Jul
04
>
Today we celebrate the birth of the United States of America 234 years ago.
Who likes the idea of being mediocre? Not me. But I do like the idea that the millions and millions of average people are the deciding factor in whether a nation is great. Yes, it’s wonderful to have fantastic leaders and great managers and genius artists and fabulous engineers who lead the way. But most of us don’t live in a world surrounded by fame and greatness every day. We live in our neighborhoods with average folk. Who they are, who you are, that is what defines America.
You can read my post from yesterday on how I test myself to see if I am living up to what I consider to be American standards.
Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily
Quote by Jose Ortega y Gasset, 1883-1955, Spanish author and philosopher
Jul
04
>For my friends from outside the USA, you are invited to enjoy a drawing
of our 4th of July fireworks celebrating our independence from Great Britain
in 1776, 233 years ago. For my friends within the USA, take this as me
sitting beside you while you watch the fireworks, wherever you are.
We usually watch the 4th of July fireworks along the banks of the Arkansas
River in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There is a city park that stretches the length of the
river and they shoot the fireworks from a bridge that makes it easy for
everyone to see. I love America.
This year we will be in Boston for the celebration. It is one of the cradles
of our country and we are very excited about being there for the 4th. Along the
Charles River separating Cambridge from Boston we will sit and listen
to the Boston Pops Orchestra play as they have for a zillion years. The
1812 Overture will be played with cannons being let loose from the river and
bells of the churches of Boston ringing along side them. I love America.
Wherever you are, think about not just the issues of America, but the idea of
America. Just as we as individuals have our ideals that we sometimes do not
live up to, so it is with our country. But it doesn’t mean we don’t have the
ideals and it doesn’t mean we are not working towards their fulfillment.
I love America.
I am grateful, very grateful, I had ancestors that seized the moment and made
the US happen. I love America.
Jun
04
>
President Obama used this quote in his speech in Cairo, Egypt today. I
am glad he chose to use this quote, it is a truth not just for America, but for
any government, and any leader, to take into account.
I happened to like President Obama’s speech. If you saw or heard the whole
thing I would like to hear what you thought of it as well.
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Any of you in the northeast of the ol USA, check out this group, see
if you can help them out by being a host.
Nov
05
>
I am a complete sucker for our elections in general but nothing in my lifetime is as grand and wonderful a statement about us and our predecessors as Obama’s election yesterday. I am not talking about him being a democrat and I am not talking about his policies.
I am talking about the people of America taking our obligation seriously and really paying attention to our world and what we want to see happen in it.
What I love most of all though is that how I raised my daughters, to be color blind and focused on who a person really is, is something that many of our generation taught our kids and it has come home in reality now.
In the end the vast majority of baby boomers and children of baby boomers (including the ones who didn’t vote for him) didn’t care if he was black, white or biracial. They cared that he gave them hope in their country and hope that we can be who we said we wanted to be 232 years ago. And the answer to any who doubt, here and around the world, is Yes we can.
Feb
11
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I went to a lecture last night titled “Religion and the Founders: The First Great Battle over Church and State”. This quote by Jefferson was on my mind for today as a result. Do believe what he said is true? What belief of your neighbor would do you harm?
