It is the eve of the 4th of July, America's 249th birthday in a time of turmoil and tumult, a country divided, and not that far off from where we started.
So yeah people, we need to do EVERYTHING and then some within our powers to fight to rid ourselves and our nation of this repugnant Republican Party and fully support new and stronger, younger voices within our nation to take it forward and make certain they agree to right the wrongs of ineffective leadership that doesn’t take the responsibility seriously to protect our democracy from all possible tyranny that would go against our Constitutional rights our independence and our freedoms. Above all we will need to abolish the structure of our Supreme Court, Never allowing unequal judicial representation of all parties appointments, how long they can serve and how their elected and removed when they go against our Constitution and our hard fought and won freedoms, strict ethics requirements not written by their own selves and strict requirements of impeachment if their broken. Also putting the power back into the people’s hands instead of just a Presidents and the senates in confirming and appointing Supreme Court justices through elections voted on by the people. We MUST also ABOLISH the Electoral Vote and Citizens United dark unlimited campaign donations and take our nation BACK to its original and true EVERY VOTE COUNTS rule where the true majority wins. For too long this nation has suffered under this system created just to appease the Republican Party who abuses it through rampant gerrymandering all across our nations states. NO MORE.. EVERY SINGLE VOTE MUST ACTUALLY COUNT, EVERY SINGLE TIME.. In every single election across this nation. WE MUST ACCEPT NO LESS than this from our future leaders.
Exactly! We go back to our history, learn from it and take back our rights as the USA governed by the people, for the people. We protect…against foreign and DOMESTIC Threats. And we remember what it says on the Statue of Liberty…”The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus: "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!"
I also have been contemplating our early history. Our system of government is good, superior to anything in the world today. It is those who represent us, our duly elected who have not honored their oath to we the people or adhere to the laws of the constitution and have chosen to ignore the statutes who have protected our freedom and values for 250 years. In the early days of our democracy our forefathers fought and argued their different views with passion but they realized that to form a more perfect union rational thinking and compromise would need to occur for the higher good. There is no higher good for all in existence now. Lawmakers are driven not by a higher good but by greed and self servicing (law makers is too kind a word used to describe them). We need to end corporate contributions to elected officials which has resulted in the buying of elections and term limits. And instead of going after average citizens, members of Congress and their immediate families should be investigated for benefiting financially from elected positions. Thomas Jefferson never benefited from financially for his service.
Ellie, I like your writing. This piece, which serves as a clear and concise reminder of the events, leaders, and contributors to the philosophy that launched our country into existence, is excellent. I offer you unequivocal gratitude for writing it.
My path has taken me down the back alleys of that same period in history, and while I wholeheartedly endorse the "standard" version of events surrounding our beginnings, I've paid much attention to the political balance, cultural drivers, and practicalities of life in Colonial America. To that end, I'd offer up a few more words of encouragement to those who might feel that "those were better or different times." They were not:
Consider the media. Today, the Right has Fox News, Newsmax, and a vast number of other outlets to craft the selective messaging that reinforces the ideological (or, more honestly, convenient) positions of Conservatives. It's infuriatingly selective, misinforming, and narrow in its exposition of viewpoints. However, in 1775, the New-York Gazetteer was the mouthpiece of propaganda for Great Britain - one of the most-read sources of news in North America, and also the most Loyalist. In the South, news never turned against the idea of slavery; it would have been political suicide for them. The Virginia Gazette is a prime example of this.
Consider the politics. Our very existence, viewed through the eyes of the world and most of the newly independent colonists, was seen as a novel experiment that might last for 4-10 years before collapsing back into a monarchical form. Republicanism (of the day) was slow, painful, and had many "free riders" who chirped their criticisms from the stands, never to get on the field and risk their necks. If we told them we'd still be here 249 years later, they'd have almost certainly laughed in our face!
Life has always been difficult here. The very reason "progressives" exist is a belief that standing on firm principles while trying new ways to solve problems fearlessly is a path towards incremental improvement. Fear of the new and original is what drives the core of Conservatism. When we become overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information surrounding us all day, hopefully, we realize that our problems have just changed names and labels. Sticking it out requires a combination of measured work and rest.
I am a Daughter of The Mayflower and a Daughter of The American Revolution. I was born in Boston and most of my childhood was spent living in history because my Mother made me an early reader and we took field trips often to historical sites and museums.
I am really reeling over the fact we are ‘in this spot’ right now!
How could we not want better for EVERYONE?
Democracy is a living and breathing concept. If we are silent we will be complicit.
I am the 12th generation of my family and this is NOT THE LAND OF THE FREE!
Thanks Elli, I’d like to take the liberty to add another throwback to our legacy (if a bit more recent). This is an animated appreciation of Woody Guthrie’s, ‘This is Your Land’. We just finished it last week and it’s free to all to share or repost.
Little known fact that may stimulate thought about the close relationship strengths among the Founding Fathers as they exercised courage for independence, is that, except for Adams, they were all related. They were glued together by COLES women. COLESs were part and parcel of early American history and Edward COLES, who became the second governor of Illinois, is known as The Man Who Freed His Slaves. He was very close with Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison, who all helped and supported him in his endeavor. Very important about this relationship is that it proves Jefferson’s intention that the Constitution and practice should change with the generations as he believed each generation would ever move toward a more perfect union as they lived in increasing freedoms and memory of evil ways from the monarchy would slip into the past. Original textualists would have been abhorred by him as counter and destructive to the Freedom experiment that was this country. The conservatives and purveyors of a unitary executive would have been reviled. The answers are plain in Jefferson’s letters with Edward Coles. SCOTUS originalists always skip that part because it completely disproves their power mongering push.
So yeah people, we need to do EVERYTHING and then some within our powers to fight to rid ourselves and our nation of this repugnant Republican Party and fully support new and stronger, younger voices within our nation to take it forward and make certain they agree to right the wrongs of ineffective leadership that doesn’t take the responsibility seriously to protect our democracy from all possible tyranny that would go against our Constitutional rights our independence and our freedoms. Above all we will need to abolish the structure of our Supreme Court, Never allowing unequal judicial representation of all parties appointments, how long they can serve and how their elected and removed when they go against our Constitution and our hard fought and won freedoms, strict ethics requirements not written by their own selves and strict requirements of impeachment if their broken. Also putting the power back into the people’s hands instead of just a Presidents and the senates in confirming and appointing Supreme Court justices through elections voted on by the people. We MUST also ABOLISH the Electoral Vote and Citizens United dark unlimited campaign donations and take our nation BACK to its original and true EVERY VOTE COUNTS rule where the true majority wins. For too long this nation has suffered under this system created just to appease the Republican Party who abuses it through rampant gerrymandering all across our nations states. NO MORE.. EVERY SINGLE VOTE MUST ACTUALLY COUNT, EVERY SINGLE TIME.. In every single election across this nation. WE MUST ACCEPT NO LESS than this from our future leaders.
Thank you 💙
So muchof your post I believe is so valuble.
Thank you!
Exactly! We go back to our history, learn from it and take back our rights as the USA governed by the people, for the people. We protect…against foreign and DOMESTIC Threats. And we remember what it says on the Statue of Liberty…”The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus: "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!"
This
Thank you :)
I also have been contemplating our early history. Our system of government is good, superior to anything in the world today. It is those who represent us, our duly elected who have not honored their oath to we the people or adhere to the laws of the constitution and have chosen to ignore the statutes who have protected our freedom and values for 250 years. In the early days of our democracy our forefathers fought and argued their different views with passion but they realized that to form a more perfect union rational thinking and compromise would need to occur for the higher good. There is no higher good for all in existence now. Lawmakers are driven not by a higher good but by greed and self servicing (law makers is too kind a word used to describe them). We need to end corporate contributions to elected officials which has resulted in the buying of elections and term limits. And instead of going after average citizens, members of Congress and their immediate families should be investigated for benefiting financially from elected positions. Thomas Jefferson never benefited from financially for his service.
Do you know when the things in the bill go into effect??
It is important now that the bill is getting signed.
Thanks
The dates vary. Most of them are December 31, 2025.
224th birthday? It’s the 249th.
Thank you. It was very late, and I was tired. Updated. I would’ve known that at 6pm, but not at Midnight.
Ok. Thx. I just thought I was missing something. Lol.
No, you got it right. I’m always open for edits!
Thank you.
Thank you too
Ellie, I like your writing. This piece, which serves as a clear and concise reminder of the events, leaders, and contributors to the philosophy that launched our country into existence, is excellent. I offer you unequivocal gratitude for writing it.
My path has taken me down the back alleys of that same period in history, and while I wholeheartedly endorse the "standard" version of events surrounding our beginnings, I've paid much attention to the political balance, cultural drivers, and practicalities of life in Colonial America. To that end, I'd offer up a few more words of encouragement to those who might feel that "those were better or different times." They were not:
Consider the media. Today, the Right has Fox News, Newsmax, and a vast number of other outlets to craft the selective messaging that reinforces the ideological (or, more honestly, convenient) positions of Conservatives. It's infuriatingly selective, misinforming, and narrow in its exposition of viewpoints. However, in 1775, the New-York Gazetteer was the mouthpiece of propaganda for Great Britain - one of the most-read sources of news in North America, and also the most Loyalist. In the South, news never turned against the idea of slavery; it would have been political suicide for them. The Virginia Gazette is a prime example of this.
Consider the politics. Our very existence, viewed through the eyes of the world and most of the newly independent colonists, was seen as a novel experiment that might last for 4-10 years before collapsing back into a monarchical form. Republicanism (of the day) was slow, painful, and had many "free riders" who chirped their criticisms from the stands, never to get on the field and risk their necks. If we told them we'd still be here 249 years later, they'd have almost certainly laughed in our face!
Life has always been difficult here. The very reason "progressives" exist is a belief that standing on firm principles while trying new ways to solve problems fearlessly is a path towards incremental improvement. Fear of the new and original is what drives the core of Conservatism. When we become overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information surrounding us all day, hopefully, we realize that our problems have just changed names and labels. Sticking it out requires a combination of measured work and rest.
Excellent post you have a new fan.
Holding on to hope
Author! Author! Cheers to the Author!
I am a Daughter of The Mayflower and a Daughter of The American Revolution. I was born in Boston and most of my childhood was spent living in history because my Mother made me an early reader and we took field trips often to historical sites and museums.
I am really reeling over the fact we are ‘in this spot’ right now!
How could we not want better for EVERYONE?
Democracy is a living and breathing concept. If we are silent we will be complicit.
I am the 12th generation of my family and this is NOT THE LAND OF THE FREE!
Beautifully written 🔥
Thanks Elli, I’d like to take the liberty to add another throwback to our legacy (if a bit more recent). This is an animated appreciation of Woody Guthrie’s, ‘This is Your Land’. We just finished it last week and it’s free to all to share or repost.
https://vimeo.com/1096145803
Little known fact that may stimulate thought about the close relationship strengths among the Founding Fathers as they exercised courage for independence, is that, except for Adams, they were all related. They were glued together by COLES women. COLESs were part and parcel of early American history and Edward COLES, who became the second governor of Illinois, is known as The Man Who Freed His Slaves. He was very close with Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison, who all helped and supported him in his endeavor. Very important about this relationship is that it proves Jefferson’s intention that the Constitution and practice should change with the generations as he believed each generation would ever move toward a more perfect union as they lived in increasing freedoms and memory of evil ways from the monarchy would slip into the past. Original textualists would have been abhorred by him as counter and destructive to the Freedom experiment that was this country. The conservatives and purveyors of a unitary executive would have been reviled. The answers are plain in Jefferson’s letters with Edward Coles. SCOTUS originalists always skip that part because it completely disproves their power mongering push.
Have we forgotten what this country was truly founded on? Enslaved people built everything!
Here is our post