On this Fourth of July, a short note. As we memorialize our Nation’s birth it is a point of honor and gratitude that we recall the quest to embrace and engage in risk. Forward momentum and a new horizon would be found for those willing to set foot and family on a leaky ship.
The amount of passion, victory, birth and new life that is our country, well it all began with that first risk taker. There is much ado about American Imperialism these days. I just returned from a short visit to camp Pendleton and a Navy corpsman told me about one of his tours off Somalia as we worked night time, off Oceanside with K38 Rescue. The bulk of his time there had been spent doing humanitarian work on a scale that only our Military could do. He told me that “If I ever make a lot of money, I now know how I will spend my life” He had a freshening of his horizon as his ship sailed into the void. His life story had affected me profoundly.
The reality is this: the foundation of our country is based on a diverse number of people who were willing to engage extreme risk and all the hardships and joys associated with that element in order to establish a new realm of possibility, a new horizon. That has never changed. Today more than ever we need this.
Again, Seth Godin was writing what I was thinking.
This beautiful film trailer says a lot. I hope that Jim Scolari gets to do more of this.
As you examine your prospects, know this: “Stupid is forever” Ray Vickers, race car driver. You gotta love our good ole boys.
This was sent along by global thinker Drew Kampion. Don’t even think about shooting the messenger. A long watch and high view at what could be going on beneath the tableau of world change. The journalist, though a renowned conspiracy theorist, presents a thread of historic fact everyone should examine.
I hope that you celebrate like mad today, and memorialize and give thanks and embrace the far horizon. We as a nation have everything to gain and everything to lose as we sail into what will become a new world. Choose well.
Click on any of the images below for a back story
We are another year older. Hoooo Rah! Let’s go, the horizon beckons.
Below, is a note from the President.
| This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let’s also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.
Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal. Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty — a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day. Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation’s course. America’s greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom — and fulfilling the duty that comes with it. As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph — that pride — belongs to all of us. So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm’s way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become. With very best wishes, President Barack Obama July 4th, 2009 P.S. — Our nation’s birthday is also an ideal time to consider serving in your local community. You can find many great ideas for service opportunities near you at http://www.serve.gov. |
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An Addendum. By Stanley Bodner (Stanley is a lifelong commercial artist and cultural observer, originally from NY now residing in Arizona. The list of people who he has tutored and mentored is both long and distinguished. The affects of he and his social progeny are culturally evident, though he would likely deny this. DP) I’ve had this burr in my proverbial saddle for a long time. I will try to explain. Not so many decades ago, women burned their bras in a show of defiance against the stalled system that blocked their path to equality and liberation. With the passage of time, their goals mostly attained and the effects of gravity working against them, they purchased new Maiden Forms and Spandex. Now, bras are back and hanging everywhere! Yet, at the same time, with a Nation divided, The American Flag was desecrated in the same manner. It ceased being a symbol of this great free nation, and became a defiant icon accompanied with “Proud to be an American” bumper stickers. Pride is one of the 7 deadly sins, and our flag is much too sacred for that. It’s a new millennium, and I want my flag back, and a good time to start hanging it, everywhere, is upon us. It’s time to, “run-it-up…” I am lucky to be an American. All of us should feel that way. |
SEMPER FI.
Give me Liberty or Give me Death. 1776-2009
Tolerance is a virtue of being American, let’s keep it real.
Well said!
Interestingly the ‘Wonder Bra’ is the go to for females today…as if one mold fits all and all should look alike. Individuality is at risk and this comes with a measure of mediocrity. Not acceptable. Wonder Women they are not, trying to redefine sexuality as an important measure of Americana..I say do what you are afraid to do and find out what it feels like to ‘be engaged’. Ed you are a National Treasure, alongside PUUBECK.
I woudl give my blood for you.
We don’t want blood Shawn. Yet. :0) Hope the Border Patrol class goes well. Wish I could escape and attend. Can you get em to lend me some Kevlar when I come?
Shawn, thanks for the fashion update.
The 4th of July in Hawaii, it’ s ALWAYS been a strange affair. A large part is celebratory and full of pride in those who have come before, those who have sacrificed, and the joy of family and friends on perfect summer day in paradise. But it is hard not to pick up on the subtle undercurrent of anger/sadness/loss that I feel when I’m with large groups of Hawaiians on this very American day. And I spouse those mixed emotions are also just as American as apple pie.
I am so with you sister Anne. Did you watch the movie Drew sent across? The best that we can do is promote transparency and tolerance and be arbiters of love. This is a war that we are in. Truly.
Lets hope that our President has the same credo as our Marines and Hawaiians. Aloha always wins. Every time.
This was great, I love the discussion. I have chills, even reading this 2 days after it’s birth. I have to be completely honest and admit that I do own a “Wonder Bra” and it comes in a variety of colors, shapes and prints….for the self expressed woman. But my super powers are the result of amazing women who serve as great role models. They have helped blaze a trail where there was once nothing. A funny contraption it is, but thank god I don’t have to wear a damn corset. How am I supposed to surf in that!! We have alot to offer the world with our hearts and our minds. Watch the movie “Born into Brothels”…..very sad. : )
I am very greatful that I have had the chance to travel and experience other cultures. It has allowed me to be more tolerant and compassionate. Compassion for the human race in it’s diversity and connectedness. Tolerant of our ignorance and inability at times to transcend. Maybe we just like to learn the hard way. I hope that this year brings tremendous growth. That America dusts itself off, re-connects with the world and glows from the inside out. To have more integrity and credibility in our global community. Put our best foot forward with care for others and service to the world. I am proud of my country. We have been humbled, we have done horrible things, but we can learn. Sometimes it takes, fucking up really bad, inorder to get it right. Or have the desire to get it right the second time around. We can learn from all of this. Lets show the world that we have learned, and now we are ready to grow. It will require patience, it will require dilligence,and it will require focus. How many more times must we open our mouths before thinking? Do our homework, not be righteous, and impatient for results on our terms. Peace, love, prosperity, and equality is what I dream….one day at a time.
Appreciate the read and your perspective Korina. You are someone who seems to always find that which falls between the lines. And that is where the answer always lies.
LOL! SA and I wrote the ‘boobs’ comment last night. There was a deep conversation regarding the odds of it being allowed to stand. In the end we were both wrong… 😉
Pretty funny Ryan!