Happy Independence Day!
The Fourth is one of my favorite holidays as an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our common article of faith in the independence of a nation committed to freedom and individual rights. This country remains the greatest hope for freedom in the world and these protests reaffirm those rights. We celebrate the ideals of the people we strive to be — and the millions who came before us. With the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Framers placed themselves and their families at the greatest peril for the principles of self determination and democratic rule. The American Republic was always meant to be a work in progress. Yet, our Constitution created the most successful and stable constitutional system in the history of the world.
This is a great day for family and food and fun. It is also a day to remember and to celebrate what we have accomplished in the protection of liberty. We have the ability to change our society but our constitutional system remains the greatest vehicle of justice and equality in the world. There is more that unites us than divides us and this holiday is a reminder of that transcendent fact. Many of us will join today to celebrate these United States and its history and values.
I truly love this holiday because it ideally celebrates what we have in common as opposed to what divides us. For all of our faults and failures, we have triumphed over great evils from without and within. The Framers gave us a system that has withstood it all through the test of time and turmoil. It will withstand these days and we will find a course forward as a nation.
Once again, as a Madisonian scholar, you will have to forgive my quoting James Madison from Essays for the National Gazette, 1792:
“In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example … of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling presage of its happiness.”
Happy Fourth, everyone.
We are celebrating this year with someone in the US on a work visa. It is so much fun to see our celebrations and traditions anew through her eyes. Happy 4th everyone!
Res Ipsa Loquitur Readers’ Poll. What was the hardest time in your life?
A. The time you were sitting with your father and the Chinese company wouldn’t pay you the $10 million.
B. The time the police found your gun in the dumpster behind the school.
C. The time that the Secret Service found the stash hidden in your father’s library.
D. The time you got paid $50 thousand dollars a month for serving on the board of directors of a company in an industry in which you have absolutely no experience.
E. None of the above.
Sir, which book do you recommend reading about James Madison? Loyal Follower.
The media pilloried Trump for debasing the WH with food from McDonalds and now they will ignore Hunter Biden using cocaine in the library of the WH.
Watch for Hunter to enter rehab in order to retain his scandalous plea deal coming up before a judge.
Cocaine in the White House library, will anyone ask KJP, the incompetent, lying, “historic” spokesperson about it? My guess is Jackie Heinrich will and she will be the only one. Oh, and KJP will be angry and dismissive about it. God save the queen, man.
Hunter is a single hair away from exposure, but no one wants to look.
Biden Family Fireworks: It’s never a good day when the Secret Service finds the stash hidden in your father’s library.
That must be Joe’s 10% cut. He forgot where he put it.
This is a complex crimal case. First things first: the National Park Police, the Capitol Hill Police, the DOJ, and the FBI lack the competence and integrity to handle this sensitive problem. Secondly, while the matter does not (yet) involve a Clinton-hired homicide (so far as we know,) it seems that the DOJ should nevertheless call in a world class homicide detective. I recommend OCD Adrian Monk. Attorney General Garland and FBI Director Wray should direct Monk to answer 4 questions: 1) why did Republican conspirators plant narcotics in the White House Library; 2) how were Trump and Putin involved; 3) how that criminal conspiracy relates to prior Republican crimes, like Daniel Ellsberg’s theft of classified Vietnam War documents, the Watergate break in of the DNC, Nixon’s obstruction of justice in Watergate, particularly the Rosemary Woods’ gap in the Watergate tapes, Trump’s hacking of the DNC server in 2016, and Trump’s collusion with Russia to defeat Hillary in 2016; and 4) did Donald Trump work with G. Gordon Liddy in gaining unlawful access to the White House Library. (It seems that there is yet another screw up by Trump era Secret Service personnel.) Former AG’s Eric the Wingman Holder, Loretta the Golfer Lynch, Jeff the Recused Sessions and Bill See No Evil Barr, together with Special Counsel Mueller and Durham, should form a Select Committee on the Abuse of Hunter Biden and supervise Detective Monk. All subpoena requests by Detective Monk should go through the FISA Court supervised (again) by Chief Justice John Roberts, with the help of Justice Sotomayor. And Congressmen Schiff and Swalwell should issue a special report after the 2024 election.
Don’t worry, Michael Byrd is on the case. According to sources familiar with the matter speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation.
Instead of debating what was the “best” democracy…republic…country in the last 5 millenia, how about debating what the purpose of any government is? Why were the intolerable acts significant to our independence? What was salutary neglect? How did that condition the colonists? What are unalienable rights? When/how did we get them?
Lincoln’s <Fragment on th Constitution and the Union is perfect for today.
All this is not the result of accident. It has a philosophical cause. Without the Constitution and the Union, we could not have attained the result; but even these are not the primary cause of our great prosperity. There is something back of these, entwining itself more closely about the human heart. That something is the principle of “liberty to all”—the principle that clears the path for all—gives hope to all—and by consequence, enterprise, and industry to all.
The expression of that principle, in our Declaration of Independence, was most happy and fortunate. Without this, as well as with it, we could have declared our independence of Great Britain; but without it, we could not, I think, have secured our free government and consequent prosperity. No oppressed people will fight and endure, as our fathers did, without the promise of something better than a mere change of masters.
The assertion of that principle, at that time, was the word “fitly spoken” which has proved an “apple of gold” to us. The Union and the Constitution are the picture of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was made not to conceal or destroy the apple but to adorn, and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple—not the apple for the picture.
So let us act, that neither picture or apple shall ever be blurred or bruised or broken.
That we may so act, we must study, and understand the points of danger.
Happy Independence Day to all!
Happy Fourth Dr. Turley! Happy Birthday, America!
It’s a pet peeve of mine when people wish a happy 4th of July. The holiday is Independence Day. You wouldn’t wish someone a happy December 25th, would you? Young folks should know why we’re celebrating. “Happy 4th of July” conveys nothing.
I agree!! Independence Day isn’t just some day in July.
“Young folks should know why we’re celebrating. “Happy 4th of July” conveys nothing.”
Sadly, though, it seems Memorial Day has nearly lost its meaning to far too many people. Another 3 day weekend of beer and burgers. 🙁
❤️🥇🇺🇸
Inspiring Independence Day essay penned by a Cuban immigrant:
https://www.thefp.com/p/all-immigrants-are-born-on-the-fourth-of-july
“I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance.” – John Adams
Happy Fourth, everyone! 😊😊
Happy July 4th all and a specia l4th to Hunter.
Substance found in White House library tests positive for cocaine
The “unknown item” that forced a brief evacuation of the White House Sunday night and drew a Hazmat team from Washington, DC, Fire and EMS to the executive mansion initially tested positive for cocaine, according to a dispatch call made that evening. “We have a yellow bar stating cocaine hydrochloride,” a DC firefighter stated in a radio communication at 8:49 p.m. on Sunday. “Bag it up and take it out,” the firefighter told the Hazmat team.
The white powdery substance was found in the residence’s library, according to the dispatch call.
S. Meyer– Upon further testing, I suspect the “unknown item” will transform itself magically from cocaine to baby powder. Nothing to see here. Even so, Happy Independence Day!
“will transform itself magically from cocaine to baby powder”
🙂
Happy 4th.
This most likely means that the guy that is hanging around with the president and went to a state dinner with him is meeting up with drug dealers while being watched by our Secret Service.
Of course another aspect of this is that the major media will ignore it.
It’s never a good day when the Secret Service finds the stash hidden in your father’s library.
S. Meyer writes, “The white powdery substance was found in the residence’s library.”
This will be another comic opera by the Whitehouse players. Agatha Christie meets Inspector Clouseau. So many likely suspects, so little brains.
The Institution of the United States has proven to be an; enlighten, productive, and marvelous Social Contract.
Given the parlance of Our time, I would like to see the Executive Branch move to a Seven (7) member Presidential Council,
such as the Swiss have instituted. The Swiss Federal Council serves as the collective head of state and government of Switzerland.
Its seven members are all regarded as Equals and one is ‘The President of the Confederation’ as ‘primus inter pares’ – first among equals – for one year, but with the office there still comes a whole series of traditional duties and tasks.
AS Jonathan has pointed out “… The American Republic was always meant to be a work in progress. …”
The 2024 Election cycle has begun, and as always the Candidates are making promises of “Change” “For Our Future”.
With today’s Population of 330 million, it is time for a Constitutional Structural Change. The U.S. Presidency has become a single-point venerability, which becomes obvious every 4 Years (Election Year). It has also succumb to a 2-Party Political system whom’s politics to some believe acts as a Uni-Party.
Harnessing ‘Diversity’ has always been a key strength of Our nation. The Executive Branch needs to exemplify this quality, rather than singularly creating divisiveness, if in only caused by the Structure of the Executive Branch.
The time has come for this to evolve with what America has become.
Happy 247th Birthday America 🇺🇸
Swiss Federal Presidency 🇨🇭
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/federal-presidency/tasks-federal-presidency.html
List of U.S. presidential campaign slogans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._presidential_campaign_slogans
re:
Obama’s campaign used the slogan “Change we can believe in”
Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign adopting it as the official slogan, though often used alongside “Make America Great Again”.
Hillary Clinton campaign slogans, “Ready for change, ready to lead” “Working for Change, Working for You,” and “The strength and experience to make change happen.”
Despite our flaws, every American needs to be reminded of what an amazing country this is. Thank you, Jonathan, for an excellent article and giving us this timely reminder on the 4th of July.
The greatest “hope” for freedom, and free stuff.
And immorality for all.
No morals, no freedom.
Free stuff, no freedom.
Big government, tiny citizen.
No bravery, tyranny.
Year’s following our nation’s independence, George Washington warned of the dangers of “political parties”. Political parties were never designed into the American system.
Although the Framers didn’t ban political parties, Washington warned that if Americans place their political party over the interests of the nation and factionalism (tribalism) would tear the nation apart.
Now we have politics in the “non-political” judicial branch [courts], the only real check & balance on political parties and political branches of government.
Our form of government also requires constant vigilance and nurturing if we want our children and grandchildren to inherit this great system!
Unforced Errors writes, “Now we have politics in the “non-political” judicial branch [courts], the only real check & balance on political parties and political branches of government.”
So do you think the Warren Court was not overly politicized?
re: Diogenes
The Warren court was enforcing the post-civil war constitutional amendments (13th, 14th & 15th Amendments) that stated newly freed African-Americans were “equal” citizens to white citizens.
Following the Civil War, instead of executing or imprisoning former confederates, America essentially granted amnesty to former confederates.
After the war, former confederates could be police officers, sheriffs, mayors, legislators, military, FBI agents, members of Congress or even president – with one condition!
That condition was the former confederates had to swear supreme loyalty (in their job authority) to the newly amended U.S. Constitution (which included the 13th, 14th & 15th Amendments) making African-Americans equal citizens.
Jim Crow abuses by local sheriffs and local officials are those oath-sworn officials reneging on that amnesty agreement, betraying their oath of office. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was designed to ban those disloyal officials from ever holding governing again.
Section 3 will likely be used to ban Trump (and friends) from future authority for life, since he gave aid & comfort to coup plotters on January 6. A highly disloyal act for any oath sworn official.
The Warren court was checking & balancing those disloyal Jim Crow era officials. Mostly constitutional law, not politics!
See oldmanfromkansas at 10:33 AM. IMHO, he got it right.
Peter Shill has changed his many sock puppets but his wish casting prognostications remain the same
😉
The present court enforces the Constitution. That means some of the purely politically-based decisions of the past have to be narrowed in scope or disapproved. For the Left, disapproving of earlier politically-based decisions constitutes “politics in the court.” Why? Because the Left exists in opposite world – where racism is called “anti-racism,” fascism is called “anti-fascism,” and election integrity laws are called a threat to “our democracy.”
I’m 74, and the 50+ years I’ve been watching the political/governing arena, it seems there has always been a political element to the SC, beginning with appointment process and the notion of “liberal” and “conservative” justices.
Happy 4th everybody.
Jonathan, you should know better than Madison. The “the most triumphant epoch” in history was during the Athenian Democracy, 507c – 338 BCE. The Athenians enjoyed the freedoms & liberty we could only dream about. They had no lawyers, no judges other then themselves, no terms in office longer than 1 year, no taxes, no limits on freedom of speech & thought, etc. The human race, including America, went sharply downhill ever since the Macedonian Phillip II conquered Athens in 338 BCE, and ended the only true democracy in history.
I’ve waited 2,400 years just to hear you say that!
Diogenes….You look FABULOUS for your age! What is your beauty secret, Grecian Formula?
LOL!!! 😉
Ouzo, Cindy. I’m basically embalmed 😉
I am not as well-versed in Athenian history as I should be, but I recollect the criteria for voting in its democracy.
Maybe 1/3 of the population was citizens, where only about half met the qualifications, and only about 10% voted at any time.
“In a democracy, there is, first, that most splendid of virtues, equality before the law.” __Herodotus
Democracy is splendid, but our founders recognized the difficulty with direct democracy and provided us with a republic.
It makes me wonder how much of the population needs to vote to hear the voice of the people. I also remember 30 years as the age to be a judge. They had good reason. I can see good reasons behind that age, yet they could vote at 18. Were the 18-year-olds away from the assembly due to military obligations and unable to vote in large numbers?
The present failure of our Republic is linked to poor choices by many uneducated people. Equality under the law is not dependent on the number of people who vote.
Happy Fourth. This country is grand and, despite its faults, should be loved.
Robert, I agree wholeheartedly with your comment, but Socrates would like a word.
Ah yes, the Athenian democracy that oppressed the smaller city states of the Greek civilisation, extorting money “for mutual defence” that ended up funding the beautification of Athens. Agreed however regarding Madison, the genius who started an unwinnable second war with Britain that the young USA only barely survived because Britain had better things to do, such as ridding Europe of the tyrant Bonaparte…
“. . . no terms in office longer than 1 year, no taxes . . .”
Huh?
Pericles was the elected head of Athens for some 30 years.
There were direct and indirect taxes on everything from imports and exports, to houses and wine.
“. . . no limits on freedom of speech & thought, etc.”
Unless your name happened to be Socrates.
“They had no lawyers, no judges other then themselves . . .”
They used “orators” and “magistrates” — the prototypes for professional attorneys and judges.
Where do people come up with this garbage?
Below deboluccia rightly expresses that the Constitution is our greatest protection against tyranny. And last week the Supreme Court issued three decisions that actually enforced and, therefore, strengthened the Constitution. These decisions upheld the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and Congress’s exclusive authority to create new federal laws.
Whatever one thinks of President Trump’s personality (and I don’t think much of it), he gave a gift to America that seemingly nobody else could have – he got three Constitution-enforcing judges confirmed as Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. His achievement in this regard, and the skill with which he pulled it off, is briefly explained here:
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2023/07/trumps_greatest_triumph_a_court_that_follow_the_constitution.html
I’m not a Trump fanboy, either, but yes, he deserves a lot of credit for the most courageous Court in 100 years.