July 4, 2005
For The Fourth
Yeah, I'm still around, but barely. Thought I'd share this article from the Scotsman. It's a small piece of it, but all of it can be found here.
.... But it is also important to say, this 4 July , that one need not have ever visited the US to feel in tune with what it means to be an American. It is an empire of the mind (and the imagination) as much as it is a military and economic superpower. The principles of the American Revolution remain sound. The World Trade Centre no longer stands, but the language of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights does.No other country has embedded the "pursuit of happiness" - the great goal of mankind - in the foundations of the state; nowhere else is the idea of liberty so revered. There is such a thing as an American sensibility and it can be felt from the Baltic to the Pacific.
Could the United States be doing better? Wrong question. If not America, then who? No-one, that's who. At its best, America and American ideals remain, in Lincoln's famous words, "the last, best hope of mankind". The United States still believes in a place called hope. As it celebrates its 229th birthday today, we should too.
A bit later: The Cotillion has a special 4th salute to Milbloggers.
A bit more later: I just wanted to thank everyone for their good thoughts with the job loss this last week. Both Nin and I really appreciate it. Even though things pretty much suck right now, we're still feeling blessed to have such great friends and to live here in the U.S.A.. God bless America, and each and every one of you. And a special shout out to all those that serve our country here at home and all over the world. You guys and gals rock! Happy Fourth!
Posted by Ithildin at July 4, 2005 12:25 PM | PROCURE FINE OLD WORLD ABSINTHE