rumitoid

Paul Revere never made it to Concord (a man named Samuel Prescott did) and he never said the "British are coming" at Lexington (he said "the regulars are coming"). But he did give a warning in that latter town that started the American Revolution.

The American force, farmers and merchants from that town, hung out at the local pub for a few hours until word came the regulars were half a mile away. They set off for the green where they were met by a small contingent of English soldiers. The American in charge said not to fire unless fired upon; the English officer was ready to lead his troops away to their objective at Concord, reports of stored armed. Both sides were leaving the field of confrontation...and then in a small, brief puff of smoke, everything changed. It is not certain which side fired the shot, the one "heard round the world," but this "mistake" launched "the great experiment," the finest government ever conceived by man. Not in that instant, however, did it come into being.

After declaring our independence, the Articles of Confederation were drafted as our constitution. States were considered nations; that is the way the word "state" was understood at that time. Thirteen currencies, tariffs between every state, different times and laws, and the president held no power at all; he needed permission to write a letter. It was a mess. There was actually a short-lived r*******n against the fledgling government by the rebels.
We had three "first presidents" before Washington, but the last of these, John Hanson, was recognized by Washington as being the true first president of the United States of America, elected by the congress.

Why this peek at history?

We gloss over a lot of messy, even sordid or wrong-headed, things in order to give what is believed to be a clear picture of things. Simplfying seems justified. Why bring up the Founding Fathers had s***es? Why mention only white land-owners--and not B****s, native Americans, women, or white non-landowners--initially enjoyed the ideals of liberty? As it says in the book Animal Farm, it was then: "Everyone is equal...but some are more equal than others." Why reveal the rebels waited in a pub? Why reveal the wonderful story about Paul Revere is false?

The t***h is worth it. Life is messy. Messy basically describes life.
(Gonna interrupt my long-winded spiel here because of what I just saw on TV: a group of young children in the midst of playing on a military base stop everything at the sound of Colors and come to rigid attention; very moving.)
We the people need to get painfully honest with each other--with respect. Our nation did not begin with a homgenous group of brave freedom-fighters. Feuds between states over religion and politics were long, bitter, and often violent. Yet this chaotic and self-serving mess somehow came together to solve the problem of how to govern in a way that honors the individual through a united community.

I think "we the people" of today can do the same but it demands courage and even-minded heads. If we do not, I feel that America is surely doomed to dissolution and ruin in a mistaken patriotic idea of freedom by revolt and secession.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

Dear Rumitoid,

To everyone's confusion, I am VERY fond of you. I know you do not perceive this as true, because I so frequently "pick on you". It is like the sibling thing. I can, they cannot.

I am only going to speak to a VERY small little snippet of your post.

Could you explain to poor befuddled AuntiE why children understand the seriousness of the colors and show respect when a bunch of adults in many places at many times have no ability to stand up straight, place their hand over their heart while looking at our f**g. Could you explain to poor befuddled AuntiE why our adults are to bloody lazy to know the words to the Star Spangled Banner? Notice i did not say sing. An individual could at least mouth the words.

The confused and befuddled AuntiE well remembers when the Olympics were in Canada every single Canadian not only knew the words to their national anthem, but were singing or mouthing the words whenever it was played. Their athletes knew the words and participated when on the medal stand. Noticeably. OURS DID NOT AND DO NOT! :thumbdown: :thumbdown: On every single one of them.

Poor rumitoid, again, accidentally stumbled into one of my "hot buttons". My rant is now over.

rumitoid

Dear sister (rival and loving sibling), I cannot explain it and that was why I was so moved by those children; it literally brought tears to my eyes. To see such immediate honor in those so young, and otherwise occupied in some carefree play, grabbed at my heart. If only the principles and ideals that founded this great country, the wondrous experiment in the dignity of man could catch fire in every heart. I am not fooling myself that those kids felt or knew all those things the "Colors" represent: it was their parents and what they did that brought them to attention. Something basic to humanity they knew as true and good. We all need to be that example for those around us. This often petty and self-defeating bickering we engage in dishonors all that is good and just. Yes, reduce a top-heavy government; this is American. Destroy America through secession or partisan war dishonors the Colors and all those who died for freedom.
The South was not totally mistaken. It was not a craven defense of s***ery that drove secession. Yet war was not the answer. War is egregious p***e and wanton greed. It is evil in every aspect. The failure to cooperate and find a workable solution to difficulties to such a point where we k**l each other, is a form of insanity, not patriotism. I will get down off my horse now.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

It would appear you and i are ranting and riding this PM.

I was greatly heartened this PM when a teen tricker treater was partially away from the door, turned came back and said, "Thank you for the treat." I was heartened when a little one of approximately two or three could barely say trick or treat but was able to clearly enunciate the words, "Thank you." very clearly. Do please and thank you seem too priggish? Now, to be truly priggish, I will say if you can get out six letters (thanks) how much more difficult are eight (thank you)? Just one of my nitpicked issues. I will go further. If a young man (not an adult but young) holds a door open for an adult woman, why is it to difficult for her to look that young male in the face and say, "Thank you." to reinforce such politeness? Do we have large issues? Yes, we do. Perhaps if we start with basic good manners as a daily practice, we can work our way up. Gosh, i obviously need a mental health professional with such a thought.

rumitoid

You hit it, Auntie; it is those "simple" gestures of respect, provided by loving and caring parents that believe in the ideals and values of this country, that make a huge difference. PC has almost such things passe. It is very sad to see this so-called "e******y" take root and de-value most of the traditions that made our nation great.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

I've often complained ( to my wife mostly ) how such rude people we've become. No common curtesy, no respect for the f**g etc. I was raised to open doors for women, the elderly or anyone needing assistance. I don't see much of that any more.
perhaps more history is in order. Our privileges were hard won but are taken for granted now. Smart phones, tablets, laptops etc. keep us informed? Of what? Mindless drivel! Every time something bad happens somebody is at fault, somebody must be sued! The media sensationalizes EVERYTHING. I think our minds have become so full of trivia there's no room for simple stuff like curtesy, patriotism ( defending ones political party is not patriotism ), gratitude, tolerance or love.

rumitoid

More your pain and disappointment was felt than what you had to say. I grew up in what could only be described as an idyllic neighborhood. This does not mean one without sin or error but one that knows how to heal and come together. In th OT, that is how all the prophets are described; not perfect but obedient and willing to come back into agreement and make proper amends. This was called "perfect righteousness."

Puds Loc: So Centrl MN

Many of us as children were fortunate to have been exposed to the likes of Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo, and his frequent reminder of the "magic words" please and thank you. Manners
and polite communication were encouraged by media, educators, parents and peers. We have tragically abandoned
communication that built a foundation establishing productive dialog.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Yes, that's what happens when you let the media pick the role models for our children. We now have a generation of instant gratification junkies ( they might as well do dope ), they are rude and inconsiderate. Try taking a smart phone away from a teenager - they'll find some other device - the more " connected " they are the more " disconnected " they become to polite society. We are even going so far as to put schooling on line. Let's just stop ALL human interaction, we're not very good at it.

Augustus Greatorex Loc: NE

All that mess of brave freedom fighters were human, that's homogeneous enough for me. Unless "homgenous" means something else?

One shot. Obviously even-minded heads won out on that one.

jay-are

I also love what you are saying on this post. I have to make one distinction, however. Your comment about war needs a little massaging. It is not the answer to instigate war to get what we want, but, as with the revolution, and world war II, war is sometimes necessary and the only means conceivable to protect what is good. In that case, it happens, and we should enthusiastically join in to achieve a victory for what is right and good. The war on terror comes to mind.

That is my only insertion into this very good conversation.

Puds Loc: So Centrl MN

We have been hiring younger people for 30 years. I find it disheartening our education system has graduated, from high school, people who cannot make change, spell, construct basic
sentences, or problem solve.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

some college grads have same problem. Communication is automated now.

Ve'hoe

I am a "captured entity" (Cheyenne) but also an Officer for the govt,,,,blah blah blah,,,, the reason why it is moving is that even with the death, s***ery, corruption et al,,,, this country is the best thing ever created by man,,,outside the bible,,, it is such a shame that man has such an ability to achieve and at the same time such a petty crappy "sinful" nature to destroy it,,,,and the worst sin of all,,, is to not give a damn. It does matter!! It is worth fighting for,,, and I am afraid we are going to have to again......

Ve'hoe

Gus: It depends on whether he hit anything