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What's your Fourth of July post?

Posted by jan4insight • 7/02/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: democracy, freedom, independence day, july fourth, patriotism, voting

I know there was a discussion thread recently about patriotism, but I'm going to focus on how we've blogged about the July Fourth original meanings of freedom, independence, and democracy.

For me, patriotism is not about flag-waving, pin-wearing, or blowing things up.

It's about VOTING.

Here's my blog; it's the top post right now:

www.jan4geo-glow.blogspot.com/2008/07/democracy-use-it-or-lose-it.html

User Comments

7/02/08

jan4insight

Before I forget, here's my cat Luvlee's fourth of July post:

www.jan4geo-glow.blogspot.com/2008/07/luvlee-says-remember-us-on-fourth-of....

[reply]
7/02/08

clioandme

I doubt I'm gonna blog this one. I'll do a holiday that needs calling attention to, but this one isn't in danger of being forgotten.

[reply]
1. 7/03/08
  
  Norski
  
  True enough - all those fireworks call attention to Independence Day.
  
  Here's an idea: You might consider blogging about United Nations Day ( www.un.org/depts/dhl/unationsday/ ) October 24.
  
  I don't know about it's being in danger of being forgotten, but it's certainly not on the top of the charts, either.
  
  Just a thought.
7/02/08

Theresa111

Who was Yankee Doodle Dandy, anyway?

[reply]
1. 7/02/08
  
  riverstyxxx
  
  comment removed by the community.
2. 7/02/08
  
  clioandme
  
  The guy who stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni, of course.
7/02/08

cooper

This isn't mine but it is most likely going to be the best one I read.
bitterbierce.blogspot.com/2008/07/last-refuge-some-patriotic-noyes-for.html

[reply]
1. 7/02/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  What, you didn't think my post was good? :-)
  
  But I give you credit - bitterbierce made a dang good point with his ode to the "patriot"!
2. 7/03/08
  
  cooper
  
  jan, I liked the post I commented over there.
3. 7/03/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Thanks, Cooper, and I've published your comment:-)
4. 7/03/08
  
  lettershome
  
  hey cooper, thanks for the link. The Highwayman is one of my favourite poems.
7/02/08

Norski

My Independence Day post is in the works, and should be ready early on the 4th.

I've got an idea, a graphic, and a dull, cold feeling in my stomach as I realize there's only 24 hours left.

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  Norski
  
  I've got two Independence Day posts now.
  
  One's fun (I trust): "Now That's American!"
  ( apatheticlemming.blogspot.com/2008/07/now-thats-american.html )
  
  The other's controversial: "United States of America: 232 Years in the Freedom Business"
  ( anotherwaronterrorblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/united-states-of-america-232-ye... )
2. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Good job, Norski! I am encouraged that more of us are now questioning the image America has in the world - questioning in a positive way, because it's only by looking at the good, the bad, and everything in between, that we can make changes for the better.
7/02/08

CrotchetyOldMan

Yankee Doodle was the country's first Italian American.

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7/02/08

CrotchetyOldMan

I blog just about every day, so I haven't even thought about my 4th of July post yet. It will probably inspiring and oozing with patriotic fervor. Or it will be something about Richard Simmons.

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1. 7/03/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Richard Simmons is very patriotic, isn't he?
7/03/08

thefly

Ive got a funny 4th of July story from last years extravaganza that Im saving for the 4th of July. You will just need to come by my blog on or after the fourth to read it.

thefly4176.blogspot.com/

Buzz Buzz

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Wow, I guess you got a war story out of that one. Glad no one was hurt and the fires weren't serious.
  
  However, I'm glad we don't live in the same neighborhood. I have a hard time with fireworks and your "blast" would probably have pushed me over the edge!
7/04/08

clioandme

Well, time to eat my words. I decided to do a post on the Declaration of Independence, which I throw into a different historical light than most of us are taught in school. It's called "Why I like the Declaration of Independence" clioandme.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/why-i-like-the-declaration-of-independen...

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1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Good job, Mark, and I'm glad you changed your mind to bring us this informative post.
  
  One thing that fascinates me about the Declaration of Independence is that some of the Founders had spent time with the natives in the Iroquois Confederacy, learning how their system operated, and that parts of our Republic were modeled after the Iroquois. But I always wonder, is this a modern myth? Did your research turn up anything about that?
2. 7/06/08
  
  clioandme
  
  Sounds apocryphal to me, but I don't know the literature.
3. 7/07/08
  
  Norski
  
  jan4insight,
  
  What markstoneman said.
  
  Although I take the claim with a few pounds of salt, it's not inconceivable. My understanding is that the people who designed America's government studied quite a few systems known to them, including the ancient Greek and Roman governments.
  
  It's not beyond possibility that they took note of how the Iroquois nation handled their affairs.
7/04/08

DrowseyMonkey

I did one, eventho I'm Canadian

But it's about fireworks ... at Disney. Can ya get any more American than that? I love fireworks, and Disney! I'll leave the serious posts to you guys ... but if you wanna see fireworks...

drowseymonkey.blogspot.com/2008/07/happy-4th-of-july.html

Happy July 4th!

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  clioandme
  
  I'll bet Disney put on a show that rivaled that of our capital.
2. 7/04/08
  
  DrowseyMonkey
  
  I gotta say, Canadians really don't know how to put on a show ... but the benefit of living so close to the US is we get most of your TV stations, lol. So ... I'll be watching the celebrations, I really enjoy them.
3. 7/04/08
  
  clioandme
  
  I disagree about Canada. You should have seen the one I saw in Montreal on the river on 7/3/1994. Impressive to say the least, and with classical music being piped through speaker too, the music and show synchronized.
4. 7/04/08
  
  DrowseyMonkey
  
  Oh yes, I know what you mean. Those were competitions by a variety of countries. They hold them in Toronto as well. They hold them every year. I've seen them live as well ... very impressive for sure.
  
  Sadly, Canada Day came & went with minimal fanfare, that's Canada, LOL! We did have fireworks, but nothing like the 4th of July celebrations.
5. 7/04/08
  
  clioandme
  
  You've still got better beer, and 5%.
6. 7/04/08
  
  DrowseyMonkey
  
  Can't dispute that one.
7. 7/04/08
  
  dlowe
  
  What Canadians lack in fireworks they make up for in humor.
8. 7/04/08
  
  DrowseyMonkey
  
  Ooohhh ... someone's itching for a spot on my blogroll
9. 7/04/08
  
  dlowe
  
  You mean all I have to do is kiss butt to get a spot on your blogroll?
  I've always heard Canadian girls were easy. LOL (See, Americans can be funny sometimes).
10. 7/04/08
  
  Anniepooh
  
  Ooooh! I remember fireworks at Epcot when I was a teen--they were SPECTACULAR! It's raining here so I guess our fireworks won't happen Phooey.
11. 7/04/08
  
  dlowe
  
  I used to live in Orange County, California and could see the disneylad fireworks from my house. Every summer night was a fireworks show.
  
  My favorite was Dana POint on the 4th. You could pull your sailboat righ tup to the barge where they lit the firework. you could lay on the deck on your back and they'd explode right over you.
12. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Thanks for posting, Drowsey. This is the only fireworks show I will see without trees in the way.
7/04/08

cooper

I'll eat mine too. Here is mine.
wonderlandornot.net/2008/07/04/this-land-is-your-land-is-your-land-this-lan...

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Thanks for changing your mind, Cooper. "This land is your land" is a great song, and perfect for this election year.
7/04/08

Majik

I just came back from reading and commenting on your post. I really enjoyed it. I will be thinking up a post for my readers south of the Canadian border for their nations birthday celebrations later on today. I wrote a post for the Canadian version of the 4th of July on Canada Day (July 1st) I hope it is just as enjoyable.

majik2903.blogspot.com/2008/07/birth-of-nation.html

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  Majik
  
  I have published my post on what July 4th means to me. From an American point of view it may not be very patriotic, but as I am a Canadian it is just my opinion.
  
  majik2903.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-does-july-4th-mean-to-me.html
2. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Great posts, Majik. BTW, I've published your comment to my blog. I couldn't find the slogans you mentioned from your country's campaign to bolster voting. I wonder if you could post them here (or start a discussion thread with them) because I think we Americans need a kick-in-the-rear to get voting!
3. 7/06/08
  
  Majik
  
  I found two of the commercials that were running before our last Federal election. But it does get the point across about letting others speak for you.
  
  www.youtube.com/watch?v=USTHiXDXUEU
  
  www.youtube.com/watch?v=61nPt7lsook
4. 7/06/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Wow! These are terrific! Thank you for posting these...
  
  and I definitely agree, apathy is sooooo boring!
7/04/08

Aprilfreelance

I just posted my 4th of July Christian article: christianadvicesite.com/general/general-stories/49-general-stories/84-freed...

It is really a look at how my thoughts about freedom changed throughout this week as I thought about the holiday and watched the news. If you're not a Christian, you can skip the last two paragraphs.

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  I agree, April, freedom always entails responsibilities. Too many people forget that. Sorry about your friend who took his life.
7/04/08

Teck

Here's my fourth of July post...
teckline.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/happy-4th-of-july-everyone/

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Whooaaa, happy birthday Tech! It's always interesting when one shares a birthday with a holiday - mine's close to Christmas so it always gets overlooked in the holiday rush.
7/04/08

ender

my didn't start out as a 4 jul post, but it morphed into that after wrestling with it all week.
www.coyotethunder.com/RedMonkey/archives/2008/07/homes.html

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Great post, Ender. About once a year I drive from Albuquerque, where I live, to Durango for the Whole Expo metaphysical exposition, and of course I pass through that beautiful, wild, open country of the Dineh. One spot that always catches my attention is the very place you wrote about. It's way out in the middle of nowhere, but whenever I drive by it - even though I'm heading somewhere else - I get this feeling of "coming home."
7/04/08

latewire

I'm pretty sure we're not going to have a 7/4 post on latwire.com

Our site is more about compulsion to write on random topics at random times than theme or current events based. We squeeze better quality out of our writing that way...

We're also lazy.

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  I just got a blank screen when I followed your link. That's nice minimal approach to blogging ....
7/04/08

CrotchetyOldMan

I didn't do my usual goofy posts (that will be tomorrow, and I can assure you it is a doozy) but I went for something that spoke to me.

crotchety-old-man-yells-at-cars.blogspot.com/2008/07/happy-4th-of-july.html

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Terrific, OM! The Gettysburg Address is an inspiring part of our history, so thank you for posting it here. I'm glad that so many of us are thinking the Fourth of July is about more than "fireworks and hotdogs."
  
  and - happy birthday to Mrs. Crotchety.
7/04/08

dlowe

I posted about my father:
www.hackyoursoul.com/?p=14

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Very moving post, Danny. I encourage everyone to read it.
7/04/08

washwords

Great question: I posted (yesterday) on Independence, specifically being a strong independent woman but still letting myself depend on those I love.... washwords.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/independence-day/

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Food for thought ... I never knew that our word "dependent" came from the Latin meaning "hang from." Thank you.
7/04/08

JaneQCitizen

Like a true greedy American, I blogged about money!

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7/04/08

crpitt

I was gardening with an American Bra, does that count?

crpitt.blogspot.com/2008/07/smelling-flowers-with-olga.html

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  JaneQCitizen
  
  Absolutely!
2. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Glad you were able to get out and smell the flowers today!
3. 7/04/08
  
  crpitt
  
  Well Olga was the only American I had available to hang out with today
  Although she is not the best gardener.
7/04/08

Anniepooh

The fourth of July is my blogging anniversary. Hate to detract from the country and all that, but I blog about my blog 3 years old today!

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  clioandme
  
  Congratulations!
2. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Ditto on the congrats, and wow folks, look at all the birthdays we're having!
7/04/08

harleyblues

well this is mine.. more of a staement than anything c'mon people you can give the video a listen right?

Well Im a bit cynical right now re: The 4th n Freedom-see my post if you like, the vid is powerful & moving with its haunting music (ps I donot mean to offend)

harleyblues2007.blogspot.com/2008/07/remember-troops-on-this-4th-of-july.ht...

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  I couldn't get the video to load (or maybe I was too impatient), but I agree with you - I want to see the troops home from this terrible, useless war.
7/04/08

robertstevenson

My post is flag waving. It is here: robertstevenson.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/happy-birthday-america/

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  RecycleCindy
  
  BTW -- If you haven't checked out Rob's 4th of July post, it's wonderful. Music, flags waving, beautiful words and everyone's blog link that commented. What more could you ask for?
2. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Robert, I chimed in with my eternal plea for everyone to show their patriotism by getting out to VOTE.
7/04/08

hollywoodchainsaw

Uh, mine's about an encounter with Tigger and a link to a story about police warning people to stay out of Oniontown, N.Y.
newstimescommunity.com/blogs/chainsaw/

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Thank you, Hollywood. That's a movie I want to see, too!
7/04/08

daisythecurlycat

Well, I am wearing a fancy 4th of July suit:

daisythecurlycat.blogspot.com/2008/07/happy-independence-day.html

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Daisy, you're adorable in your new outfit! Did you read my cat Luvlee's July 4 Post? It's linked in the first comment of this discussion thread. Luvlee is feeling sad that her post hasn't gotten any comments yet, so maybe you send a message and cheer her up?
2. 7/04/08
  
  daisythecurlycat
  
  I sent Luvlee a message! She is a smart kitty.
3. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Thank you Daisy. That made Luvlee very happy. BTW, she thinks your new outfit is the "cat's pajamas." :-D
7/04/08

RecycleCindy

I have a summer crochet craft project that I posted along with a 4th of July greeting to all.
www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/07/03/sunshine-dishcloth-with-scrubbie

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Good for you for using recycled materials, Cindy. I'm crocheting today, too - I'm recycling scrap yarn into a bath rug.
7/04/08

kzemek

I blogged about the hot dog eating contest at Coney Island--tie for first with 59 hot dogs and buns so had to have tie breaker of 5 more to see who could eat them all first.

[reply]
1. 7/04/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  That many hot dogs? Please pass the tums ...:-)
7/04/08

humorsmith

Would you believe...a man arguing with himself as a woman?

www.humorsmith.com

[reply]
1. 7/05/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Take a look at that photo!
  
  BTW, last night I watched an movie called "Ed Wood" from 1994, directed by Time Burton, starring Johnny Depp - it must have been an early role for him; he looked fairly young. Anyway, the role calls for Johnny Depp to get into drag, and in one scene do a strip-tease. He looked pretty cute, even with the mustache.
7/04/08

mmjvy

a greetings card with colorful three ballons that says... Happy July 4th!

[reply]
1. 7/05/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  I couldn't get to your blog, but balloons are always nice!
7/04/08

jackpayne

Posted a blog today about medical equipment fraud and how people who accept these free, free, free propositions are unwittingly leaving themselves open to being thrown in the slammer as a "co-conspirator" right along with the con artist who took them.

[reply]
1. 7/05/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Jack, I read your post about this scam, and, well I never! It boggles the mind to think what people will do to scam somebody. And the irony is, many legitimate doctors these days are refusing to take Medicare patients because the payments are too low.
7/04/08

thebodnerone

I just wrote a short blurb about fireworks...and kids...
thebodnerone.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/another-4th-of-july-comes-and-goes/

[reply]
1. 7/05/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Nice post - who would have thought that Wal-Mart would be open and packed with kids on fourth of July?
7/05/08

jan4insight

Thanks, everyone for sharing your posts. We've had a great day blogging, and it just goes to show that we dedicated bloggers keep going on; even through the holidays our blogs never sleep.

Now that the neighborhood fireworks are just about over (thank heavens!), my cat Luvlee is telling me to turn off the computer and pay some attention to her. So I'll say goodnight and see y'all in another discussion thread.

[reply]
7/05/08

voodooKobra

I didn't do one this year. Patriotism seems so shallow and I really didn't have the energy.

[reply]
7/05/08

chrisc324

My post was the Fourth of July edition of my Licking Windows comic strip.

angryseafood.com/2008/07/04/licking-windows-21-idiotpendence-day/

[reply]
1. 7/05/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Sorry I missed you last night, Chris - but your cartoon is great, and there really are way too many idiots out there on "Idiotpendence" Day!
7/05/08

craftymug

Mine is a short and sweet paragraph, but I have a nice vintage patriotic graphic from The Graphics Fairy and I show some of my hand stitched patriotic cross stitch projects since mine is a craft blog.
craftythisandthat.blogspot.com/

[reply]
1. 7/06/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Crafty, I loved your vintage illustration and I admired your cross-stitch. I've never had the patience to do that myself. I love craft blogs, but I didn't find an "about" for you on the blog and I always feel like something's missing when that is omitted - 'cause I like to see who's crafting and blogging.
  
  Peace.
2. 7/06/08
  
  craftymug
  
  Jan, Thank you visiting my site. I don't have the patience that I once had. My cross stitching days are almost non-existant since my laptop purchase. I went back and made my profile so you can read it. It's not that interesting. I'm a little shy on personal details on the internet.
7/05/08

chrisc324

Thanks jan

I have a lot of fun making them and it's always nice to know they make people laugh. That's my goal after all

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7/06/08

shoreacres

I'm brand new here, and still a bit confused, but this seemed to be a good place to start!

You can find my reflections on unknown people enjoying small celebrations in tiny towns here:

shoreacres.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/its-their-country-too/

[reply]
1. 7/06/08
  
  jan4insight
  
  Welcome to Blog Catalog, shoreacres. You are doing the right thing by jumping in and sharing your posts. I've only been a member for less than 2 months, and already I'm giving advice like an old-timer :-)
  
  Your post was thoughtful, well-written, and had great images. I'm not a fireworks fan myself, but I really appreciated your point about the regrettable rush to "bigness" (ie, corporate sameness) at the expense of individual creativity and small-scale connections. Good job!
7/06/08

marlyms

i just enjoyed the celebration of America's Independence for the first time.

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7/07/08

Peglegstarfish

Pyrotechnics of course! It's about the Houston festival that me and my honey went to. I've got some video!

www.peglegstarfish.com

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7/07/08

shoreacres

Morning, Jan ~

Thanks for the response and your kind words. Little by little, as they say! Enjoy your week.

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