Jay Bookman

By Ben

July 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

The American Dream. Despite a lot of cynicism these days, the American Dream is alive and well. Anyone here, if they work hard, has the chance to be successful in a way that simply isn’t true in other countries.

And the blues!

And the Bill of Rights, even the 2nd Amendment, without which this wouldn’t be the United States, and so thank you to the 5 Supreme Court judges that voted to protect our Bill of Rights recently.

By jasper

July 3, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

What I love most about this country is: freedom, opportunity, self reliance, the optimism of realizing individual potential, and college football.

By Taxpayer

July 3, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

I love my right to complain. Furthermore, I fully expect to be complaining about something — probably more than one thing — tomorrow while simultaneously celebrating our Independence from the Formerly Great Oppressor (Ye Olde King of England) and our future independence from our Current Great Oppressor (Oil, what else.). As a matter of fact, I might just protest oil all day tomorrow by leaving the car, lawn mower, and weed eater parked in the garage. I wonder if I can trade in my mower and weed eater for a billy goat.

By Najeh Davenpoop

July 3, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

What do I love most about the USA? The NBA and hip hop music.

By hillbilly ragger

July 3, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

The aspirations as were so eloquently stated in our founding documents, and our continued efforts to live up to those standards.

I think that promise of America is truly a beacon to the rest of the world, and no matter how much I may gripe about my government, I’ll always love my country for that.

By Citizen of the World

July 3, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

What I love most about America is the 1st Amendment. What I love next most is the food — Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, African, Mediterranean, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Ethiopian, French, German, Thai, Soul, Creole, Cajun, Latin, Polish, Greek, etc.

By Maniac is accurate

July 3, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Driving across country and interacting with people from all over put me in awe of the geographic and cultural diversity of this country. Yet we all sing the same national athem and say the same pledge and love what unites us. When you think of our land mass and the absence of violent cultural clashes that divide so many other parts of the world, you see how the promise of this country is still largely being fulfilled today. It’s not perfect, but it’s not far off.

By Bud Wiser

July 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

I love the absolute stark physical beauty of our countrysides. The people here and diversities provided each enrich us all, and without the beheadings, shootings, and suicide bombers that keep other countries in constant chaos.

I like the fact that we can agree to disagree without shooting each other. We can elect to our most high offices some of the most brilliant minds of their times, and some of the most ignorant, but politically savvy, yet our institution of government survives them all.

We fall victim at times to the most violent and evil acts humans can perpetrate on each other; then we line up to bring food, medical aid, and whatever else is required to those in need all across the globe.

We are Americans, and I am dammed proud to be one.

By ByteMan

July 3, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I’ll plagerize a bit, because it’s still the best way I can say it. This is from John Mauldin and if you want to know more about investing your money, you should read his weekly newsletters at www.frontlinethoughts.com. As he wrote back in April:

When I travel around the world, I am used to a certain amount of America and/or Bush bashing. It is just part of the background noise.

So, I was somewhat surprised to see the professor, in the middle of a talk on why some businesses succeed and others fail, put up a rather large flag of the United States and went on to say that the US would be the dominant developed country for his life, the life of his children and the life of their children’s children. You could feel the surprise in the room. It is not what they were expecting to hear. I certainly did not.

He started out saying that someone could come to the US and within 3-5 years you could become a citizen. Making a long story short, in his native Finland it took 3-4 generations before you would be considered Finnish. He went on around the world. There are very few cultures where an immigrant can become a naturalized citizen and be accepted into the culture. China? No. Japan? No.

In Germany, the professor recently talked to the top 100 managers of Siemens. This is a company that employs 462,000 people doing business in 192 countries. In that room of the top management there were 99 Germans and one Austrian. Think of similar multi-national companies in the US. Such a room would be full of diversity.

A young lady Ph.D in physics in Lajore, Pakistan does not dream at night of immigrating to China or Germany, where opportunities would be very limited. No, she and millions more like her dream of coming to the US. He said that 85% of the people living in Silicon Valley were immigrants. The best and brightest in the world choose to go there.

Because for him, America is not a country, but an idea. It is the idea that any person can come and make a life for themselves as an equal. And it is that freedom to rise or fall that makes the US what it is.

Happy #232.

By Jay's brother

July 3, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

A bit off the subject, but…

Now Obama backing off pledge to withdraw 1 brigade per month. Already broke promise to accept public campaign funds. Voted 129 time “present” on many important Senate votes. The Tony Resko and Pastor Wright “not the people who he thought they were for 20 yrs”. See a pattern?

I see a career politician lawyer who will morph his positions and leave as little paper trail as possible to get elected president. Some “change”. Beware, America of what you “hope” for—the most inexperienced and liberal candidate in modern history. Why couldn’t the Democrats nominate a mainstream experienced candidate I could embrace, like a John Breaux or Evan Bayh or even Colin Powell?

By JAY BOOKMAN

July 3, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

For the record, no brother of mine would have broken the patriotic string we had going. BOOOOO!!!!!

By CJ

July 3, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Bud Wiser,

This liberal usually has difficulty reading your posts without a contorted “WTF?” expression on my face (I’m sure it’s mutual), but kudos for a great comment @4:37. Undoubtedly, we’ll continue to disagree, but my respect for you has increased considerably.

Again, great comment! Thanks.

By Jay's brother

July 3, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Ah my wayward brother. On the contrary, it is only b/c of my love for this great country that I must insist that so many or our dreamy-eyed citizenry who seem to be so taken with this empty suit with the charming voice to put on their glasses and see Obama for what he is.

By GOPs got to go

July 3, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks for asking Jay.

I love that my ancestors had the courage and the spunk to leave their famished country to come to this great land, where a few generations later, I am able to live the rather comfortable life I have. I have had the honor to go on a medical mission to Haiti a few years ago. After living among the Haitians for only a short while, I can understand how people from other countries will do just about anything to get here. I was never so happy to see the wonderful US of A after treating so many starving, sick people just 300 miles off of the coast of Florida. Kudos again to my ancestor.

I love the people of this country, red, blue or what ever else you are. Even with all the trash talk on this blog, I know in my heart that everyone here would stand up and help each other in a true disaster, should that ever come to our city. I also love southern gentlemen.

I love the brilliant Constitution of this country, yes even the 2nd Amendment. All the checks and balances that keep the power with the people. How we can all be passionate about our beliefs but still have a peaceful transition of power every 4 years. No Zimbabwe here.

I love the fact that I will be riding my bike tomorrow, yes I am one of THOSE people. Try it, it is really the best way to see the country. And I will not have any traffic or gas to deal with.

And I could listen to Johnny Lee Hooker all day long. Boom, boom, boom, boom…..

By GOPs got to go

July 3, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention I love my big, black lab. He is so laid back has got to be liberal at heart, even though he wears a red bandana.

By Bud Wiser

July 3, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

What would the 4th of July be without the three B’s…. beer, barbeque, and babes. Only in America!

By hillbilly ragger

July 3, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Bud Wiser, fookin’ brilliant. I couldn’t agree more.

Happy Fourth, bro.

By GodHatesTrash

July 3, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I’m proud that I live in a country where a brilliant young man, a powerful orator and the son of an American and an African, has a real chance to be the next President, even if his opponent is a weak old feeble incompetent lapdog for the current corrupt regime.

By JAY BOOKMAN

July 3, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

See what you started, non-bro?

OK, now everyone’s even on the political stuff.

By kakdee

July 3, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Jay — What I love about the USA is its WONDERFUL ESCORT SERVICES. THEY ARE A REAL SIGN OF BEAUTY. HAVE YOU TRIED THEM BEFORE ??

kakdee

By getalife

July 3, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

I guess Andy has not found this blog yet.

No rules.

Anarchy.

The best thing about our country is the women, weed and Budweiser.

God bless America.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

July 3, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

I like the fact we can try to live our lives the way we want to. Some of us can’t pull it off but we can at least try.

I like the fact no matter where you go each state has it’s on beauty.

I like the fact that if you want to you, you can jump in your car, truck, SUV, whatever and drive out across the country. No visas, no ID cards, no checkpoints.

I like the fact that no matter where you go if you act halfway decent and treat people with respect the vast majority of them will do the same.

I like the fact I am free to eat greasy fried foods all I want to because they taste good and I love them.

I loved Granny’s Peach Cobbler and Grandma’s peach fried pies but unfortunately I’ll never have those again in this life.

I like explaining something to a kid and seeing the light bulb come on in their head when “they get it”.

I like the fact that I live in the country and my neighbors tend to their business and I tend to mine.

I like living in a country that gave us Elvis, Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Otis Redding, Glen Campbell, Pete Fountain, Bill Gaither, Aretha Franklin, the Beach Boys, The Marshall Tucker Band and others too numerous to mention.

I like living in a country that understands baseball.

I like preachers who never ask for or receive a salary. They just take what they are given when the plate is passed around.

I like seeing people tend to the graves of relatives that passed away before they were ever born.

I like the fact that no matter how screwed up things may get politically the tanks never roll and things always transition peacefully.

I like the way people always come together in a crisis. We help each other regardless of what differences we have.

I like the fact that of all the places I’ve been God chose for me to be from North Georgia. The prettiest place in the world.

I like the fact Mr. Bookman leaves his blog open for comments late so working stiffs get a chance to comment.

And last but not least I’m glad Mr. Bookman tried to keep politics out of the comments for one day. Oh that everyone would have followed along.

By Missezz Worm

July 3, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

dear hillbilly deluxe: your mighty Ode to What’s Great in your world warmed my heart on this, the eve of our celebration of independence. you’re a fine writer and thinker and should keep plugging away at that. Happy Fourth.

By Been There Done That

July 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

I’m happy that my son is about to leave the ICU.

I’m happy when I walk through the airport in uniform and no less than 20 people thank me for my service to my country even though many of them disagree with the war that I am called upon to help prosecute.

I am happy when I come accross someone who says, “Happy Independence Day” instead of “Happy fourth of July.”

And lastly, I am happy to live in a country where people who are polar opposites politically came together on 9/12/01 to show the world that we are truly the UNITED States of America.

By Michael H. Smith

July 4, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

In honor Independence Day, the Good Stuff, The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights?

You never fail to fail Jay. Though, why not, as this occasion of 4 July has suited so many others to forget what in reality is this nation’s written birthday testimonial. For without this testament there would be no Day of Independence, no “Good Stuff” to speak of, no U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in the absence of its’ legal weight and authority upon which all of these things do solely rest:

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The signers of the Declaration represented the new states as follows:

New Hampshire Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

By Eric1

July 4, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

I love that Massachusetts and California get it. And I’m looking forward to the day the rest of the country catches up. I love Auburn football and Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, turkey and dressing. I love the sunny south and Haulover Beach. I love Lake Rabun and the mountains and New York City. Niagra Falls is spectacular! I love San Francisco and Seattle and San Diego and Black’s Beach. I love Law and Order and I Love Lucy and cheesecake and cheeseburgers and potato chips. I love being informed and I’m glad to have that option. There’s lots to love about our country. I’m glad to be part of it.

By GOPs got to go

July 4, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Great post Eric1,

Off to spend my 4th doing one more thing I love about my country, great cycling!

See you in 50 miles……..

By Abundant Pundit

July 4, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

What I love about Iran: The moustaches, the burka, and the shish-kabobs.

What I love about nazi germany: the moustache, the leiderhosen, unt der veiner-shnitzel.

What I love about Afghanistan: They beat Russia, with Osama Bin Laden’s help who was our ally then, hey wait a minute, wasn’t Saddam Hussein our ally then too? What going on? Who’s the rocket scientists who came up with that foreign policy?

What I love about the USA: The Jack Benny Show…… The Pepsi commercial with Viagra Spokesman Bob Dole and his dog drooling over Brittany Spears (new meaning to term, ‘scooby snacks’)….. The guy who danced the “New Fig Newton” in the old Fig Newton commercials. (Here comes the tricky part)…… Johnny Yuma (he was a rebel and he roamed through the west)…..the blunderbuss…….Steve McQueen…….the fact that when Jesus returns most people I know will be cast into hell where their souls will burn for eternity and it will be against the rules to let them drink the sweat off my balls……and Koolaid.

By GaLiberal

July 4, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Ben@July 3, 2008 3:07 PM ignorantly said: The American Dream. Despite a lot of cynicism these days, the American Dream is alive and well. Anyone here, if they work hard, has the chance to be successful in a way that simply isn’t true in other countries.

Ben, you are so full of sh!t you post crap like this. The US does not have a lock on success. How do you explain all the new BILLIONAIRES in communist China? What about Russia, or France, or any other country. You think they were given the money? Hardly. The ‘American Dream’ is a false mythology to give an appearance of legitimacy.

Further, there are lots of people that “work hard” and are just getting by. You know why? Jerks like you voted for those Rethuglicon a*******holes such as George Bush and Darth Cheney to run the country. Now oil is over $140, gas is $4+/gal, inflation is running about 8% per year, and unemployment is running about 5% because businesses are laying off or shutting down completely. But, to you and your kind, these people simply don’t work hard enough. Real nice way to clear your conscience and justify your “success.”

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own interests. And Ben is living proof.

By David S.

July 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Lee Greenwood Boys in the Hood City Halls Strip malls Martin guitars Rovers on Mars Outsourcing No forcing FAA “Hey, hey, hey!” Colonial Antiquity “As seen on T.V.” Drummer and fife Sanctity of life Needles highway New York gray Prom dates Fifty states Many sides 25-cent rides Snopes, the facts No internet tax Pine, oak, birch, spruce Cardinal, eagle, blue bird, goose Times Square tower Hawaii flower Diversified people Star, crescent, cross, steeple Stone Mountain Centennial Park fountain Miami beach Dr. King Speech “No papers, state to state” Drive-thru food, no wait Gettysburg fog This timely blog

By Abundant Pundit

July 4, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

US battles I love: Civil War? The battle of the Seven Days, which was the South’s only chance to win. Lee simply couldn’t get his generals to attack. But he HAD them in his grasp. Attack. Attack! ATTACK!!! no…. Just like now.

I love the narration of the battle of midway in WW2.

The battle of the bulge tells a lot about why germany never had a chance. First, the reich couldn’t have beaten russia even without the USA or Britain or France to fight. Second, panzer tanks would break through our lines during the bulge, which ordinarily would be a catastrophe and necessitate a retreat, but instead, within a couple of hours, small squads of US infantry with bazookas anihilated the dozens of tanks which had broken through, here and there. Germany never had a chance.

It was during the bulge when my dad almost bought the farm. He had a new commander who was leading the flight over the terrain too high, and they were sitting ducks. An anti-aircraft .88 shell busted through the right wing and left a big hole, and all the instraments were out, and smoke trailed the jug. His commander ordered him to bail out, and my dad answered an unprintable reply that can be summarized as “Nuts”.

He made it home off course.

By SC Birdflyte

July 4, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

What do I love about America? At its most basic: We are the children of 100 lands, the common clay “thrown out of every decent country in the world” (hat tip to Bill Murray)and from this common clay we have built a homeland that is still a magnet for dreamers from every land.

By Slick

July 4, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Jay, When I first read your post asking for “the best thing we’ve got going for us” and your suggestions…I thought the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. They make all of the other reasons possible.

After reading some of the other posts, I must add that the huge number of positives suggested by them - even those bitterly opposed on politics- makes me proud that we ALL (or almost ALL - except for that yokel who introduced his own political view) see ourselves as AMERICANS. We can disagree, b***, moan, cuss, etc. and still unite when the band plays the Star Spangled Banner and Old Glory passes by.

By GOPs got to go

July 4, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks to all the courtious drivers out there today. Came back alive again, life is good.

By Bud Wiser

July 4, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I love this time of year, and this holiday celebrating our independence. Most people I know relish the fireworks, the cookouts, the sharing of the times with new and old friends. My late father-in-law drove an LST on the day of the invasion of Normandy Beach, making several trips dropping soldiers either to meet their maker, or help some Nazis meet their maker. Either way, it was in the constant defense of America against the bad guys.

Most folks taking the time today to blog on this site have respected Jay’s comments to “…set aside a holiday thread to talk about all the things we love about this country.”

Then along comes, to point at one alone, our dear friend GaLiberal @955 this morn. There is always one who cannot abide the circumstance and post their poison pill. GaLiberal, I pity you. How lonely and pathetic your life must be to rant and rave at poor Ben, then aim your sick finger (probably the middle one) at Republicans, and just about everyone in general.

You need help.

My suggestion is that you call your friends, if you have any, and engage in something fun for just one day in your life. If this is your idea of fun, then indeed you are a very disturbed individual.

If no one answers the phone at any of your ‘friends’ houses, then please call 866 821-0465 where there is a counselor on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All the best.

By GOPs got to go

July 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I also love to talk to Older Americans. A lot can be learned from listening to their collective wisdom.

I once woke up a guy after a night in the ER, asked him how he had slept. He had a come back I will never forget. “I had better cots in France than this” Started off the day on a funny note. I then listened to his first hand accounts of his WW II experiences. 20 years old and flying planes under bridges to remain undetected over Germany during bombing raids. That generation is dying out way too fast for me. Another patient gave me his rendition of liberating a camp in Germany, so much sweeter because he was Jewish. Thanks for keeping us free.

As I was watching “The Civil War” for the 20th time last night, they again quoted an ordinary soldier’s diary. It still rang true today, “This is a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight”. With some exceptions, that has been true since the Romans were in charge.

By GodHatesTrash

July 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that this 4 July also marks the 145th anniversary of the surrender of the terrorists and traitors at Vicksburg by Union forces under Grant and the brilliant strategist William Tecumseh Sherman. Coming the one day after the CSA retreat in defeat from Gettysburg, 4 July 1863 marks the beginning of the end of their traitor outlaw nation, founded on the disgusting principle of human chattel.

Of course, their sympathisizers are still in our midst, and we must remain vigilant…

By Captain Liberty

July 4, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Daisy Dukes, Bud, SEC Football, Southern Fried Rock, Happy Hour

By cleansunmeya

July 4, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

girl right stay head apple deliver mail home busy stone

By Abundant Pundit

July 4, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday, USA!!!

Happy Deathday, Al Queda!!

Kill Osama Bin Laden!! Destroy Al Queda!!

Avenge 911

Independence Day State of the March to Freedom: The liberals are the only ones demanding the head of OBL and his al queda army. the conservatives know that if we capture OBL, then Iraq is over. They will do anything to keep OBL at large. That’s treason and ANOTHER reason why conservatism is dead. The main reason Bush has given for the perpetual war in Iraq is OBL’s Al Queda.

Let’s be clear here.

The GOP wants OBL to thrive. He’s their meal ticket, the dirty rats.

By GOPs got to go

July 4, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Now, now Abundant. We are on the same side and even I do not believe that. That is way too Dr Evil.

Although Richard Cheney never stops reminding us of why he goes by THAT short version of Richard.

By jean

July 5, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this

WELL, THERE IS PLENTY I LIKE ABOUT THE U.S. OF AMERICA!! FIRST OF ALL THE FREEDOM WE ALL SUPPOSELY HAVE. ONE MY FREEDOM OF RELIGON, SPEAK, FREE TO BE WHO I AM! FREEDOM OF TO CHOOSE THE CHURCH I WANT TO ATTEND. MAINLY THE FREEDOM WE HAVE AS US CITIZENS. GO AND COME AS WE SEE FIT.

By Abundant Pundit

July 5, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Mini-me, you complete me!

By WFC

July 5, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

What I love most about the USA is that we have freedom FROM religion as well as feedom OF religion. Millions of Americans draw comfort from organized religions and I’m happy for them. On the other hand,there are no stupid priests, ministers, imams, monks, ayatollahs, etc. who can force me to believe stupid stuff about God. God bless America!

By NRB

July 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

I love that despite Democrats like Jay Bookman who exist, those of us who are productive and recognize the rights of INDIVIDUALS can still prosper and make money in this country.

Of course, once Democrats like Jay have their way, we wont have freedom at all anymore.

By Dusty

July 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Thoughts on July Fifth

Flag waving unfurled in gentle turns

And with it our history

Fought and gained and determined

And we stand and celebrate

Our feet on paths unhindered

Our vision vaulted by a flag

America——warm heart of the once wane

Coming settling speaking voting

Reach out to the sunrise and speak

Blessed be this place of freedom

Mine Yours Ours To cherish.

By Scholar

July 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Dusty,

Go back to Wooten’s blog and leave this one alone.

By @@

July 5, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Alrighty Jay…..a testimonial from our own President, George W. Bush.

Free Speech!

The same free speech that allows a majority of attendees to tell the minority of attendees to “sit down and shut up.”

And following that, there is applause.

By Abundant Pundit

July 5, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

I bought some watermelon at Krogers. They let me go through the ten inches or less checkout counter.

The expectant mother’s only parking place had a picture of a girl in a watermelon patch, instead of a stork.

That comic Galliger who smashed watermelons in his act will never do that act the same way? I’ve got blue balls just thinking about it.

By Slick

July 5, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

GodhatesTrash, Your 4:13 post about the War of Yankee Agression leads me to conclude that your ignorance is only exceeded by your desire to p** on all the expressions of unity that were displayed on Jay’s July 4 blog. You should be ashamed of yourself!

By Bud Wiser

July 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

To the idiots of the world like GodHatesTrash, and GaLiberal, if you have the guts, read this and then tell anyone what in your sick little mind approaches anything these men have done…..

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners;men of means, well educated,but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.

Patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer,picnics, and baseball games. I proudly served in the United States Air Force for eight years……what have you done?

Nothing, except to complain bitterly about anything and everything those men, and thousands of others, died for across countless fronts over the years, some ignominiously, to allow boorish clowns like you to do just that.

You sicken me.

By GodHatesTrash

July 5, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Eight years in a sissy service like the USAF isn’t nothing, but it’s close, you loudmouth clown.

By GodHatesTrash

July 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Looks like Slick is a terrorist sympathizer - Al Qaeda in Alabama.

Either that or plain old home grown KKK.

By GOPs got to go

July 6, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Jay, Please close this post so that we can end it where we were all having a group hug instead of back to petty name calling

By Bud Wiser

July 6, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

To GodHatesTrash…..I see you listed no military service for yourself. No surprise there; your kind just looks for another government teat to suck on. All you can manage is to denigrate one of our branches of service. Your lack of intelligence, class, and ability to communicate anything meaningful makes you the “loudmouth clown.”

Low life trailer park trash like yourself contribute nothing to society. I am sure you brought down the bell curve average in the 5th grade, if you made it that far. You are a pitiful moron in need of something your release of hate cannot get you here. Enjoy your minuscule bully pulpit, you fool.

How does it feel, BTW, to be an absolute tool of the DNC, Daily Kos, Huffington Post, et al, incapable of generating a single original thought of your own? Your total lack of originality shows the world that indeed you are the imbecile you so effectively play here.

Idiot.

By Abundant Pundit

July 6, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Buttgeyser, it’s too hot. Stfu.

Did you check out Lucko today? Great stuff. I tried to use watermelon to prepare myself for a BJ. It was no fun. The hooker kept spitting the seeds out.

I dont think it’s what causes us to be horny. It’s what DOESN’T make us horny, eh?

That list would be shorter than what does, right? Am I right? Tell me. Hooters Girls. The Girls Next Door. Playboy Bunnies. Exotic Dancers. Tatoos. The Beach. A tatoo of the beach.

SO many things make us do the nasty right there on the floor. Big Booties. Slaps. Giving big booties a slap. Apple Bottom jeans. Boots w/dafur.

So how are things in Darfur????? Bush is such a patsy for Cheney, U know what I say 2U this day? A cannibal would have been a better president. Bush ate Lady Liberty’s liver…..with a nice chianti and darfur-has-beens…..svffssvfssvf)

Thanx, slutmeister, for being a good sport. Your’s is a rare combo of uber talent/uber brains that makes blogging fun again. Dont recede. Dont rescind. Dont recidivize.

Stick around. I’m gonna need you.

By Slick

July 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

GodHatesTrash

I am NOT a “terrorist sympathizer” - I am a Retired Military Officer and I’d be willing to bet that I have done more to make our country safe than you ever have!

And I do NOT live in Alabama…

By dbm

July 6, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

I love that this country was founded on reason.

I love the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. By keeping government off our backs (sort of - we need to be a lot more consistent), they make a lot of other good things possible. This includes things that are only good to some of us, but don’t really hurt the rest of us.