There's been a movement out and about. The movement that Hollywood is helping to promote. It's a movement that promotes it was the wealthy slaveholders who wrote the Constitution. Really?
Was history checked before this broad statement was recently uttered? I think not. History shows us that of the 55 delegates who were present at one time or another during the Constitutional Congress that only 14 of these men had slaves. What? Yep, 12 of these brilliant men owned or ran large farms which had slaves. Another one, James Madison, owned slaves. Benjamin Franklin also owned slaves but later freed them.
"Well, they were wealthy," say the members of the movement. Not so fast.
Some of the delegates were well off, even considered wealthy. But remember, these same men were willing to sacrifice both their lives and their fortunes for freedom from the tyranny of the King. These same men were Americans. These same men were patriots who believed in limited government of the people and by the people. Some of these same men were not taught in fancy European schools. They were either self taught or served apprenticeships.
As for their supposed wealth? Eight of these men suffered financial problems after the Constitution was written and ended up either in bankruptcy.
So were these founding fathers who helped to create the world's longest surviving Constitution just a bunch of elitists? I think not. They were the men who worked together during heated debate over a four month period to frame the United States Constitution. Was it perfect? Of course not. After all, we have had over 11000 proposed amendments-- and only 27 of them have passed muster with the American public.
Yep, the founding fathers were leaders of their time. They were so much more than those in the movement want us to believe. Wonder when the folks in the movement are going to give up their lives and fortunes in what they say they believe?
Just wondering......
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Meaning of Veterans Day- How and Why
Through the tears we shed today for our veterans who are gone from this life, but not from our hearts, we bow our heads in remembrance of what our military do for us-- always and all ways. Thank you to my own gentle giant who rests sweetly.
Thought you'd enjoy this glimpse into the history of Veterans Day:
How and Why We Honor Veterans Day
/24-7/ -- Veteran's Day is a day designated to honor the men and women who have fought and died for our country. The freedom that you have today is hard won by these soldiers who paid the ultimate price. They are the reason that you are free today. You can live where you want, work where you want, worship however you want, travel wherever you want, wear whatever you want, say whatever you want. Freedom isn't always free. It comes at a steep price. This is a day that is intended for giving thanks and reflecting on what has been sacrificed for our freedom.
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the world rejoiced and celebrated. After four years of bitter war, an armistice was signed. The "war to end all wars" was over. November 11th was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States, to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I in order to ensure a lasting peace. On Armistice Day, soldiers who survived the war marched in a parade through their home towns. Politicians gave speeches and held ceremonies of thanks for the peace they had won. Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938, 20 years after the war had ended. In 1953 townspeople in Kansas called the holiday Veterans' Day in gratitude to the veterans of their hometown. Soon after President Nixon declared it a federal holiday.
Americans still give thanks for peace on Veterans' Day. There are ceremonies and speeches and at 11:00 in the morning most Americans observe a moment of silence, remembering those who fought for peace.
Veterans of military service have organized support groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Veterans' Day and Memorial Day, these groups raise funds for their charitable activities by selling paper poppies made by disable veterans. A Poppy is a red flower which is worn to show others that you are remembering those who died for their country. The Poppy was chosen because it reminds us of a place called Flanders Field in Belgium where many soldiers from the first World War died in a bloody battle in a field of poppies. The poppies grow there between the crosses that mark their graves.
How to celebrate Veterans' Day:
-Fly an American Flag from your flag pole at your home or business.
-Observe a moment of silence. Concentrate on remembering those who have died defending the cause of freedom.
-Wear a poppy.
-Go to a cemetery and pay respect to a fallen soldier.
-Locate an American Legion near you and listen to the stories of men who have served for our country.
-Write a letter to a soldier who is currently serving our country and give thanks to them.
Matt Knowlan of http://www.aflag.com is an expert on flag etiquette and resides in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thought you'd enjoy this glimpse into the history of Veterans Day:
How and Why We Honor Veterans Day
/24-7/ -- Veteran's Day is a day designated to honor the men and women who have fought and died for our country. The freedom that you have today is hard won by these soldiers who paid the ultimate price. They are the reason that you are free today. You can live where you want, work where you want, worship however you want, travel wherever you want, wear whatever you want, say whatever you want. Freedom isn't always free. It comes at a steep price. This is a day that is intended for giving thanks and reflecting on what has been sacrificed for our freedom.
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the world rejoiced and celebrated. After four years of bitter war, an armistice was signed. The "war to end all wars" was over. November 11th was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States, to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I in order to ensure a lasting peace. On Armistice Day, soldiers who survived the war marched in a parade through their home towns. Politicians gave speeches and held ceremonies of thanks for the peace they had won. Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938, 20 years after the war had ended. In 1953 townspeople in Kansas called the holiday Veterans' Day in gratitude to the veterans of their hometown. Soon after President Nixon declared it a federal holiday.
Americans still give thanks for peace on Veterans' Day. There are ceremonies and speeches and at 11:00 in the morning most Americans observe a moment of silence, remembering those who fought for peace.
Veterans of military service have organized support groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Veterans' Day and Memorial Day, these groups raise funds for their charitable activities by selling paper poppies made by disable veterans. A Poppy is a red flower which is worn to show others that you are remembering those who died for their country. The Poppy was chosen because it reminds us of a place called Flanders Field in Belgium where many soldiers from the first World War died in a bloody battle in a field of poppies. The poppies grow there between the crosses that mark their graves.
How to celebrate Veterans' Day:
-Fly an American Flag from your flag pole at your home or business.
-Observe a moment of silence. Concentrate on remembering those who have died defending the cause of freedom.
-Wear a poppy.
-Go to a cemetery and pay respect to a fallen soldier.
-Locate an American Legion near you and listen to the stories of men who have served for our country.
-Write a letter to a soldier who is currently serving our country and give thanks to them.
Matt Knowlan of http://www.aflag.com is an expert on flag etiquette and resides in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Education is the Key- So Why Don't We Try It?
Having a solid education is the key for opening doors and opportunities. On this one issue, it would appear the president and I agree strongly.
With that said, I was shocked this morning to read an article about the lack of education in our colleges and universities. The report released indicates a serious lack of teaching students about American government or American history. Actually, it said that of the 100 leading colleges and universities, only 11% require these courses. Only 53% require mathematics.
How can that be? Is it more important to learn to be a free thinker or to be a free thinker with knowledge in your head?
Maybe I'll start a survey. Now seems just like the perfect time as I reflect on a couple of upcoming American history events.
Quick. Tell me.
What was the Treaty of Paris? Is any part of it still in use today?
When was the United States Constitution framed?
Do you know the answers? I do.
With that said, I was shocked this morning to read an article about the lack of education in our colleges and universities. The report released indicates a serious lack of teaching students about American government or American history. Actually, it said that of the 100 leading colleges and universities, only 11% require these courses. Only 53% require mathematics.
How can that be? Is it more important to learn to be a free thinker or to be a free thinker with knowledge in your head?
Maybe I'll start a survey. Now seems just like the perfect time as I reflect on a couple of upcoming American history events.
Quick. Tell me.
What was the Treaty of Paris? Is any part of it still in use today?
When was the United States Constitution framed?
Do you know the answers? I do.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The History Of The World...
VWV Note: I received the following in an email. There was no author listed, but kudos go to the originator of this history. Thought we could all use a smile these days.
For those that don't know about history . Here is a condensed version:
Humans originally existed as members of small bands of nomadic hunters/gatherers They lived on deer in the mountains during the summer and would go to the coast and live on fish and lobster in the winter.
The two most important events in all of history were the invention of beer and the invention of the wheel. The wheel was invented to get man to the beer. These were the foundation of modern civilization and together were the catalyst for the splitting of humanity into two distinct subgroups:
1. Liberals, and
2. Conservatives.
Once beer was discovered, it required grain and that was the beginning of agriculture. Neither the glass bottle nor aluminum can was invented yet, so while our early humans were sitting around waiting for them to be invented, they just stayed close to the brewery. That's how villages were formed.
Some men spent their days tracking and killing animals to B-B-Q at night while they were drinking beer. This was the beginning of what is known as the Conservative movement. Other men who were weaker and less skilled at hunting learned to live off the conservatives by showing up for the nightly B-B-Q's and doing the sewing, fetching, and hair dressing. This was the beginning of the Liberal movement.
Some of these liberal men eventually evolved into women. The rest became known as girlie-men. Some noteworthy liberal achievements include the domestication of cats, the invention of group therapy, group hugs, and the concept of Democratic voting to decide how to divide the meat and beer that conservatives provided.
Over the years conservatives came to be symbolized by the largest, most powerful land animal on earth.... the elephant. Liberals are symbolized by the jackass.
Modern liberals like imported beer (with lime added), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish but like their beef well done. Sushi, tofu, and French food is standard liberal fare. Another interesting evolutionary side note: most of their women have higher testosterone levels than their men. Most social workers, personal injury attorneys,
journalists, dreamers in Hollywood and group therapists are liberals. Liberals invented the designated hitter rule because it wasn't fair to make the pitcher also bat.
Conservatives drink domestic beer, mostly Bud. They eat red meat and still provide for their women. Conservatives are big-game hunters, rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, firemen, medical doctors, police officers, corporate executives, athletes, members of the military, airline pilots and generally anyone who works productively. Conservatives who own companies hire other conservatives who want to work for a living.
Liberals produce little or nothing. They like to govern the producers and decide what to do with the production. Liberals believe Europeans are more enlightened than Americans. That is why most of the liberals remained in Europe when conservatives were coming to America . They crept in after the Wild West was tamed and created a business of trying to get more for nothing.
Here ends today's lesson in world history:
It should be noted that a Liberal may have a momentary urge to angrily respond to the above before forwarding it.
A Conservative will simply laugh and be so convinced of the absolute truth of this history that it will be forwarded immediately to other true believers and to more liberals just to tick them off.
And there you have it. Let your next action reveal your position.
For those that don't know about history . Here is a condensed version:
Humans originally existed as members of small bands of nomadic hunters/gatherers They lived on deer in the mountains during the summer and would go to the coast and live on fish and lobster in the winter.
The two most important events in all of history were the invention of beer and the invention of the wheel. The wheel was invented to get man to the beer. These were the foundation of modern civilization and together were the catalyst for the splitting of humanity into two distinct subgroups:
1. Liberals, and
2. Conservatives.
Once beer was discovered, it required grain and that was the beginning of agriculture. Neither the glass bottle nor aluminum can was invented yet, so while our early humans were sitting around waiting for them to be invented, they just stayed close to the brewery. That's how villages were formed.
Some men spent their days tracking and killing animals to B-B-Q at night while they were drinking beer. This was the beginning of what is known as the Conservative movement. Other men who were weaker and less skilled at hunting learned to live off the conservatives by showing up for the nightly B-B-Q's and doing the sewing, fetching, and hair dressing. This was the beginning of the Liberal movement.
Some of these liberal men eventually evolved into women. The rest became known as girlie-men. Some noteworthy liberal achievements include the domestication of cats, the invention of group therapy, group hugs, and the concept of Democratic voting to decide how to divide the meat and beer that conservatives provided.
Over the years conservatives came to be symbolized by the largest, most powerful land animal on earth.... the elephant. Liberals are symbolized by the jackass.
Modern liberals like imported beer (with lime added), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish but like their beef well done. Sushi, tofu, and French food is standard liberal fare. Another interesting evolutionary side note: most of their women have higher testosterone levels than their men. Most social workers, personal injury attorneys,
journalists, dreamers in Hollywood and group therapists are liberals. Liberals invented the designated hitter rule because it wasn't fair to make the pitcher also bat.
Conservatives drink domestic beer, mostly Bud. They eat red meat and still provide for their women. Conservatives are big-game hunters, rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, firemen, medical doctors, police officers, corporate executives, athletes, members of the military, airline pilots and generally anyone who works productively. Conservatives who own companies hire other conservatives who want to work for a living.
Liberals produce little or nothing. They like to govern the producers and decide what to do with the production. Liberals believe Europeans are more enlightened than Americans. That is why most of the liberals remained in Europe when conservatives were coming to America . They crept in after the Wild West was tamed and created a business of trying to get more for nothing.
Here ends today's lesson in world history:
It should be noted that a Liberal may have a momentary urge to angrily respond to the above before forwarding it.
A Conservative will simply laugh and be so convinced of the absolute truth of this history that it will be forwarded immediately to other true believers and to more liberals just to tick them off.
And there you have it. Let your next action reveal your position.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Constitutional Convention: Is Our Constitution in Danger?
The last Constitutional Convention was held in 1787 when our founding fathers sought to replace the Articles of Confederation. That was a good thing.
Today, there is a call from way too many states for another Constitutional Convention. What is the purpose of this call? What is the real agenda? Is it for some minor changes or is it destroy our Constitution, the cornerstone of our government?
Should this call go forward, history shows us a way to stop it.
Back in February 1787 when the call went out, the convention was set for May. When the date rolled around, there was not a quorum present. So, if a quorum doesn't show up, the convention cannot happen.
It also takes a quorum to ratify a Constitution. Look back in history and see how that process happened. Perhaps, we should really look at history and copy it. Put all the delegates in a room that is not air conditioned and that has its windows shut and shutters nailed. Keep them there with no time off until the deed is done. Last time, for only 13 states, it took four months.
If, indeed, minor changes are the true agenda for this proposed Constitutional Convention, then maybe an amendment may be more prudent.
My belief is we must hold our elected officials to the oath of office they take--- to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Just a thought as I recall the values of our founding fathers and the freedoms they gave to us.
Today, there is a call from way too many states for another Constitutional Convention. What is the purpose of this call? What is the real agenda? Is it for some minor changes or is it destroy our Constitution, the cornerstone of our government?
Should this call go forward, history shows us a way to stop it.
Back in February 1787 when the call went out, the convention was set for May. When the date rolled around, there was not a quorum present. So, if a quorum doesn't show up, the convention cannot happen.
It also takes a quorum to ratify a Constitution. Look back in history and see how that process happened. Perhaps, we should really look at history and copy it. Put all the delegates in a room that is not air conditioned and that has its windows shut and shutters nailed. Keep them there with no time off until the deed is done. Last time, for only 13 states, it took four months.
If, indeed, minor changes are the true agenda for this proposed Constitutional Convention, then maybe an amendment may be more prudent.
My belief is we must hold our elected officials to the oath of office they take--- to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Just a thought as I recall the values of our founding fathers and the freedoms they gave to us.
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