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Open thread
- By Phillip Brownlee
- Posted Nov. 25, 2006 at 1:05 a.m.
- Filed under Open thread
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A little rhetorical grist for the mill…
American SoldierI want you to close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier atValley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands.He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded frommonths of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from hisfamily surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war.He stands tough, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. Helooks at us now in anger and disgust and tells us this…I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now yourchildren graduate too illiterate to read it.I fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and youstay at home because it rains.I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech and youremain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business.I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it hasstolen democracy from the people.It’s the soldier not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press.It’s the soldier not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech.It’s the soldier not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate.It’s the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin isdraped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!”Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as theyprotect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts theyperform for us in our time of need. Amen.”
“The American Flag”
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute actually stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
I hope you have noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
Be surprised at the following only because “they” quitteaching this around 1955 in public schools… some of you out there might remember.
The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts that, “We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”
The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the fathers, for they, too have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the sea of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades andshipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.
In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.” ”
But, wasn’t the national motto “E Pluribus Unum” back then circa 1955?
21 Gun Salute:
The rendering of gun salutes in odd numbers may be traced to the superstition that odd numbers were considered lucky. Seven, for example, was held by the earliest civilizations to have mystical powers.
The U.S. Navy regulations for 1818 were the first to prescribe a specific manner for rendering gun salutes (although gun salutes were in use before the regulations were written down). Those regulations required that “When the President shall visit a ship of the United States’ Navy, he is to be saluted with 21 guns.” It may be noted that 21 was the number of states in the Union at that time. For a time thereafter, it became customary to offer a salute of one gun for each state in the Union, although in practice there was a great deal of variation in the number of guns actually used in a salute.
SOURCES: Gardner W. Allen, A Naval History of the American Revolution 1: 159-60 (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1913)
E Pluribus Unum was suggested by the committee Congress appointed on July 4, 1776 to design “a seal for the United States of America.”
E Pluribus Unum describes an action: Many uniting into one.*
An accurate translation of the motto is “Out of many, one”Source of E PLURIBUS UNUM
The Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum” appeared on the title page of the annual volume of the Gentleman’s Magazine or Monthly Intelligencer ‚Äì next to a woodcut of a hand holding a bouquet of different flowers.
The Gentleman’s Magazine was published monthly in London since 1731 and was well known to literate Americans in the 1770s. The annual volume with “E Pluribus Unum” at the bottom of its title page brought together the magazine’s twelve editions from that year. It gave readers a lot of useful information.
I appreciate the information and I’m going to see if I can find more information on your questions.
I just believe it is important for us to remember why we are able to do what we do and live the way we live.
There is no country in the world that allows the freedoms we have here in America. So many people take what we have for granted. They have no idea the sacrifices made by many before us.
Sacrifices that many of us may not be willing to make today.
I appreciate you participating and adding information to my posts.
Here’s a good subject. Why is America selling weapons to terrorists in Pakistan that are used against Allied soldiers in Afghanistan?
Don’t you think if Bush and the Republicans were actually supportive of our troops and wanted to combat terrorists they wouldn’t provide the means to arm and supply them?
Sotheysaid, very well said, it’s the taking our way of life for granted that threatens our country the most.I’m amazed how many people today are so into the pop culture and materialistic aspect of our country. I work with a young woman who can tell you the latest about what’s going on in the life of Britney Spears, but she honest to God couldn’t tell me if George Bush was a Republican or Democrat!!! That’s what scares the s**t out of me…too many Americans who are satisfied to be ignorant, uneducated, and apathetic. I actually know people in their 50’s that have never even voted!!What the hell happened to us?
“but she honest to God couldn’t tell me if George Bush was a Republican or Democrat!!!”
That is scary – but all so true. Most don’t bother to vote, even though it is their future at stake.
So many people still believe that Saddam was responsible for 9/11. So many still believe that Saddam had WMD and was planning to use them against us. So many people think that all Arabs, Muslims, etc, are “just alike.” So many people still buy into those sound bite slogans.
An informed electorate is absolutely necessary, but we seem to be losing ours to Entertainment Tonite!
I think the American media and entertainment industry tells us what we should care about and too many Americans buy into that. Plus, it’s much easier to watch “Dancing With the Stars” or “American Idol” then a documentary about foreign policy or what’s going on in Iraq or Iran. It takes effort to be informed, and many Americans don’t want to work that hard.
http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.htm
Snopes says the flag turning thing is false. That ‘In God We Trust” thing was a dead giveaway for anyone who knows the history.
But someone sure wanted to meld God and flags once again huh?
Why are we surprised that Bush and the Republicans are not worried about selling arms to Pakistan? Bush Jr learned from Daddy Bush and Reagan – didn’t he?
Daddy Bush and Reagan gave weapons to Saddam Hussein when he was our “good ole boy”
The Bush nut did not fall far from that tree.
The one really good thing about these blogs & message boards is that most everyone on here CARES, right or wrong, and will use their voting voices.
I think I’ve become a hugely more informed voter since this. If a report comes on the tv, and we discuss it, we almost always have a differing view presented to us, sometimes exposing baldfaced lies.
The dumbing down of Americans has been going on for a long time and we are seeing the result of it today. We have parents who are barely able to take care of themselves and yet they breed without thought. We have cashiers that cannot make change correctly. Most people cannot spell correctly. But yet on Black Friday – all these people are on television news making a mad dash to pay $1,000 for a 52-inch plasma television. Where did they get the money to buy a $1,000 t.v.? That’s my question and why do they have time to park themselves out in front of the store for the day before the sale to get in line?
The rest of us are usually having to return to work because we are the taxpayers who are supporting this type of behavior.
Society has no rules anymore – so anything goes. And the more provocative the better it sells.
I guess Bush can’t remember Iran/Contra.
Oh speaking of which….does anyone ever wonder if that’s REALLY the reason that Reagan said “I can’t recall” all of those times? Maybe he really couldn’t? It wasn’t long after he left the presidency that Reagan announced his Alzheimer’s.
Such a horrible and long disease process. He was fortunate to have such good care till the end.
If the truth be known, he had Alzheimers while still in office. And as for his care, he was lucky and fortunate to have the care he needed. Isn’t it too bad the rest of the Americans needing such care don’t or won’t get it.
In this great country of ours, I believe there is no reason why any American citizen should go without the healthcare they need. I believe we as a nation will be judged by the way we treat our own citizens, especially the elderly and the children. In this arena – we are sorely lacking. God help us all.
Suza I seriously doubt any welfare recipients were in line to buy the high dollar stuff like that.
Aw, c’mon, political mom, they’d have plenty of spare cash if they just ate navy beans! ;-)
Suza,
While I agree with most of your comments, I can’t wholly agree with those concerning the “$1000 plasma TVs.” It’s unfair to assume it was those with less $$ who were standing in line to buy those TVs. I know people who are very comfortable, economically, and are the first in line at sales. Although I’m sure there were many who spent money better used elsewhere. Most of us are guilty of that, now and then.
I wouldn’t buy something just because it was on sale, but if I was planning to get something and was able to find it at a reduced price, I’d do it. In fact, sale and clearance racks are often what I hit first when I need something.
If you’re on welfare, you can’t have a car. So yeah, I don’t think those bargain hunters who park their cars outside K-Mart at 2:30 AM are on welfare.
Why the galvanizing of American culture? Well, I suspect we can trace that back to the emergence of the American counter-culture. Kids today aren’t gonna fight for something they don’t believe in, they don’t buy into the “noble lie” of American traditionalist values, because such values entail self-sacrifice; a trait that is steadily declining over time.
Off topic – The hecklers in the “Kramer” incident are now thinking of suing The K man.What a freaking surprise. Not.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003446995_sorry25.html
Although I think Kramer was attrocious for his behavior, I don’t think that begets monetary settlements-anything more than the price of admission, which should be refunded by the Laugh Factory. Note Allred didn’t state what her case was for asking for a settlement.
No matter how vile Kramer was, he still have freedom of speech. I am disgusted and appalled when the KKK or the Phelps clan come around, but they still have the right to say whatever they want.
And I do agree with the Rev Sharpton, that one doesn’t scream things like that if there is no real basis for them in the mind of the one ranting. Much like Mel Gibson, this guy’s career is over. That is a ‘win’ for those who were offended.
Now that being said, I don’t like to hear people chattering or heckling during a performance either. It’s rude and obnoxious, not only to the performer, but also to the audience-like chattering in a movie theatre. We didn’t pay money to hear you. I saw Lewis Black in Wichita, and he went after an audience member too…but he soundly defeated her comments to the applause of the theatre. THAT is how it’s supposed to be done.
I completely agree with you mom.
“Our clients were vulnerable,” Allred said. “He singled them out and he taunted them, and he did it in a closed room where they were captive.”
Captive? She has got to be kidding. Allred represents the WORST of our legal system as far as I’m concerned.
And apologize man to man? So if Richards agreed to meet for an apology will they do the same for rudely interrupting his act?
“If you’re on welfare, you can’t have a car.”
Wrong again, Will.
While you can have a car on welfare, it’s more likely HARDER to have the money to do anything else.
Welfare is what, 400 a month now?
Do the math.
There are so many scammers with “welfare” it’s not even funny. People have figured out scam social security using fake learning disabilities with their children; not report their “cash income” to the people that process their Vision Card (food stamps) and many other scams.
Even worse, some that live next a state border line will cross into another state and claim residency in another state to get benefits. They get away with this by not getting drivers license, but usually end up driving anyway.
Which brings up other socially irresponsble matters like not having auto insurance.
Then there are whole cottage industries working in stolen goods so one can get want they want.
Then there’s the rental scams, car loan scams and other things.
Yeah, the scammers can drive a new car to the ‘food stamp’ office if they’ve been schooled in how to do it.
My son-in-law noticed a big mobile home parked outside one of the stores, wonder how you buy one of them with welfare dollars? Many well to do people are the tightest asses you will ever meet!
The female General in charge of Abu GRaib has said she read a memo from Rummy authorizing the use of banned interrogation techniques, and he had signed off on it and written a comment “makes sure this gets done”. She says she is willing to testify against Rummy. But, hasn’t Bush and Repubs. legalized torture?
Steve,
First of all “banned interrogation techniues” may or may not be torture.
Second, Bush and the Republicans have not legalized torture.
Third, Even if there was a memo I seriously doubt it said to do anything close to what was being done to those detainees by those sick perverted MP’s.
Those sick perverted guards were working with / for government contractors (CaCI for one) who were not and will not be held responsible for their own criminal involvement in the crimes committed, yet like the Border Patrol agents in prison for doing their jobs, only our soldiers ahve been identified and imprisoned for the poor judgement of the contractors and this administration ..
The average amount someone gets on “welfare” is about $650 a month. There are all sorts of government programs for the poor, food stamps is just one of them. Most of my clients get SSI and food stamps, which brings their income to about $700 a month, but out of that, they usually pay full rent, which takes almost half. Their medical care and medications are paid for through the Medicaid program, so they do get free health care.Believe it or not, they get by, but you won’t see any of them standing in line at best buy to get a good deal on some luxury item.
They’re getting 650 a month in welfare CASH benefits Mary? Are you sure you’re not talking about disability?
Welfare, not disability, I believe, is far lower.
Probably, my clients are all disabled. I think welfare is really a general term for any govenment assistance, it takes a lot of forms and is individualized depending on the circumstances of the recipient. Anyway, it’s damn hard to exist on, but people do.