Independence Day 2005

First of all, it’s the matriarch’s birthday. Happy Eighty-Fourth Birthday to my great-aunt Alma; still kickin’, still ornery.

Also, two years ago today, the Bear Flag League was born.

Justene Adamec:

Two years ago today, I started the Bear Flag League along with a half dozen cohorts to give a larger, more visible presence to the conservative voice in California. As we've grown to over 100 bloggers and applications for membership come in at a clip that will cause us to double in size in the next 3-6 months or limit membership, I wonder when we'll be "legitimate". When does that viewpoint become just the other side of the aisle?

Greyhawk, being stationed in Germany and, therefore, hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, starts things off with photos and fun commentary from the Ramstein Air Base Freedom Fest.

President Bush invades Byrd territory for his Independence Day address.

Defending the ideals of our founding has required the service and sacrifice of every generation, and the men and women of our Armed Forces have always answered our nation's call. With their courage, they have crossed oceans, defeated murderous ideologies, and liberated the oppressed. And today, on this Fourth of July, our grateful nation thanks our 25 million veterans for their service to our country.

The American (traditional) press is in a blue funk this Independence Day. Cue the violins.

An African becomes an American:

[A]s I write this I realize I've been American for a while. I've cared for its politics; I've called it home for several years now. I know how to order my Subway sandwich, and how to confidently navigate the interstate system. I no longer say I'm from Zambia when asked where I come from. Instead, I answer Tennessee.

And the bottom line:

We need to remind ourselves that whatever complaints we have about our current government they are embarrassingly petty when compared to the tens of millions around the world who fear the midnight knock at the door.

(Thanks to Glenn Reynolds, Michael Silence and Blackfive)

Comments

[Uncle Jimbo]

Thanks Much Baldi,

Although I will need to fashion a nicer sounding nickname for you. I have been reading your blog for quite a while and it was nice to see that Matt shipped you to mine.

Happy fourth to all.

Cordially,

Uncle J