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‘independence forever!’ is the toast that john adams, our second president, gave on the 50th anniversary of the declaration of independence. coincidentally and maybe fittingly, that was also the day he died at the age of 91.
John and Abigail Adams
i love john and abigail adams. the letters they exchanged during the days of the revolutionary war, while he was part of the continental congress and she at home outside of boston raising their children, are historic treasures and are recommended readings.
john frequently asked abigail about many things and their letters are filled with smart, engaging discussions on government and politics. besides being personal love letters, they serve us as amazing and invaluable eyewitness accounts of the revolutionary war home front as well as terrific sources of political commentary. here is the book i have, and i’ve parked out in that thing at least 3 times and it is a wonderful read.
did you know it was john adams who inspired the passage of the declaration of independence? it was his stirring speech that convinced the more reticent members of the continental congress to declare our independence from england.
after the passage of the declaration of independence, john wrote back to abigail and at the time, thought it would be july 2nd that would be forever celebrated:
“The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America,” he wrote. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
and though he was overjoyed, john adams completely understood that independence, freedom, and liberty could not come without a price. he wrote this to abigail:
“You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.”
and his prediction that freedom would not come easily has proved true. many of you know what happened to those early patriots:
“Of those 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war,” the author wrote. “Five were captured and imprisoned, in each case with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons or entire families. One lost his thirteen children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned.”
two hundred and thirty three years ago, both john and abigail adams (and our other founders) understood that the very strength of this young nation was its citizens’ resolve to be free and stay free from tyranny. they had the courage and the strength of character to dream the dream of a free america and independence forever.
so remember your roots people! happy 4th of july!
update: michelle has more on parts of the quotes used in this piece.
BikerDan says: Great post Kate. I appreciate you always reminding us of our values and our history as a nation. God Bless you honey and your family on this special weekend. Don’t embarrass Dade now. He’s a good man, if just a bit too left.
PenniePan says: Where’s your comment about your buddy Sarah Palin’s resignation? Are you in shock or something?
By the way, if I wanted a lecture on remembering “my roots” I sure wouldn’t get it from a conservative.
Ken says: Leave it to Pennie to turn a post about the 4th of July into a conservative/liberal issue.
You really do need professional help, Pennie.
You sound very sad and ignorant.
Ken says: As far as Palin, who knows? Maybe she was tired of seeing her children mocked and referred to as “retard” by classless imbeciles like yourself?
Barbara says: This is a lovely post! Thanks so much for the historical perspective. I am only sorry there are those who come to this blog with such a chip on their shoulder about this great country of ours. The Adams’ were indeed a wonderful role model for a true partnership in marriage and patriots. God Bless you this 4th of July.
Pennie – as we’ve said many times, this isn’t your bandwidth. If you have so much to say, why not start a blog of your own. This post isn’t about today’s politics – it’s about the brave men and women who ensured we would have a forum for free speech. While you say you don’t need a lecture on your roots from a conservative, it might do you good to remember that the distinction you so needlessly draw – conservative vs. liberal – was given to us by the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.
A tiny shred of gratitude from you wouldn’t be amiss, if only for today.
Blessings upon those men and their families – for they committed treason and sedition to ensure a future they knew they wouldn’t live to see come to its full fruition.
Ben says: The founders would be spinning in their graves atthe hyjacking of this country by you conservatives. T he economis fiasco not to mention Wars in the middle east can be laid squarely at Bush and greedy for power rightwingers like you on this blog.
Ken says: “The founders would be spinning in their graves atthe hyjacking of this country by you conservatives.”
Last time I checked the liberals were in charge of this country, Ben. Try and keep up.
Keep blaming Bush, it’s very amusing. The people are already getting tired of hearing BO blame Bush for everything.
Ken says: Again, leave it to the neo-socialists to take a completely neutral post celebrating the country’s independence day and turn it into a pissing match.
You stay classy, libs!!!!
Stephen says: Independence forever? The conservative movement in this country has been one of the worst things to happen to us as a country in 200 years. Look at your dipship Sarah Palin, now and forever more to be called “The Quitter”. If that is what a conservative icon looks like, keep her and start your own country somewhere else please. You people are sanctimonious losers.
Ken says: “The conservative movement in this country has been one of the worst things to happen to us as a country in 200 years. ”
Spare me the mantra, stephen, or at least get your information from somewhere other than “The View”. Your post is tired, boring, and the kind of thing we expect from Obamazombies.
Its alright, though, with the liberals now firmly in charge we are going to see how well the country does. No more Republicans to blame!! I love it!!!
“You people are sanctimonious losers.”
How original. Coming from someone like you, I take that as a compliment.
Jared says: Where’s a post on Palin?
I will say the Revolutionary War period is one of my favorites. I am surprised though that you didn’t break out that tired old “Patriot” video. Nice photo of old John and Abigail.
Jared says: Back to Palin…write something.
Ken says: “Back to Palin…write something.”
Oh, Jared, I hear the Huffington Post has a wonderful post up about Palin. Once again the despicable liberals are referring to “retards”. Why don’t you go over there? I have a feeling you would fit right in. I believe you once referred to Palin’s baby as a “retard” if memory serves.
Yeah, but the Republicans are insensitive. Truly mind boggling.
Oh how predictable.
The moonbats want to sling hash on Palin. Whats the matter moonbats ? Jonesing ? Going thru withdrawals ? Shakes a sweats ? Need your fix ?
PenniePan says: Geez Ken you’re in such a foul mood! It must be because the darling of the right wing has been found out. She is no hero or great white hope from the north after all. She is just a high maintenance Wal-mart shopping baby factory who succeeded in being elected to high office on her looks rather then her brains. Thank God the American people had sense enough to send her back to Wasilla for her meltdown instead of putting her 1 heartbeat away from the Presidency.
PenniePan says: Oh and Kate must be having her own Sarah meltdown since she is MIA. I hope she isn’t slitting her wrists over this news. Poor dear.
Bobbi says: Sarah Palin is a fraud. We all should be waiting for the other shoe to drop. Anyone who listened to that nervous, rambling, idiotic drivel of a speech yesterday knew it. There are rumors of embezzlement charges coming soon of course I know those are discounted here.
jared, pennie, etc
i haven’t written about sarah because i am still mulling it all over, getting my thoughts together. i plan to write something tonite. it is a holiday you know and i have a tea party to go to!
pennie check your email. i have responded and i have nothing more to say on the matter. k?
Luci says: Hi Kate. This was very inspiring. Thank you for all the time it took to put it together. I found your blog through SGP. 🙂
John Adams was one of the more noble of the Founding Fathers. A man of ideals, a strong moral code. An abolitionist. Today he would be a progressive. Probably unelectable in the Republican party.
So, speaking of the Republican party, I think Sarah Palin was forced out by high-powered Republican kingmakers. They made her step down. That’s just my guess. You can read my reasoning here.
http://dadecariaga.blogspot.com/2009/07/sarah-palin-gets-word-hit-road-honey.html
I’d love to hear what conservatives think about my theory. Seriously.
I just came from the store. In looking at the bounty of selection there I was in awe for a few seconds watching the volumes of things people were buying, reminded of those in other countries who couldn’t even dream of being so fortunate to have such a selection of just about any kind of food any man could want. During my drive home I pass the rows of buried warriors. Heard some firecrackers go off, looked up in the sky, thought of N. Korea. Realized how grateful I am for those that put their lives on the line to protect us from such evil and those who died to make sure non such ever exists in our country. I pull up to a house, my house, the one I own with the stars and stripes flying over the garage. Once again I’m reminded of an opportunity bestowed upon me that most in other parts of the world will never see.
In a little while my boy and I are going to blow off some massive fireworks, grill and consume obscene amounts of animal flesh, wear a T shirt with picture of Obamas head up his ass, drink can after can of over sweetened caffeine laced American beverages, we’ll be safe happy and free of tyranny the whole time were doing it. My wife will be allowed to come outside to enjoy the festivities wearing a bikini if she so chooses without the threat of being stoned to death. I’ll be able to scream at the top of my lungs how I think this president is going to f*ck all that up for me without the fear of being jailed. And thank God for it all without having my head chopped off for giving grace in a prayer.
Whether you didn’t like what happened for the last 8 years or are scared for what might happen in the next 4 years we still owe a ton of gratitude to those who died for us to at least be in this position. Which is still a far greater position that anyone else is in anywhere else in the world.
Count your blessings everyone, shut the f*ck up and go have a good time, enjoy the freedom we all take for granted.
Dade;
“I’d love to hear what conservatives think about my theory. Seriously.”
“GOP operative: Nice run, kid. But it’s over. It’s not your time.”
Sarah: Thats not what the general concensus is. I dont think theres a conservative yet thats actually had a “time” lately, is there?
“GOP operative: Don’t you want to spend more time with your family? Your son, Trig, for example. He needs you.”
Sarah: Yes well, I’ve managed pretty well amongst the crap i’ve had to deal with in the last 6 months. Isnt that what they told Obama , didnt he quit hs job so he could run ? Didnt everyone say it wasnt time for a black man ?
“GOP operative: Sarah, the best time to exit the stage is when the audience is howling for more.”
Sarah: And thats what they’re going to get. Just not the way anyone expected. Its called an encore
“GOP operative: Sarah, let me put it to you this way. You’re not rich, are you?”
Sarah: The time off will allow me to rake in huge bucks for all the engagements the governorship wouldnt allow me. I’ve already got a book coming out and have had numerous offers to speak at various well paying venues.
“GOP operative: You can’t really afford heavy legal bills defending yourself against ethics complaints, can you?”
Sarah: Werent you listening ? Besides that, all the crap you little turncoats and the libs threw at me never stuck anyway.
“Todd, the first dude: You’ve made your point. What’s in it for us?”
Well, Uh… a real conservative for a change ? Keep the country from going down the crapper and being blown up ? besides, Sarah sure doesnt look like the frumpy white guys everyones crying about
GOP operative: If Sarah weren’t constrained by her duties as Alaska’s governor, she could probably make a lot of money on the lecture circuit, with television appearances, think tanks. Potentially, millions of dollars. In fact, I probably know some people I could put you in touch with…
Sarah: What do you think, Todd?
Todd, the first dude: Yea, its an excelent opportunity to warm up for the 2012 run honey. Didnt Obama run for over two years ?
Sarah: I’ll make a statement on Friday, get me some popcorn, watch all them people make fools of themselves coming up with all these rediculous scenarios.
Dade;
“Good riddance! ”
Anyone who thinks Sarah is going anywhere is simply a victim of their own deranged wishful thinking.
So, Micky, I take it that you don’t buy my theory… that she was forced out by other Republicans. What’s your theory then? I’m serious.
I think she was forced out by republicans who didn’t want her to get the nomination. What do you think?
I’m genuinely interested to know.
I think shes just gearing up.
Exactly how remains to be seen but I seriously doubt shes leaving the theatre.
Right now I dont think the GOP can afford to start trimming any viable candidates. Maybe when weve got some more hopefuls besides just Romney, Jingle and maybe Huckabee only then can we start streamlining the pics.
Whats made the most sense so far is that she’ll brush up on some areas that need attention, do some speaking engagements that will be sublime little campaign stumps disguised as support for others, speaking engagements that will bring in bucks needed for campaigning and start homing in on a message that would be popular, saleable, beef up her base. Then, determining how the scouted field looks she’ll either run for POTUS or congress.
Well, Micky, you might be right. But I find it hard to believe. It doesn’t make sense that she would just up and resign as governor of Alaska with 18 months left in her term. Even Mark Sanford is trying to hang on.
I think Sarah Palin got offered a deal: if she leaves, they’ll make her rich with book deals and speaking engagements. If she stays, she gums up their plans (since, after all, she’s a “maverick”), in which case they will destroy her by draining her resources with endless ethical investigations.
I’m afraid your theory just doesn’t make sense to me.
This is just one of those things that none of us can put our finger on it. I think its not suposed to make sense, be vague, for a reason.
She doesnt need anyones assistance to make her deals and engagements. Shes enough of a draw on her own. (Remember, in her speech she did mention being of assitance to the party)
Most attacks on her ethics have been drained during the campaign. Just about anything exploitable in her closet shes already been exonerated of. Its all been dismissed.
I dont get the Sanford connection. Hes an idiot whos so caught up in himself he cant even think straight anymore, shes going out on a positive, leaving the state in half decent shape with a competent leader.
Look, the media is going to brutalize her regardless of what she does, this way is at least things are more on her terms and she has less of a professional commitment. This way in the next two years she has no record that can be bashed. Much like when Obama ran, other than Wright, voting present, he didnt have much fodder to use against him. You couldnt say he governed crappy, because he never governed. With Palins numbers declining slightly nows maybe the best note to exit on.
Then again, as much as I dont see her as a quitter, I wouldnt be surprised if it were as simple as her not wanting her family subjected to the endless vindictive bullsh*t they’ve had to put up with.
She may just have a caliber of class that dictates she wont be a part of this ugly ass machine both parties have become a part of. Maybe shes of the mindset that our systems has reached a point of no return and that no matter how hard she wants to operate as transparent upfront honest representative of the people the system shes witnessed in the last 8 or so months would never allow it.
Alot of politicians go into politics with the nobelist most admirable intentions and in no time find themselves becoming just another pol caught up in endless exchages of power and favors, rarely actually doing anything they set out to do when taking their oaths.
Who knows ? My main rendition is that this is made to keep us guessing for a reason and were just going to have to sit back, wait and see and do our best not to look and sound like a bunch of speculating gossiping lonely housewives who’ll make up just any ole answer to pacify ourselves.
I can kick back, I dont have to know right away.
Alright, I see where you’re coming from a little better now.
You’re right about people coming into politics with the best of intentions and then getting corrupted by the system. That’s a “for sure.”
But, also, as you said, neither of us knows the real motives behind Palin’s move. We’ll just have to see what turns up (if anything).
Thanks for the rational discussion. Happy 4th.
lisab says: “So, speaking of the Republican party, I think Sarah Palin was forced out by high-powered Republican kingmakers.”
silly.
sarah palin could easily have won against obama in 2012 depending on the economy, which is looking very bad right now thanks to obama. the gop would have loved her to run.
the best opponent against a “um … um … er … teleprompter … um … plato said … um … teleprompter” harvard educated light weight who never had to work a day in his life is a plain spoken country gal who shoots moose. just ask john quincy adams … she is obama’s worst nightmare.
now you may think she is an idiot, but john quincy adams thought the same thing about andrew jackson. simply put, if you are out of work and a harvard educated guy is trying to read an economics lesson off a teleprompter while unemployment hits 15% and your job at the GM supplier just got closed down because GM is no longer making cars in your state … he does not look very good in contrast.
the worst thing the gop could do is throw up another mean old white guy like john mccain or bob dole.
lisab says: however, you are correct the liberal GOP elite hate her.
she has done a lot for the republican party, including keeping 2008 from being even more of a rout. without her mccain would have gotten under 40%.
however, unlike your inference, she is not a religious or political zealot. she has religious faith and religious beliefs but never ran alaska that way. she worked with dems right up until the time she was nominated and the dems stopped working with her.
yet … the gop elite … the country club republicans never respected her, yet they expect her to raise money for them.
i think she quit because she does not want to help them any more. she can retire wealthy. she can spend time with her family. she can still help those republican candidates that stood with her.
the rest she is giving the finger.
lisab says: as for the religious right … palin is clearly a woman of faith. so am i if it comes to that.
however, i am not comfortable among most evangelicals, especially pentecostals, and she left a pentecostal church for a nondenominational one.
why is this significant? well … everything the dems HAAAATE about religion is pentecostal. a fair percentage of the evangelicals that form the gop base is pentecostal. sarah left that kind of church behind, though she is familiar with them and respectful of them.
soooooooo … while she can clearly move among even the hard core religious right of the gop, she is not herself pentecostal. if she left that kind of church … it is a big deal spiritually. i think she just does not want to be associated with that kind of church.
lisab says: what is pentecostal? i am really not sure, and can only give my observation … and i mean no disrespect … so feel free to laugh at my observations … but they are my observations not rumors i have heard
the basis of it seems to revolve around the Holy Spirit, the third member of the trinity. pentecostals are often shown on tv by the media — because the Holy Spirit is connected with faith healing and speaking in tongues. they range from fairly tame mainstream protestants, like you might see on lakewood church on tv … to the rattlesnake charmers of backwoods arkansas. pentecostal women often have very long hair that is not cut and is very frayed. they tend to wear long dresses.
once when i was in a wedding at a pentecostal church, there seems to have been some unspoken rule about who would lead grace … maybe the eldest man? i don’t know … i am catholic … i was busy drinking whiskey and playing poker while selling indulgences and saints relics to unsuspecting waiters … but …
without actually knowing the details of pentecostal churches … just from observation … sarah palin is too liberated to be part of that kind of church, though
she is certainly familiar with them having been brought up as a pentecostal for most of her life.
lisab says: finally to reiterate my opinion to answer Dade’s question
i agree with you that the elite gop hated her
but i disagree that the forced her out. i think they were stunned. i think they wanted her to do a lot of their fund raising for them while they looked for another candidate. i think they wanted to get her to bring along the evangelicals while they found someone more politically correct, with a law degree and a Y chromosome.
i think she basically gave them the finger.
Ken says: “There are rumors of embezzlement charges coming soon of course I know those are discounted here.”
Well, Bobbi, I quite expect that to be dismissed like the other FIFTEEN ethics complaints that have been filed by childish democrats that have already been dismissed.
Very mature.
Ken says: John Adams a progressive? I’m not so sure:
“Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion… in private self-defense.”-John Adams
“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.”-John Adams
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”-John Adams
“The Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations.”-John Adams
“The right of a nation to kill a tyrant in case of necessity can no more be doubted than to hang a robber, or kill a flea.”-John Adams
It seems Adams had some very pro-conservative views about gun control, the death penalty, religion, and what would now be a pro-Israel attitude. I believe he would probably be an independent with some right leaning views.
Finally, perhaps Adams left us with a chilling prediction that we are seeing come true today:
“Democracy… while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.”-John Adams
Being asked by the GOP to step out of the limelight, forego being the unofficial voice of the party, end the tours and appearances is one thing. But I’ve yet to see how her resigning her post as governor was of any benefit to the GOP. Knowing that she’d quickly be called a quitter I’m willing to bet she has some plans that would mitigate that label.
I dont think the GOP can afford to be seen casting out the one candidate that breaks the mold of the traditional conservative, aging fat white guy. We definitley need someone in there that represents conservative ladies that dont look like “pentacostal” (missionary position only) prudes who cornered the market on Aqua Net and polyester pants suits.
While I’m on that note I’m gonna take a shot at Hannity. I understand that country western music is an American symbol, a musical art form unique to America. But him and lot of other cons have gotta stop with all the Hee Haw music every chance they get. Conservatives are not just one brand of American, we listen to rock, jazz, R&B, all genres, and when all you hear most of the time coming from these shows is one kind of music we really cant go complaining when we get painted as a bunch of yee haw rednecks with a shot gun in the rear window of our pick up drinking PBRs and shooting squirrels all the time.
“There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.”-John Adams”
Exactly.
Which is why we see leaders put into power that offer promises of instant gratification to the masses instead of whats best for that society in the long run. Such as Hamas and Obama.
“There are rumors of embezzlement charges coming soon of course I know those are discounted here.”
Thats a pretty loaded statement. Is it the rumors themselves that are coming soon ? Or a real live indictment ? Are they going to be made up out of whole cloth or is there actually some info you’re privy to that could give credibility to such a rumor ? Anyone can start a rumor. Which seems to be exactly what your doing.
Maybe you could fill us in on where and why these supposed suspicions have come up ?
Or is it just another piece of raw meat that you guys are throwing to the media in hopes that they’ll cook it up into something sensational again like all the other crap you guys blew totally out of proportion.
By the way, if theres any embezzelment that we need to focus on its the loose change thats coming out of the stimulus. Everyday there seems to be more and more of this money going here, there, and everywhere with no accountability or record of whats happening to it.
Look inward buddy, your partys got access to trillions upon trillions of dollars being screwed off in all kinds of directions that demand alot more attention than you trying to make up some crap about Palin.
“Thank God the American people had sense enough to send her back to Wasilla for her meltdown instead of putting her 1 heartbeat away from the Presidency.”
heh. If theres anyone whos one heartbeat (two) away from the presidency who had and is having a meltdown it would be Nancy Pelosi. I doubt theres any scene of Palin quite like the one Nancy made the day she accused the CIA of lying. That right there was an example of someone so fricken stupid and confused she couldnt get out her own way fast enough.
Oh, and dont even get me started on Biden. With that mouth of his he wouldnt be even one week into the presidency before every leader across the globe would be lining up to kick him in the nuts for something he said
lisab and Ken and Micky,
If I could ask a favor of you, I’d love it if you posted your comments on my blog…
//dadecariaga.blogspot.com
Thanks for the rational discussions. My biggest problem with your theories is that, not only is she not running for reelection, but she’s resigning her current term. I think GOP bigwigs simply did not want her mucking things up for whoever they plan to groom for the candidacy (Pawlenty? Romney?)
So, they offered a carrot (book deal, speaking circuit) and a stick (continued ethical investigations). She took the carrot.
And lisab, you know it is way too early to make an assertion like “Palin would beat Obama in 2012.” Nobody knows what 2012 will look like. Not yet.
lisab says: Dade,
“And lisab, you know it is way too early to make an assertion like “Palin would beat Obama in 2012.” Nobody knows what 2012 will look like. Not yet.”
i said palin COULD beat obama, not WOULD. big difference.
if the economy is fine in 2011 obama will probably win easily. he will have a Billion with a “B” dollar warchest.
lisab says: Dade,
the problem with your theory Dade, is that palin has the book deal and speaking engagements regardless of what the gop elite want.
plus
if you watched the gop elite on tv, they were both shocked and appalled … they were obviously counting on using her for the next three years at least. now they have no hold over her at all.
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