a beautiful but brutal lot. Me included.
Thank you!
Woah!! ... the price we pay ...
Thank you! Some of us still hold that these truths are still self evident. Justice Brown Jackson and the rest of us have a lot of work to do ..
Justice Brown, not Judge.
Just recognizing that she went from "Judge" to "Justice" as soon as she was sworn in.
My 10 cents worth, and I appreciate your comment.
Court members in most states' highest courts and on the US Supreme Court are given the loftier title of Justice.
Thanks. Will edit. Did you see that the Supreme Court is asking the governors of Maryland and Virginia to enforce the federal law making it a crime to protest at a Federal Judges home (as I understand it).
I thought the clerk of the court was asking them to enforce state and local laws to the same effect - if it was federal law the clerk wanted to enforce, she could mandate that the US Marshall's service enforce it.
Many commentators have noted that for the most part, the laws she mentioned aren't actually being broken.
Apparently a few of the snowflake justices didn't like hearing what the protestors had to say.
Want to guess with me that the revocation of the rights to peaceably assemble and petition for the redress of grievances will be the next rights they figure out how to eliminate?
But they were okay with letting protestors yell and scream outside abortion clinics....
Tacit permission
Court Rejects Zone to Buffer Abortion Clinic
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/us/supreme-court-abortion-clinic-protests.html?
Well one of them doesn’t feel bound by the ethics standards that mere judges have to answer to.
Just one?
Clearly there is one who is defiantly feeling unbound, but there are others who are not far behind.
Congress needs to start processing a bill to require each Justice to
1) release their tax returns for the last ten (10) years
2) declare their financial stakes in all companies, public and private, no matter how small
2a) recuse themselves from any and all cases where a financial interest would be in conflict with a possible decision
3) publish two months ahead their intention to attend any public or private meeting where financial interests of companies registered in the United States or any other countries will be discussed.
4) report all meetings with office holders and political group leaders by themselves or any members of their families
4a) recuse themselves from any and all cases where they have attended meetings where the subjects of the cases were discussed
5) failure to meet any of these requirements would mean the beginning of an FBI investigation into their financial interests and meetings with business leaders and political groups and lobbyists
6) confirmed transgressions would bring penalties of up to 5% nondeductible tax on their AGI line on their tax filing for at least five years and with possible wealth taxes of up to 5% for ten (10) years.
That might be a big enough "shot across the bow" to bring them out of their radical right wing delusions. It would likely require the Democrats to do reasonably well in this fall’s elections.
Please read:
https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/dobbs-decision-radical-implications-for-supreme-court-by-peter-singer-2022-06
for a powerful response to the juvenile reasoning from Justice Alito and his associates.
Outstanding. Could you add a clause requiring recusal in cases where a Justice has a conflict of interest?
Thank you. That was a good read. I especially liked how it was written. I do a lot of reading these days, and some I struggle to understand. I appreciate clear writing such as this. Hope to read more by him.
They'll just say it's unconstitutional, and ignore it.
❤️
Exercising their delusions of privilege, I guess. At such times my sense of the absurd is the only thing that saves me from the abyss of madness.
Couldn’t have said it better
Where is that written in the Constitution?
As are the Justices of the Peace that reign over thousands of traffic courts around the country.
My home state abolished that title about 35 years ago, just after I started practicing law. Most JPs here were (maybe still are elsewhere?) non-lawyer judges, like you said, for traffic court.
But when I had cases in their courts, they were always "Judge Gillespie" or "Judge Kirk," never "Justice."
The other six should have their titles changed to "Injustice." Injustice Alito, Injustice Thomas, etc.
Actually, are you talking about Justice Jackson?
I stand corrected. Will edit (again). Thank you! I have a VERY passing acquaintance with her husband.
Think KBJ like LBJ.
Justice Ketanji.
No mistaking that name, although I did just have to tell my spell checker to add her name to the "dictionary."
Hers is a fantastic story.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketanji_Brown_Jackson
We should call her by her last name.
You are correct - and the rules that govern lawyers also ask us to always hold judges in the highest regard (though that's sometimes tough). Part of that is the courtesy of using the name Judge Smith or Justice Brown Jackson.
But if they act like children, then they are just John, Clarence, Brent, Neil and Sam.
When I was clerking for a federal district judge I apologized one day to the lawyers for the judge running late. Without missing a beat one lawyer reminded me that a judge is never “late.” Whatever schedule the judge runs on is the right time. ;)
I am afraid this Independence Day las lost much of its meaning for me. Racism and mysogyny and greed are so overwhelming.
I have to agree and as I listen to all the fireworks that are illegal in Oregon going off, I am not celebrating. Someone popped off a couple at 5:30 this morning which I did not appreciate. Our dog has on his thunder vest. That being said, I enjoyed this letter very much because I do respect our ideals and of course, Lincoln, for guiding us through the Civil War. I do wish everyone here a safe holiday with time to contemplate the work we have before us.
I heard a huge explosion just as I was going to bed at about 9 last night; it rattled the windows; shortly after it fell dark there was another that managed to light up the sky enough that it was revealed through my blackout blinds.
It is always the same people. The closest one is a few doors down the street who are Oregunians. They can't keep up their property, but can somehow drive to WA and spend big bucks on fireworks. Lots of big blasts. I have come to hate the 4th as have many others. I do enjoy watching the The Capitol Fourth on PBS although I didn't watch during death star's regime. This is my spouse's birthday weekend, his 80th, but we will be going out next weekend because we can't leave the dog alone with all the fireworks going off. I just hope that it is done after tonight.
Ignorance and arrogant irresponsibility have turned the 4th of July, and surrounding nights, into my least liked holiday. :’-(
Followed by New Year's Eve. I can at least hope for bad weather then.
Same here. Did you know that in Italy (Milan?) they have silent fireworks? I saw that a few years ago. So wish we had those here in USA. Happy Birthday to your hubby!
I didn't know that there were silent fireworks. That would be nice. However, the irresponsible and selfish like to make as much noise as possible because it's fun to be in other people's faces. Just read that a rooftop shooter shot up a parade in Highland Park, near Chicago and affluent. Killed six and I don't think they have caught him, but described as a white male between 18 and 20. This is a sorry time.
We fellow Oregonians feel your pain.
Take heart. We on the side of progress - of civil rights realized - have prevailed in hard times.
The forces of injustice, personified at this moment by dark lord of dark money Leonard Leo, are in control because racist right wing religious extremists united to achieve their goal. We need to overcome the voter suppression efforts of the left which proclaims - still - that there is no difference between the parties.
Maybe this will help: https://steady.substack.com/p/happy-fourth?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share
Thank you for being a clear and measured voice for our most sacred institutions that we all share as people. I’m a relatively new subscriber, and I have already learned so much from you. I appreciate your tireless efforts to bring us along.
Welcome Sarah! We hope you will share Heather's Letter with friends as well. BTW, this is a lively group here. Hope you enjoy the discussions.
Many of us also read "Today's Edition" by Robert Hubbell. Check it out. He brings us facts and opinions from a legal perspective. He is also a fine human who lifts our spirits with an optimism I find refreshing and energizing.
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/a-modest-proposal?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Thank you for this breath of fresh air - knowledge and practicality and hope.
Welcome, Sarah. This is our tribe!
Hi, Sarah. Thanks for being here!
Welcome Sarah. Your observations are our observations. :-)
Sarah, it’s good to have you here in LFAA master class!
Last week I visited cousins in Washington DC and we went to the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial. This statement he made is so relevant today.
“We must scrupulously guard the civil liberties of all citizens, whatever their background. We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization.”
I like this too . . . I've been sending 'round 4th of July emails for a few years now . . . having some technical difficulties this year but thought you might like to see . . . I so very much count on and appreciate your letters, thank you . . . Sharon Rawlins
www.serawlinsstudio.com/fourthofjuly
Thank you for sharing your beautiful art, Sharon Rawlins. Wishing you, and Heather and readers, too, a peaceful and meaningful Independence Day. Hoping each person can think about the meaning of “United “ as we continue to live under one flag and so many interpretations. Onward.
Lincoln read books; today too few read books.
Beautiful. Thank you for this poignant reminder.
How did you get to see the flag? It won't open for me.
I clicked on this link: http://www.serawlinsstudio.com/fourthofjuly
Or try googling her name and artist.
Wish I had a solution to offer you. The page opened fine on my iPhone.
Thank you for sharing your art and thoughts. Wishing you well!
This is lovely. Thank You.
Thank you. It’s beautiful.
That’s lovely as timely now as ever. 🇺🇸
This "astonishingly radical document" is indeed a shining light that should guide us all through the darkness settling upon us. If only the puffed-up, flag-wearing, self-parody "patriots" dragging us into hatred and violence would bother reading and grasping its intent.
With all the fear and danger intensifying, we need to keep reminding ourselves of the extraordinary gains made in the quest for equality. And stiffen our resolve not to let the gains be stolen away.
My history professor at UCLA in the fifties, whose last name was Hyman, spoke of the three miracles of the United States. He said the colonists were reading the radical English philosophers and didn't realize the rights they claimed were not already in effect for Englishmen. So, he said it was a miracle that this nation was actually born. Then he said it was a miracle that it survived, referring to the Civil War. Finally he said it was a miracle that it is still here. Hearing that, one understood and needs to be reminded of the fragility of democracy in this world.
This is pretty darn great, Heather, for writing going out the door or for doing in any amount of time! Yes, we as a country now need to acknowledge deeply and truthfully where we have failed to live up to these ideals - what harms were done in the horrendous facts of both slavery and of the genocide of the Indigenous peoples, and we need to treat all people equally and with respect, always, but it was at least a start...what these founders wrote.
Well, HCR, you've made me cry - again. It feels as though we're on the edge of the abyss - that we're about to lose it all. I appreciate the reminder of how many times we've had to struggle. I just wish I had faith that we can recover from this. Heaven help us all. And thank you for putting things in some sort of context every night. It helps. Good night.
Barbara
I am awed at the brevity and eloquence with which Lincoln made this timeless principle a part of our national heritage. Thank you for repeating it. We need to have it inscribed on a card which we can carry over our hearts.
I listened to Bruce Springsteen sing, as a young performer, Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”. It was beautifully done on an acoustic guitar and a harmonica around his neck. It’s on YouTube. Please, everyone, have a happy Fourth of July. This land is OUR land, all of US.
"...and all around me a voice was calling, it said this land was made for you and me."
Thanks, Elisabeth, for pointing us to Bruce and his rendition of what to me would be a more worthy national anthem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkQzsDav-oI
Thank you for the link! I concur about making it our National Anthem. I have been singing that song since I was two or so, and will be seventy-three in a few weeks….
Michael, that's perfect, and perfectly beautiful. Happy 4th of July, for love of America.
This is a fabulous rendition.
Personally, I favor Katherine Lee Bates' "America the Beautiful", written in 1893 and set to music by Samuel Ward. There are a couple of verses in there appropriate for today:
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self, their country loved
And mercy more than life
America, America may God thy gold refine
'Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divined
O beautiful for patriot dreams
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears
America, America,
God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self control
Thy liberty in law
Yes. A prayer set to music. :’-)
You're so right. It's all there, in every word.
"(God) Confirm thy soul in self control/Thy liberty in law."
Only worthy if everyone was made aware of the two verses to “dust off” and include.
I was so very glad that Jennifer Lopez performed this song “This Land is your Land” at President Biden’s inauguration. I always find this song has an essence. I was just singing it to my baby grands this weekend.
Here’s a link… https://youtu.be/YLW_XmMBGt0
As Heather finished the letter today with a note… “It is a dark Independence Day in many ways this year, but I hope everyone is able to find at least a little respite, and to recall the whole point of what we’re up to in this country.” That’s exactly why I am humming and singing this song this weekend. It reminds me what President Lincoln said…
“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.”
That’s what we are up to. We the people…all of us this time.
Salud! 🙋🏻🙋🏼🙋🏽🙋🏾🙋🏿🇺🇸🗽
Happy Birthday, America!🙋🏽♂️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏽🙋🏽♀️🎉🎂
Aw, so disappointed that youtube was not you singing to your baby grands!
Well, I will say, after my a cappella rendition, we got up and danced to Jon Baptiste “Freedom” on YouTube!
Unita, Ellie! 🗽🇺🇸
Christine, I keep playing different versions of Jon Batiste’s « Freedom » and just love to dance to i t!
Here is the story behind the song of the man who wrote it. Woody Guthrie. With all the verses.
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/story-behind-the-song/the-story-behind-the-song/this-land-is-your-land/
Great link, Christine! I had just done a lyrics search to confirm what I thought I knew of the other verses. For too rushed to follow the link:
As I went walking I saw a sign there,
And on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing.
That side was made for you and me.
In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people,
By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?
Greg Olear’s Prevail post today.
About the Star Spangled Banner. https://gregolear.substack.com/p/national-anthem-2022-land-of-the?r=l2aa7&s=r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Credit Greg Olear today for posting what he considers a “relevant for this day” version of the Star Spangled Banner. https://youtu.be/TBeI33dPosted as “National Anthem 2022”.
Thanks Christine.
Sung by Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen at President Obama’s inauguration week.
One of the few renditions I can find that includes all verses of Woody Guthrie’s original version.
For We the People, all of us this time.
https://youtu.be/wnvCPQqQWds
What a way to start my Fourth of July. Not just the song and all the verses, but the audience that reflects the diversity of the real America.
HCR, Your clarity and brilliance and oversight are a beacon in these uncertain times! With great gratitude, Christine
Well said and good to read it again. You cannot say it more eloquently than you said it the first time. Peace and Courage in these very strange and unsettling days in which we live. Happy Fourth of July----celebrate the Declaration of Independence!
I read it was actually July 2nd. But of course my kind was not included at all. And good old Clarence Thomas would be 3/5 of a man with no vote. I wonder if those predominantly slave holding, mostly racist and misogynistic white men would believe their eyes if they could see this country now.? Some place in at least a few of their minds was the sweet smell of freedom for more than just them. A hope against all hope that there was decency in this world. On this momentous day, I prefer to read:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus
That was why my poor family came here. To get work, to have food, to have a chance if not for them, then their children.
Happy 246th
🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽🙋🏼♀️🙋🏽♂️
🗽