Recovery of Our Republic 101

Recovery of Our Republic 101

I am reminded that we cannot cure the ills of the past by replacing them with the ills of today…

Also, we cannot discard the dysfunctional parties of the past only to form dysfunctional parties of the future…

I am a conservative constitutionalist who believes in the great experiment; a participatory-republic, of by and for those governed; and seeped in recognition and reverence for God Almighty and of profound respect for one another.

To those erstwhile principles and ends, I remain committed.

Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Recovery of Our Republic 101)

rgsjesshuster@charter.net

http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868

OUR SOLDIERS

OUR SOLDIERS

This is outstanding....makes me so proud of our young people in uniform.
As I have said many times over.....NONE BRAVER....NONE BETTER

From a Chaplain in Iraq.

"I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped.

What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start.

Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers 'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.
===================
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07. LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad"

From a dear friend

http://www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...ck&btnG=Search

July and Thoughts of Independence

July and Thoughts of Independence

JULY©

Summer here and now in full swing
folks are busy, doing Summer things.
Camping, boating, fishing...more,
as long as it can be done, outdoors.
Commitment to Independence, on July 4th is made,
gratefully, with picnics, and fireworks, after the parade.
Great sacrifices remembered, for liberty and freedom,
continued this day, protecting country, family and home.

The month of July, from end to end, each and every part,
Here in the Reno, NV area, we proudly celebrate the Arts.
http://www.renoisartown.com/

The heat is on, the sun begins to bake,
everyone's mind’s, on going to the lake.
Be sure to use plenty of sun screen,
or your sunburn, will surely ache.
Everywhere now, as we look around,
hillsides, parks and lawns turn brown!
The heat is intense, the air, it is dry,
water twice a week, or it'll surely die!
July rapidly closing, time now is in flight.
A new month beginning, with old sounds and sights,

before you know, it soon will be, "Hot August Nights".
http://www.hotaugustnights.net/

Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, July©)

The Concord Hymn

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;

Here once the embattled farmers stood;

And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;

Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,

And Time the ruined bridge has swept

Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,

We place with joy a votive stone,

That memory may their deeds redeem,

When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

O Thou who made those heroes dare

To die, and leave their children free,

--Bid Time and Nature gently spare

The shaft we raised to them and Thee.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

(In memory of the initial battle for Independence in April 1775)


Happy Birthday America©

Happy Birthday America, somehow it is, you continue to live,

even after all of the times, you gave all you possibly could give.

Of your youngest and best, the promising rest, so many bodies and souls,

standing their guard and in battles reward, in the air, at sea and in foxholes.

Your sacrifices great, spread across the seas, and continents all around this Earth,

under circumstances seemingly impossible, you did what you must, and suffered the dearth.

You have fought bravely against our enemies, both the domestic and the foreign,

and continued proudly, with Old Glory out front, and refused all disdain and scorn.

A call for rights & liberties: and freedom & justice, sprung from New England’s countryside; conceived, protected, birthed and nurtured; a gift from God Almighty, and reason for our pride. America, as we celebrate your birthday again, in troubled and tragic times, with a new year squarely in our sights,
we also celebrate your God given birthday gifts, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Birthday America©)


Freedom

"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so
formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women”.

--Ronald Reagan--

About My Dad

About My Dad



I wish to write to you, about my Dad,

he was the one and only, that I had.



Besides all that, he was special to me,

he was the best darn Dad, he could be.



Was he perfect? I'd have to say, not quite,

but for me, my Dad was quite alright.



Long gone from this world, he remains in me,

as an imperfect Dad, who wished he could be.



I don't judge his shortcomings, nor things left undone,

and hope my children don't either, daughters or sons.



You see, Dads are not perfect, though try like they might,

but miss them you do, once gone forever, out of your sight.



Remember the best times, remember one and all you have had,

for the best times remembered, keeps you ever, close to your Dad.





Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, About My Dad©,

Edward R. Shuster, Sr. May 28, 1902- January 6, 1971)

It's Father's Day Once Again

It's Father's Day Once Again©

What I'd Like for Father's Day©

What do you think Dad would like for Father’s Day? What do you want for Father’s Day, Dad? Not uncommon questions, but they prompted this Dad to think what he’d like most if he could have the gift of his choice from his children. The gift he would like to receive the most would be to have a letter from his children; not a group letter, but individual letters, written or typed, it matters not, but an individualized letter to your Dad telling him what you think you’d like him to know.

My Dad left this world without ever knowing the many things, thoughts as an adult, I would have liked to have shared with him, had he still been alive, when I was 30 years old, and 35, 40, 50, and now at 62. So, if you are thinking about a present for your Dad for Fathers’ Day, write him a letter. Neckties and tee-shirts and barbeque mitts all disappear, but your thoughts and words will forever stay with your Dad.

Love Always, Dad

Richard G. Shuster, (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, What I'd Like for Father's Day©)
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Father's Day is Only a Week Away©

We all know Father's Day, is usually not a real big deal
and from Mom and her day, none of it we'd ever steal.

But I think for Dad, its time he got his just due
so for the next few days, that's exactly what I'll do.

Unlike Mom, Dad's thoughts are not so sticky sweet,
so if anything seems offensive, hit the button named delete.

Some Dad originals, and some Dad thoughts from some others,
will arrive to share, with all Dads who are our brothers.

Remember too, husbands, brothers, nephews and all granddads,
include all sons-in-law, cousins, and other kinds of Dads.

Through the years, Dad's Day, has brought me joy and pride,
whether with my own Dad, or with my children by my side.

So here we go, the week ahead, thoughts both happy and sad,
but most of all, they are sent along to honor dear old Dad.

Richard G. Shuster (from Rick's Random Ramblings, Father's Day is Only a Week Away©)
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Happy Dad's Day to the Fathers of All Our Grandchildren©

The weekend soon gone, dedicated to Father,
never quite like for Mom, less fuss and less bother,

but memories we have, some happy, some sad,
for that someone so special, we call our Dad.

Once said, any man can be a Father, but takes a special man, to be a Dad.
To the Dads, of our grandchildren, you are the best Dads, they could have had.

Perfect Dads, well, that might be stretching it a lot,
but no other Dads could love and care for them,
as you do, since you give it all you've got.

We want you to know how proud we are of you,
and know that your children, also feel, the way we do.

We understand why your children proudly consider you,as their hero and their star.
And with pride and much gratitude,to know, what kind of men, their Dad's really are.

Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Happy Dad's Day to the Fathers of All Our Grandchildren)
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Fathers Day, Now is Gone©

Fathers Day, now is gone, for another year,
with some memories glad and some memories sad, some laughs and joy, and a couple of tears.

Time to reflect now upon, only those memories good,
and remember, what Fathers Day, is really all about,to be the best darn Father, that any Father ever could.

Richard G. Shuster (from Rick’s Random Ramblings, Fathers Day, Now is Gone©)

Our National Anthem

Our National Anthem



Note-

Near the end of his life the great science fiction author Isaac Asimov wrote a short story about the four stanzas of our national anthem. However brief, this well-circulated piece is an eye opener from the dearly departed doctor......



""I have a weakness -- I am crazy? absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem -- all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said."That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."



I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before -- or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation. But it was not me; it was the anthem.More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me.



So now let me tell you how it came to be written.In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.



Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack.The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.



The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D.C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.



On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release.The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait.



It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.



As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.



Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key:



Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"



Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort. The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer:



On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep.

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream

'Tis the star-spangled banner.

Oh! long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!



"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza, I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise.



During World War II, when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:



And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion

A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.



The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling:



Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,

Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,

And this be our motto --"In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.



I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away .... not even one word of it. ""



---Unknown---

The History of Flag Day

The History of Flag Day



http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html



The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.



On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.



Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag. Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered. In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings.



With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating. Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs.



Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."



Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.



While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.



http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html

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