Peterman's Choice*
Was the American Revolution Inevitable?

Pray. Or don’t.
Dissent. Or don’t.
Tell off a politician. Or don’t.
Vote. Or don’t.
Go to church. Or don’t.
Read the Bible. Or the Koran. Or neither.
Be a Republican. Or a Democrat. Or neither.
Live in the city. Or out in the wide open spaces.
Dress up. Or dress down.
Drive a gasoline powered vehicle. Or an electric one.
Exercise. Or lie on the couch.
Be a coach. Or a cowboy.
Appreciate the Constitution. Or ignore it.
Choices –- countless, cherished choices –- are ours.
Freedom, independence make it so, as we are reminded on this July 4th.
Heck of a deal, no?

Happy 4th July.

Happy birthday America!
 
Hazel, you're still up?

 
I think the European union looks rather like a Federation of states with Germany as the main colonizer because of its relative strength. To keep it together, Germany, or its citizens will have to bear most of the cost, so it's really the opposite situation of the lead in article. It is interesting to see how this unfolds ...

Morning LOT, SPRING, & HAZE.........................I love the 4th of July...............headed to the square in a half hour for our 5k run that benefits our animal shelter.....................I hope all of you have a wonderful day w/ great food and people you love....................
 
PARK.......................keep your eye on pyro girl.................................

Happy 4th of July! Its pouring rain and its count your blessings time as far as that goes. Fried Chicken will taste as good inside.

For some reason in these particular parts, fireworks are never held on the 4th but always the week after. The biggest display is a Grucci extravaganza on the Thames River by the Coast Guard Academy, Pfizer & Electric Boat combined this year with an OpSail event. Fireworks seem almost to be in bad taste this year with all the fire devastation, still some traditions are set in stone. What are the traditions in your parts?

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy 4th of July..good morning...the celebration begins with a Phoenix Biltmore Hotel brunch! Posted Rocket Man Art with recycled Stainless steel and Alcoa Aluminun appliances..Have fun, keep cool, make Hazel's lemon,lime,orange zest ice cube special to help keep cool, today...

And back atcha, Julia!

Good morning all...Happy 4th to you all.

Lot - excellent post

Come November, I suggest the repeal of a couple of
politicians......

Happy Fourth of July !!!

I don't know that independence was inevitable.  A bit less intransigence on the part of British politicians and we would have been happy.  To have recognized the local contribution to the Seven Years War (or as we call it the French and Indian War) and eased off of punitive taxation would have made a difference.  For all of having at times some brilliant leaders, Britain has had some dunder heads whose mistakes have made rebellion inevitable.  For us, probably the confrontations in Boston.  In India it was Amritsar and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919 in which unarmed civilians were killed.  In Northern Ireland, British troops did something similar.  For every Gladstone, a Brigadier Reginald Dyer?  Anyway, it is good that we are independent or the US support in WWII might have looked different.  Here's to our ancestors who fought and stayed the course!  And to all who have served in the military, thank you for your service.  Welcome Home.  Happy Independence Day!

The American Revolution wasn't inevitable, in fact outspoken resistance from Tories and foot-dragging from many others who were very insecure with the fear of the unknown almost scuttled the ship. Change is scary, and the overwhelming uncertainties of independence often trump abstract idealistic prognoses. History (ours) and civics (American government) aren't strong subjects in our public education system. In the absence of good guidance from the past and from a public understanding of our rules of order, we have very scary scenarios in an election year where the country is still in recovery from bottoming out in a steep recession.

The draw bridge over the Fox on Wisconsin Avenue has broken in the down position on what is probably the busiest navigation day of the year. Some folks will be stuck upriver and unable to get near the fireworks.

bebe ~
We just kept trying shortening to satisfy our well-loved vegans and, as a result found one we use all the time now. I haven't heard of the one you mentioned but give it a try… it's interesting.

Miss Blue ~
We have to do a forty mile car trip for lamb burgers (with feta) at a place called Weasel's. Well worth the drive.
Nice to hear from you.

paolos ~
I'd hate to leave the impression that we go through a lot of expensive bottles. We don't although we played hell with one when Guest, his dad, sister and I spent an afternoon handwriting thank-you messages.
Left to their own, they picked eight ounce cylindrical crystal glasses and a little ice. Kind of like highball glasses if you were drinking from the ladies tee. They ping if you know what I mean?

There will be a parade at 9:00 AM. It was nearly 90° at 7:00 AM and it will come off without us. We have some cooking and baking to do instead.

Our boxer, Daisy, is eight today as if Independence Day needed any help.
WGN radio in Chicago aired safety advice worth listening to before you look down that misfiring roman candle.

Happy Fourth of July!
Fire alert here. Alcoa Independance Parade 4 blocks away, uless they steer 'em this way I'll miss it!
Fireworks on August 24...sure hope the drought is over!

I think people may revolt against taxation without representation again with this health stuff.

happy fourth to all!  and hi! to Julia...I can't make it work right for me either.  Maybe 50% of the time...Happy 4th Julia!   Lotlot, you got that right.   BEBE:  I got my eye on her, she is in my sights as we 'speak' and if she lights anything remotely resembling fire we're callin the coppers.  I'm all for independence, but in order for independence for all to work, the individuals have to consent just a little bit every now and then and follow the rules as set forth by our little town and county:  NO burning of anything, no sparklers, no nothing, and no big fireworks, and no fires in your backyard (specifically for pyro girl) except for a contained grill.    ITS NOT NORMALLY like this here, people, it's just we've seen no rain in literally -what?- two weeks?  Or more.   Anyhow, I'm ready for her and her backyard bonfire tonight, BEBE.  Squirt guns loaded, water balloons filled and waiting...HAPPY 4TH VILLAGERS!  

happy fourth to all!  and hi! to Julia...I can't make it work right for me either.  Maybe 50% of the time...Happy 4th Julia!   Lotlot, you got that right.   BEBE:  I got my eye on her, she is in my sights as we 'speak' and if she lights anything remotely resembling fire we're callin the coppers.  I'm all for independence, but in order for independence for all to work, the individuals have to consent just a little bit every now and then and follow the rules as set forth by our little town and county:  NO burning of anything, no sparklers, no nothing, and no big fireworks, and no fires in your backyard (specifically for pyro girl) except for a contained grill.    ITS NOT NORMALLY like this here, people, it's just we've seen no rain in literally -what?- two weeks?  Or more.   Anyhow, I'm ready for her and her backyard bonfire tonight, BEBE.  Squirt guns loaded, water balloons filled and waiting...HAPPY 4TH VILLAGERS!  

Destiny combined with Guts. When you get a taste of independence there ain't no going back. I love all the freedom loving Patriots here and around the world like Paine proclaimed. But growing up near The Smokey Mountains I was always partial to Davy Crockett, the first generation of post American Revolution Frontiersmen. These guys knew how to win but also how to lose and "Regarding Defeat in the Election of 1830", he stated, "I would rather be beaten and be a man than to be elected and be a little puppy dog. I have always supported measures and principles and not men. I have acted fearless and iindependent and I never will regret my course. I would rather be politically buried than to be hypocritically immortalized." Ripsnortin' no bullshit buckaroos in the 21st century need to rise to the surface and live like freedom is more important than being comfortable. After dark, I am going to pee off my back deck for symbolic purposes.  

oKAY!  jULIA,  DID NOTHING BUT CLICK ONCE AND, THERE YOU GO.  As Stoney said, where is the Minister of Redundancy when we desperately need him?

Have a safe and happy 4th one and all.
 
  Not chimming in on this topic, since I considered writing my dissertation on a part of it.   

MISS BLUE:  you are a bad girl in the best kind of way.  I'm laughing out loud.   Tsk tsk. ;) 

Nope,still does not look a day over 235.....

It's those every 4-year elections that keep our blood running, and keeps us frisky and 'forever young' RY.  Cue Joan Baez:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhFayNk57c

It's those every 4-year elections that keep our blood running, and keeps us frisky and 'forever young' RY.  Cue Joan Baez:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhFayNk57c

It's those every 4-year elections that keep our blood running, and keeps us frisky and 'forever young' RY.  Cue Joan Baez:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhFayNk57c

It's those every 4-year elections that keep our blood running, and keeps us frisky and 'forever young' RY.  Cue Joan Baez:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhFayNk57c

Joan didn't sign up for all those encores.

Happy Fourth of July to you all. Thnks to you also Lynn380, for your service!  Dear Haszel~The dilemma you face now makes me kind of  sad. In retrospect however, these times have come to be seen by me as eras of life that pass,usually for better  each preparing you/me for the next. Happiness is not dependent upon a place alone. It sounds like you have a son who loves you, likes you and cares for your wellbeing.. I ask that you not let geographyor inconvenience drive a wedge between your intelligent, witty, learned, diverse self and the Villagers who love you!  

Hazel~ I do hope you Prayer Garden will be taken with you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAISY, HOPE PAOLOS SINGS TO YOU.Tommy T,you make me laugh, wish I could pee off my back deck but I think they would come to take me away ha ha he he ho ho, to the funny farm.

THIS IS FOR THE ONE I LOVED AND LOST.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qt57c7rnHM&feature=related ;

magicangel ~
Daisy thanks you and suggests that, if you have not already done so, you should watch the movie "Dean Spanley."
An élite cast and a splendid story.

BBQ.

Tater salad.

Ice Cream.

Sweet iced sun tea.

Yep, must be July the 4th.

Stoney--"Dean Spanley" is, indeed, a splendid story.....I sincerely hope that the only fireworks in all Villagers' life today are just the pyrotechnic ones in the sky at night!  Happy Fourth.....enjoy parades, family, good food--and even rain, if that's what you're dealt.

George Hall~ It's a prayer tree! A wonderful Tulip Tree that blew over one windy night and buried one of its branches in the soil. I banked up the exposed roots with three compost heaps and watered well. The tree survived, and made itself into a translucent umeberella to sit beneath on hot days. I'm talking BIG here - plenty of room for an 8 seater set of wooden outdoor furniture. I started to put little memory tags for friends and family and it just grew from there into - well, I can't count how many name tags of people I wish well for one reason or another. I like to think that when the breeze blows through the tree, my prayers ascend the heaven. Even lying down sideways resting on her elbow, she's 30ft tall - not something I can take with me if I move house, but something that will be explained in the copious notes about the garden for the next tennant. Who would not respect it and maybe add their own little prayer tags to the tree?

Some of you seem to have joined the Department of Redundancy Department.  More lightly on the "Send" button?  Have a Happy Fourth!

Miss Blue ~ Suggest strongly!

Stoney,please tell Daisy I will watch the movie.Hazel Leese, wow what a wonderful tree and a sweet and loving YOU for taging names for prayer and healing. Know that all your good wishes, thoughts and prayers will come back to you many fold. Good fortune to you.  In an earlier post I mentioned that there is a fork in the road for some of you, something pushing you in one direction or another, fearful perhaps and not sure of which road to take. This is what you are experiencing. Time for tche winds of change to caress your soul, embrace it and be in peace and joy.

The Send button is on a rebellious trip of its own. I am at a motel and ont he laptop and when I hit Send it acts like I have done nothing.....contrary to when I am at home and it goes as soon as I touch Send.....eerie!!! Rebellious Send button must have taken a lesson from the old colonies!! Go your own way!

I am in Panama City Beach and going to Bayou Bill's for shrimp and crab claws with a Chardonnay... and the huge tanks of fish swimming all around...nice atmosphere, West beach and lovely white sands and turquoise waters rolling in....! I feel so fortunate to have these opportunities in the USA....I have traveled a lot and there is no place in the world that I'd rather be than the good old USA!!

We are about to see another revolution in November as real Americans stand up and vote to be counted for the best America can be!! This revolution is not one that can be avoided, either.....Go, Patriots!!!

Know those stamping grounds, Moose...I'm the bum at the corner of the bar drinking the beer special wearing a head full of seaweed trolling for half eaten plates with extra hushpuppies and fries and yeah a goofy grin with his iPod blasting out John Phillip Sousa.

What everyone else thinks; it's been said and said better than I can say it.
 
I offer only -- we've been surviving in three- and four-digit heat for days.  Atorms eliminated electricity in many parts of the city, so I've been calling to ask "Do you have air conditioning?"
 
You'll forgive me, on this day to make profound statements, if I'm more concerned about Mother Nature.
 
Happy Fourth, all.

Of course it was inevitible!  Our forefathers (and mothers!) come to this land for freedom, not to pay and pay for what was happening (war, peace, hunting, new palace, whatever) in England!  America the Beautiful...we love it and, at times, hate it, but it is better than anything else I'VE seen out there!
 
Happy Birthday My Country!

Lynn830,
 
I wish our troops were home, but this next week we here in my little town send yet another unit to Afganistan to fight.  Please, everyone, remember it isn't over.  We still have, and are still sending, troops "over there."  Remember them with love; it's because they love you, a part of our nation, that they go, and many time repeatedly.

lotlot
 
You said it verry VERY well.  Thank you.
 
 
Happy 4th to you and all!

JFK's comments on the topic question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AesVsRvOEo

JFK comments on the topic question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AesVsRvOEo

With God all things are inevitable.
Happy Birthday to these our United States of America.
And God Bless all those who worked to make and keep her free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg

OH! and Happy Birthday Daisy.

Happy birthday Daisy, I have a bone to pick w/ you..............................bwaaaaaaaaaaaahahahaha..................

Happy 4th ...my granddaughter's 10th birthday today....yep, born on the 4th of July. Other 2 granddaughters also have July birthdays. Hot sunny weather all week, but today it's been fogged in, only loosening up a bit around 2 in the afternoon, finally letting a little sunlight shine through.