Today is Independence Day here in the United States. On July 4th, 1776, the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to adopt the Declaration of Independence which spelled out the rationale for the thirteen American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain and reject rule by an all-powerful king.
Things are different in 2024 ...
This past week, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Trump v United States that an American president has virtually complete immunity from criminal accountability for his (or, eventually, her) actions taken while in office. We now have the king we rejected in 1776 and the proof - if you still needed it - that the cherished concept of equal justice under law is dead.
The Supreme Court also, in the case of Snyder v United States, legitimized bribery of public officials, as long as the bribe is given after the fact as a gratuity in appreciation of past services rather than as an enticement to perform future services. Government is now as much for sale as it is in the most corrupt third world country.
As you enjoy your picnics and fireworks and inspirational speeches on this Independence Day, consider the choice you will make in November. It is a choice between democracy and monarchy, if not outright fascism*. It is a choice between competent government that works for the common citizen and government that exists to advance the interests of corporations and the very wealthy. It is a choice between an idealized vision of a glorious past that never existed and a clear-eyed vision of a dangerous future yet to come.
Choose wisely.
Have a good day and enjoy your holiday with an eye to an uncertain future.
More thoughts coming.
Bilbo
* Read the Project 2025 plan if you doubt it.
The 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence and immediately became 56 traitors to England with a sentence of death attached to the honor.
ReplyDeleteThey all signed and, " with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
What are you willing to risk for the Freedom so hard won?
"a glorious past that never existed"
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the sad truth.
Anonymous, given the tone of the comments you tend to leave on my posts, I doubt that this will cut any ice with you, but here goes: "What are you willing to risk for the Freedom so hard won?", you ask. I served 23 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Lt Colonel. My son is a serving Colonel in the Air Force. One of my brothers served more than 20 years in the Navy, retiring as a CW3; the other brother served two tours in the Army, but didn't make it a career. I have worked since 2016 as a trained, sworn Officer of Elections for my county ... which, technically, doesn't risk anything although nowadays the irresponsible rhetoric from Der Furor can make life difficult and even dangerous for election workers. I know what I and my family have been willing to risk, and I know that I continue to serve the country I love. If my scorn for the raging lunacy of a convicted felon who spits on his country bothers you, I'm sorry. Take solace in the fact that there are millions of other blogs out there; I'm sure you can find one of which you approve. Have a nice day. More thoughts coming.
ReplyDeleteFor our Supreme Court unjust rulings, impeachment is a remedy in the Constitution, if there was a unified legislature. It should be considered if the Dems win it all. Everyone has to vote!
ReplyDelete