Since there was a Canada Day thread thought there should be one for the 4th of July also.

Let me say this. I do not always agree with the things my government does. However, the basic and original guiding ideas of my government are to me a wondrous thing.

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, having its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient suffrance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. "


This day for me is a time to reflect on these ideas. Not a time in which to engage in blind patriotism...or to completely trash my government. But to reflect and wonder how I, as a citizen can further these ideas. How I can make myself and my country a better place. To celebrate the ideas which sprang forth in a dark and troubled time.

The United States in not a perfect place. But I love my country and when I disagree I try to make it better. I engage myself in the political processes....I practice the freedoms and rights given to the people, for the people and by the people. I take pride in the actions of my forefathers.....John Adams, Samuel Adams....and many others...though they too were mortal men and imperfect.

So for this Independence Day..I encourage all of my fellow Americans..to take some time and check out the world around you. Think about what this day means and how in the coming year you may engage yourself and seek to make a difference. For one day...set aside your cynicism and think with an open mind how the ideas set forth at the birth of our nation has changed the course of history hopefully for the better.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th to you too Lisn hope you enjoy yourself doing what ever you have planned. Me and some family are going to a lake for one of the best sports ever. We're going to engage in the fine and calming sport of fishing fun fun.

happy 4th...always love your country...always question your government!

HAPPY 4th, of JULY!!

Atleast your country had the balls to tell the Queen, to stick it, and become your own identity.

I wish I was down in Colorado celabrating!

Sometimes I think my country has more balls than it should. We seem to always be the first to go to war and we're the only country that has ever dropped a nuke on another country. I think we may have little man syndrome, that or we took to many steroids

Happy July 4th

Politics may suck but still in general a good country to live/be born in. WOOT fireworks, set some off today! The ones I set off are said to be the best ones lol.

Even though it was a holiday, there are those that work them to help, even in a small way, to keep this country going. Our country, though younger than some others, may not have the best system, but it's a lot better than many. And don't complain about taxes....it's a small price to pay to live here.

Whenever I start feeling agitated about something the South African government does I just think about Zimbabwe and I feel better before I know it.
Seriously, go on vacation to Zimbabwe, if you want to hire a vehicle while there make sure it's a) something that can make a quick getaway or b) something that is armored
Hey, while we're at it lisnpuppy, ask your country to nuke em for us pleeease, it's gonna spare them a civil war

Lisnpuppy may not be able to help you out, but I'll make a mention to my cousin. I think he's still on good terms with Bush. No promises, mind you.
And no matter if it's not on*4th of July*, it'd be worth a celebrate.

happy 4th of july dear american fellow planetariens
celebrate heavily until drunk people litter the streets and park benches and always remember why you are where you are and what your true values are

as to your government... it sucks since at least 100 yrs... your constitution iteslf is great on the other hand... at leats you have one unlike israel or germany... just to name some of your colonies

have you ever been to zimbabwe? lol armored car