Communists burn a flag in front of the White House, toss it on U.S. Secret Service Police, who recoils in pain. Another USSS member comes in with a fire extinguisher and puts it out. pic.twitter.com/jqLd4DQC0I
“President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday, skirting politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.
“What a great country,” Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism, after critics accused him of hijacking the annual celebration.
“For Americans, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Combat aircraft, including the rarely-seen B2 stealth bomber, flew overhead as Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories. He drew cheers of “USA! USA!” from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington.
Trump promised the United States would soon again send men to the moon, and go beyond to “plant the American flag on Mars.”
“We will always be the people who defeated a tyrant, crossed a continent, harnessed science, took to the skies, and soared into the heavens, because we will never forget that we are Americans, and the future belongs to us.”
I haven’t listened to the speech yet. I will say that I feel dismay when we brag about our country without the acknowledgement of God’s grace. That is when the assumption that WE make/made it great. That was not something one would have heard at the beginning of our country. Though we are not a theocracy, the lessons of the people under Moses are valuable. When they thought THEY won the battle, it did not go well. Pride goes before a fall. There is nothing wrong with citing the blessings we have and gratitude for those who fought for it, but it is to our peril to ignore the true source of our blessings. I think history also bears that out.
This may get me in trouble here, but what’s new? 😀
The focus that I keep seeing on our military – tying heralding the military to Independence Day, on Facebook and other places – doesn’t seem quite right. Don’t get me wrong. I am not anti-military, and I do have much respect for those who serve or served, such as my own father and husband, and others in both of our families. But there is so much more to our nation, and the founding of our nation, than military might.
From what I understand, the founding fathers did not believe in keeping a standing army. I wonder what they would make of the emphasis that so many put on our armed forces on this day.
I’d say that some of the excessive politeness to military members is because people feel badly about what happened after Vietnam and don’t want to do so again.
That being said, we always smile politely when people thank my husband for his service but feel it is totally unnecessary.
As to a standing army–we could not defend the country without one, much less honor our treaties to help others.
One of the reasons the US was late to enter WWI–beyond the fact Wilson didn’t want to–is we didn’t have much of an Army. General Pershing was running around in northern Mexico trying to track down Pancho Villa in 1915; we had a very small armed force. We had very few armaments; it took more than a year to arrange for the US Army to be prepared to fight in Europe–and even then, it was really hard for them.
Also, the US Navy is basically the only reason the seas of the world are “free” for everyone.
In addition, if we only had militia and the Coast Guard as our armed forces, it would take years to build the ships and planes needed to defend ourselves. It would be over, therefore, if we didn’t have such a standing military force.
Because
1. The declaration of independence was virtually a military challenge. It was the culmination of activities that had happened in Boston and elsewhere.
2. The military is the source of much disparagement in certain circles today.
What Michelle said. But also, in the speech, he gave credit in a lot of different areas, pointing out many areas where Americans have stepped up. But the military show, boys and their toys.
I didn’t mean to imply that I don’t think we need a military today – of course we do. But Independence Day is about celebrating the official declaration of our independence from Britain.
It can be argued that the realization of that independence came through our militias fighting a war. And I don’t mind the military being mentioned and honored. But much of the focus has been on military might. Many of my Facebook friends were sharing things thanking the military, as if that is what Independence Day is all about.
I liked your comment at 4:05, but only because there was no option to love it. Well put.
——————–
Kizzie,
The Continental Army, brought to be by the 2nd Continental Congress, a group comprised of many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the vary same founding fathers you mentioned, was done expressly for the purpose of defending the colonies. They knew exactly what they were doing, and without that Army, there’d be no USA.
By the way, this act of Congress happened even before the Declaration was signed, because hostilities had already begun. The founders prepared for the fight they knew was coming before they even formerly declared independence. They knew it would be necessary.
“A trained, experienced leader during the French and Indian War, Washington was the logical choice to lead the Continental Army. The Army was formed by the Continental Congress in 1775 after the outbreak of the American Revolution. Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the army throughout the War.
When Washington assumed command, the Continental Army truly was not even an army. Rather, it was a loosely and poorly coordinated band of militias and citizen-soldiers under control of the individual states. There were no established protocols for exercising coordinated authority, for supplying and feeding the troops, for transportation, or any other of the myriad tasks necessary for a field army. Because eighteenth century communication was very poor and maddeningly slow, gaining the Continental Congress’ required approval for anything took long periods of time. Under these conditions fighting the powerful British army was a gargantuan task.
Despite these impediments, Washington organized this seemingly motley amalgamation into three divisions, six brigades, and thirty-eight regiments. He initially employed one state’s militia – Major General Philip Schuyler’s ten regiments in New York – in an unsuccessful attempt to invade Canada. When it became clear that the Crown wanted to crush independence, Congress lengthened enlistment terms and ordered States to contribute regiments in proportion to their population.”
And as Michelle said, to raise a standing Army takes a long time, months. You’d be done for by then in today’s world. It’s vital to any nations survival.
“Also, the US Navy is basically the only reason the seas of the world are “free” for everyone.”
This is yet another benefit the US military provides us, and to the entire world. Without a standing Navy, piracy would still be a thing in much of the world.
I think the point is: The military is the only thing all Americans can rally around without controversy. Al the thousands of people at that speech were united on the topic.
But they likely differed on almost everything else.
Religion
Family
Occupation, etc.
In fact??? What else could he talk about without going into divisive politics.
I think he did a good job. It wasn’t a political speech, but it likely got him some votes.
OK, can someone comment on the remark within the speech that had something to do with airports in the 1700s? I keep seeing people on social meeting having a heyday with that. I didn’t see the speech (only a small part of it) and haven’t had time to research what the remark may have been as I’ve been covering everything in sight today in turquoise paint.
Yes Trump made a slip up in his speech about that. So of course, having already forgotten about Mr. 57 States, the MSM and Dems (but I repeat myself) pounced. It was his only mistake of the night.
You can see it in the video above somewhere.
——————-
Now as to the media……
The major networks cut off their own noses by not covering it. And like all things Russia, Russia, Russia, they got their predictions completely and totally wrong.
If you’ve watched the speech, you’ll find this little montage hysterically and completely wrong. That seems to be the national media’s MO.
Wandering Views 
It’s nice to once again have a president that loves his country, thinks it exceptional, and isn’t afraid to say so. 🙂
And not one political statement from him yesterday.
—————
The entire speech.
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Just a reminder, this is how the leftists celebrated the 4th…. with an un-American protest.
————-
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“Trump celebrates US might, avoids politics in rousing July 4 speech”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-producer-president-makes-july-4th-own-show-200916773.html
“President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday, skirting politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.
“What a great country,” Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism, after critics accused him of hijacking the annual celebration.
“For Americans, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Combat aircraft, including the rarely-seen B2 stealth bomber, flew overhead as Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories. He drew cheers of “USA! USA!” from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington.
Trump promised the United States would soon again send men to the moon, and go beyond to “plant the American flag on Mars.”
“We will always be the people who defeated a tyrant, crossed a continent, harnessed science, took to the skies, and soared into the heavens, because we will never forget that we are Americans, and the future belongs to us.”
– ‘The most exceptional nation’ -“
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Thanks, the real, I had been wanting to hear that speech. Well done, Mr President.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I haven’t listened to the speech yet. I will say that I feel dismay when we brag about our country without the acknowledgement of God’s grace. That is when the assumption that WE make/made it great. That was not something one would have heard at the beginning of our country. Though we are not a theocracy, the lessons of the people under Moses are valuable. When they thought THEY won the battle, it did not go well. Pride goes before a fall. There is nothing wrong with citing the blessings we have and gratitude for those who fought for it, but it is to our peril to ignore the true source of our blessings. I think history also bears that out.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I heard him acknowledge God’s work a couple of times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The part about forever and ever and ever seemed a bit much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This may get me in trouble here, but what’s new? 😀
The focus that I keep seeing on our military – tying heralding the military to Independence Day, on Facebook and other places – doesn’t seem quite right. Don’t get me wrong. I am not anti-military, and I do have much respect for those who serve or served, such as my own father and husband, and others in both of our families. But there is so much more to our nation, and the founding of our nation, than military might.
From what I understand, the founding fathers did not believe in keeping a standing army. I wonder what they would make of the emphasis that so many put on our armed forces on this day.
LikeLike
I’d say that some of the excessive politeness to military members is because people feel badly about what happened after Vietnam and don’t want to do so again.
That being said, we always smile politely when people thank my husband for his service but feel it is totally unnecessary.
As to a standing army–we could not defend the country without one, much less honor our treaties to help others.
One of the reasons the US was late to enter WWI–beyond the fact Wilson didn’t want to–is we didn’t have much of an Army. General Pershing was running around in northern Mexico trying to track down Pancho Villa in 1915; we had a very small armed force. We had very few armaments; it took more than a year to arrange for the US Army to be prepared to fight in Europe–and even then, it was really hard for them.
Also, the US Navy is basically the only reason the seas of the world are “free” for everyone.
In addition, if we only had militia and the Coast Guard as our armed forces, it would take years to build the ships and planes needed to defend ourselves. It would be over, therefore, if we didn’t have such a standing military force.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Because
1. The declaration of independence was virtually a military challenge. It was the culmination of activities that had happened in Boston and elsewhere.
2. The military is the source of much disparagement in certain circles today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right on Michelle!!
Can you imagine a world today without the USA?
LikeLiked by 1 person
What Michelle said. But also, in the speech, he gave credit in a lot of different areas, pointing out many areas where Americans have stepped up. But the military show, boys and their toys.
LikeLike
I didn’t mean to imply that I don’t think we need a military today – of course we do. But Independence Day is about celebrating the official declaration of our independence from Britain.
It can be argued that the realization of that independence came through our militias fighting a war. And I don’t mind the military being mentioned and honored. But much of the focus has been on military might. Many of my Facebook friends were sharing things thanking the military, as if that is what Independence Day is all about.
LikeLike
Michelle,
I liked your comment at 4:05, but only because there was no option to love it. Well put.
——————–
Kizzie,
The Continental Army, brought to be by the 2nd Continental Congress, a group comprised of many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the vary same founding fathers you mentioned, was done expressly for the purpose of defending the colonies. They knew exactly what they were doing, and without that Army, there’d be no USA.
By the way, this act of Congress happened even before the Declaration was signed, because hostilities had already begun. The founders prepared for the fight they knew was coming before they even formerly declared independence. They knew it would be necessary.
https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/continental-army/
“A trained, experienced leader during the French and Indian War, Washington was the logical choice to lead the Continental Army. The Army was formed by the Continental Congress in 1775 after the outbreak of the American Revolution. Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the army throughout the War.
When Washington assumed command, the Continental Army truly was not even an army. Rather, it was a loosely and poorly coordinated band of militias and citizen-soldiers under control of the individual states. There were no established protocols for exercising coordinated authority, for supplying and feeding the troops, for transportation, or any other of the myriad tasks necessary for a field army. Because eighteenth century communication was very poor and maddeningly slow, gaining the Continental Congress’ required approval for anything took long periods of time. Under these conditions fighting the powerful British army was a gargantuan task.
Despite these impediments, Washington organized this seemingly motley amalgamation into three divisions, six brigades, and thirty-eight regiments. He initially employed one state’s militia – Major General Philip Schuyler’s ten regiments in New York – in an unsuccessful attempt to invade Canada. When it became clear that the Crown wanted to crush independence, Congress lengthened enlistment terms and ordered States to contribute regiments in proportion to their population.”
———————
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Army
———————
And as Michelle said, to raise a standing Army takes a long time, months. You’d be done for by then in today’s world. It’s vital to any nations survival.
LikeLike
“Also, the US Navy is basically the only reason the seas of the world are “free” for everyone.”
This is yet another benefit the US military provides us, and to the entire world. Without a standing Navy, piracy would still be a thing in much of the world.
LikeLike
I think the point is: The military is the only thing all Americans can rally around without controversy. Al the thousands of people at that speech were united on the topic.
But they likely differed on almost everything else.
Religion
Family
Occupation, etc.
In fact??? What else could he talk about without going into divisive politics.
I think he did a good job. It wasn’t a political speech, but it likely got him some votes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK, can someone comment on the remark within the speech that had something to do with airports in the 1700s? I keep seeing people on social meeting having a heyday with that. I didn’t see the speech (only a small part of it) and haven’t had time to research what the remark may have been as I’ve been covering everything in sight today in turquoise paint.
LikeLiked by 1 person
social media
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Yes Trump made a slip up in his speech about that. So of course, having already forgotten about Mr. 57 States, the MSM and Dems (but I repeat myself) pounced. It was his only mistake of the night.
You can see it in the video above somewhere.
——————-
Now as to the media……
The major networks cut off their own noses by not covering it. And like all things Russia, Russia, Russia, they got their predictions completely and totally wrong.
If you’ve watched the speech, you’ll find this little montage hysterically and completely wrong. That seems to be the national media’s MO.
Enjoy the prophets of doom. 🙂
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https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-blames-teleprompter-revolutionary-war-airports-flub-n1026931?cid=sm_npd_nn_fb_np&fbclid=IwAR0w8BJm9BSxyCxhwZovoni69B-XInI9CPcrV00z77RIa64XjovxE69-GVY
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