To hell with the fireworks.

[Recluse]

Spent the day at the hangar yesterday helping get the Taylorcraft restoration ready for the last bit of painting (decorative striping, bling, etc). Was thinking of doing a sunset flight in the Cessna, then decided I was too tired. . . and that something was bugging me and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. But it was bad enough to keep me from rolling the plane out and taking a spin.

On the way home, I was on a stretch of I-35W and saw several big commercial fireworks shows going on, and for some reason, got really pissed off.

All these folks going to these shows with their kids and grandkids, oooh-ing and aahhh-ing over the big booms and sparkling streaks. . . and none of them bothering to even THINK of why they were at a damned fireworks show to begin with.

Today is the 4th and I've been sent so many e-mails and pics of people at picnics, at the lake, at the beach, blah blah blah and yet the overwhelming majority of these folks can't tell you the difference between the First and the Fifth Amendments of the Constitution, the difference between the Gettysburg Address and the Intro to the Declaration of Independence. They have no clue what just happened in Egypt, still don't care what happened in Behghazi and still stupidly believe that the IRS and NSA and other alphabets have zero interest in anything that they may say or do.

But by God, they're at the lake enjoying the living hell out of the Fourth, they wave the obligatory flags, say PC things like "We support our troops" and on an on.

Fact is, the majority are clueless as to what this country is supposed to really be all about. Worse yet, they don't care. As long as their smart phone is charged and their cable tv is working, America is just fantastic.

This past Memorial Day, five of us raised a toast to the four buddies who, since our discharge back in the 80's, died at their own hands because the stress--delayed and present--became too much. Each of us wonders which of us will be next.

We've become fat, lazy and cowardly in this country, this experiment called America. And worse, we seem to not only like it that way, but prefer it.

To hell with the fireworks.

:coffee:

[1Shirt]

Yep Recluse, could not have said it better myself!
1Shirt!

[sparky45]

I agree 100% Recluse, but I couldn't in good conscience reflect about the cause. I think it's OUR generation that's responsible, and that really makes me sad. Used to be God, Country and Family with me, now it's the same but Country isn't even 3rd in that list anymore. Almost thinking similar to Michelle about THIS Country anymore. And the 4th of July used to be my second most anticipated Holiday. Lots of Family and friends at a gathering having fun. EVERYONE at the gathering celebrated someone in the Service of this Country, be it my Father(WW1 Vet), my Oldest Brother(WW2 Vet), Me(Vietnam Era Vet) or my Uncles(both WW2 Vets) and my Aunt(WW2 Vet). I cherished those gatherings.

[Baja_Traveler]

The only thing different between where we are headed and the fall of Rome is the orgies.

Now I'm feeling cheated somehow....

Anyhoo, I'm headed up to the top of Mount Soledad to the Veterans Memorial and visit my dads plaque and think about just one of the reasons I'm not at work right now...

75316

[Bzcraig]

I'm sorry brother......
Sorry that your assessments of the condition of our country and its people is right.
Sorry that the Constitution, Gettysburg Address and Declaration don't mean what they should.
Sorry you have lost those four friends.

You've admitted to being an "I'll tempered Texan" so getting pissed off wasn't a surprise cause you have a reason. I have a tendency to do the same on Memorial and Veterans Day. But be encouraged that many here share your anger for all the same reasons which is one of the specific reasons we are still here. We can still speak our minds and influence people, it's our purpose and responsibility. Later today as I see and hear the fireworks my thoughts will be about Fort McHenry, The Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key and the birth of a Nation. I will with tears running down my cheeks, even as they are now, be thinking of the honorable who have served to establish and protect this place I call home. Hang in there Fly-Boy!

[snuffy]

Taylorcraft restoration?????? Can I come down and help!?

Sorry for the off subject comment, I agree totally that today's public has forgotten completely the reason for the season. Whether it be celebrating our declaration of independence, Christmas, memorial day or thanksgiving. It's just another day off of work, and for some, a reason to get drunk.

Now back to the Taylorcraft. My first time flying was with my dad was in his T craft. We spent many hours and many miles in it. I helped wash and wax it, helped do other maintenance, and cried when he had to sell it when he retired. He was part-owner, a partnership with a co-worker. It worked well,very little conflict for flying time.

The "airport" was a very short grass strip right on the edge of a major highway. Also telegraph wires along the railroad on the other side of the highway. With no flaps and the tendency of the T craft to float, it was a real treat to get-'er-down after clearing the highway/wires. The strip was oriented east-to-west, so usually landings were on R-27. 6 go a rounds one day to land it!

JD, if you ever come up to the EAA, I'd violate an oath to never go near that mess again to meet up with you. They sure do like to rip us off with their high prices for everything! I heard last year they were charging $6.00 for a 16 Oz. cup of Coke. I'm about 7 miles north of Whitman field.

[Echo]

I'm going to a Rep cookout this PM - free hot dogs will get me every time. Taking my Main Squeeze (I call her that just to tease - she's my only squeeze!), then down to Tubac for the fireworks. I've never been there for that, but she has, and so therefore, we are going this time.

And at the Rep shindig, I will raise a toast to, and request 3 cheers for, GEORGE 3rd! Without George 3rd, we wouldn't be celebrating July 4th!

[Down South]

Recluse, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. It boggles my mind when talking to folks on a day to day basis when I realize they don't know squat about what's really going on around them or about worldly affairs.
This generation reminds me of a picture where some well to be prince is laying on a cushy sofa while someone else is standing there beside them dropping grapes in their mouth. They can't see, or refuse to see past their little world where everything is in peace and harmony. They refuse to look to the distant horizon to see that there is a red glow to it.

[starmac]

People didn't just forget. My generation was taught in PUBLIC school, what the hollidays were for and what we were celebrating, this has not happened for quite some time now and is just part of an agenda. We were also taught that we lived in the best nation on earth, and why, this kind of teaching has also gone by the wayside.

[TXGunNut]

Fireworks and picnics are just another way a perfectly good holiday has been commercialized. I know what happened on July 4, 1776 and I know why it should still be important today. Just as importantly I know that our Constitution established the best system of government in the world and we elected a bunch of clowns to run it.
My neighbors put on a pretty outstanding show every year so I can go outside and enjoy it or stay inside and endure it.
We have a few more chances to right this ship, just not sure how many folks understand the situation we're in.

[Jim]

There are those that have forgotten and do nothing at all. On the other hand, there are those that have NOT forgotten and do celebrate with fireworks.

[possom813]

I don't know how to embed this video, but it's a video that everyone should watch, and share.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC18F9mOhsY

[JeffinNZ]

JD, you're turning into a grumpy old man.....just like me.

Don't stress yourself an ulcer. You can't influence the great unwashed. Kinda wish you could stop the stupid voting though.

[Boyscout]

I don't wear American flag pins on my suits when I wear them; I couldn't find any that were not made in The People's Republic of China. I put my EGA cover device on instead to remind me that there are still young men out there putting their lives on the line for a country that doesn't seem to care at times. Too bad it's illegal to load up my muzzleloader with blackpowder and a wad and make some noise that way tonight.

[jcwit]

I don't know how to embed this video, but it's a video that everyone should watch, and share.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC18F9mOhsY

Have never heard this before, not much I can say other than, God Bless America, and God Bless the United States of America!

My flag flies high in my front yard, proudly in the breeze.

[gandydancer]

Was at rehab Wednesday(broke my back in 72 & my neck in 203) plane crash & bad fall.
and talking about the 4th and who got it for us.and them that fought and died to keep it for us.and that Audie Murphy said all soldiers who go into harms way are Hero's. and that sweet kind young lady working with me looked me in the eye and ask Who's Audie Murphy? I just stood there at a loss for words.I'm still at a loss. Told her to Google the name. said she would. Recluse.. we all feel the pain. I feel like an endangered species. GD

[shdwlkr]

Recluse
It is not the fire works that gets me
It all the drinking and partying that gets me. See I think of today and all that died to create this experiment as you called it a Republic. Death is not a time to party, well unless I have left this earth then those left just might want to party, I digress
I have family that was in that fight and every one up until the last few, I have family that was here before the Europeans even knew there was a land mass here.
I have been watching the Gettysburg event and I have been there, held one of sniper rifles even and all I can think of was it really worth all the death and destruction.
I sometimes when I am really down go to the local veterans cemetery and walk around and read the head stones as one day might be there. In my case there most likely will be none that can say they knew me.
Like you I have a crusty exterior and yes some get to enjoy more than they asked for. But then again I am getting older so I get some slack sometimes.

Do yourself a favor and sit on the porch and watch the sun set knowing that you do know what today is and the price it has cost this Republic. Also be glad you are as old as you are as you just might get out before the socialists totally take the Republic away from those fat, sleeping individuals who make up an ever increasing part of our country.

Happy 4th Recluse and enjoy it we don't know when it will taken from us

[shooter93]

Every generation has bemoaned the generation coming after it. Grandparents thought Swing music was the Devils work,then Rock and Roll and on and on. Every generation knew the ones coming along would destroy the Republic. Every generation knew the next would see the Republic's last breath....yet here we are....surviving and enduring. We have weathered many a storm as tragic as the current conditions. Spilled the blood of countrymen and seen the nation divided completely in two vehemently....atleast twice....yet here we are. Maybe those things will happen again....maybe they will have to but we will endure. Jim is right. There are many who have forgotten or don't know but there are many who do and few can move mountains. I know....I will never forget and I will never give up. We are far from defeat and this Experiment of ours will survive any and all attempts to dismantle it. Celebrate the day....Hell...celebrate the Republic. teach a young one the truth they will be more receptive than you think and never waiver.

[jsizemore]

I joined so they wouldn't have to worry themselves. I glad they don't have to think of such things as we had to live through and some of our brothers who didn't.

[DIRT Farmer]

I was watching the fireworks reflect off the steam colum at the local power plant. Looked to much like the arty boys were lighting up the clouds.

I still like fire works and today I had a few rifles out shooting them. From the pattern 1851 to the M-1. All I can say is thanks to all who have stood to the line.

[deep creek]

I dont like the fireworks it reminds me of another time.today i went to the veterans memorial in rigby idaho and sat down and visited with my friends on the wall.It made me feel better.

[waksupi]

I just came home from the neighbors display. Best in the area. Military family, and wounded warriors always in attendance. I can sure live with it.

[41 mag fan]

Yes the true meaning of the 4 of July, Gettysburg address, Memorial day, Veterans day ect ect, are not forgotten, just not remembered anymore. Nor is the full weight of those holidays comprehended either.
But to keep a nation free, it's to let a people or populace decide their way of celebrating and/or remembering.

Otherwise forced upon remembering, and certain ways to celebrate, you'll be mirroring a Red China and North Korea style of celebrations.
Taught in school yes it should be. I even was seeing on Fox yesterday morning, the reason for the 4th.
But let the people decide how to celebrate, if they celebrate at all....that's why those Continental soldiers fought and died for.....FREEDOM

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

While I am sure at least Half of the People "Partying" on the 4th are clueless, thanks to public education, I do believe there are many people "partying" who are aware of our past and also see what's happening to our country and working/voting toward changing the socialistic direction.

If I didn't believe this, I'd surely be depressed...and want to do things that'd be most incorrect to post about [on the internet].

So, I say Party on...as John Adams prescribes:

“The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. . . . 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.”
– John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
http://timpanogos.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/quote-of-the-moment-john-adams-celebrating-the-2nd-of-july/

PS, what's a Shew ?

[sparkz]

100%,,,,,,, +1

Most dont care whats what,, and thats sad part
as long as they can come home and watch TV,,
Most dont care

recall the election and "Some People" Clamed the best day in America?
and still Most knew nothing about the Guy they voted into power,,
and stil was the best thing that ever happened to America...

Well now we have a KING and still the thinking "the King can do no Wrong"

Impeach the King, he's far more then most ever bargained for
Is it time for some of us say "Told ya so" ?

Sad day indeed

Patrick

[KCSO]

"long as their smart phone is charged and their cable tv is working, America is just fantastic" This is the description of the sheeple who are slowly losing our country and our freedom and who will not care or even wakr up till we are calling eac other comrade and the phones don't work. Sad isn't it?

[WILCO]

JD, you're turning into a grumpy old man.....just like me.


I'm well on my way to becoming one too. I currently hold the record for using the word "Treasonous" the most times in one conversation. Thanks for posting the thread J.D.

[jonas302]

Umm ever consider that young people have to work 60 hours a week and are damnwell going to enjoy a day off

[Kull]

Pretty harsh Recluse, hint of high horse there. Next year try to enjoy yourself on the 4th, or not, your choice of course.

[jcwit]

Umm ever consider that young people have to work 60 hours a week and are damnwell going to enjoy a day off

I know no one working a 60 hour week, be they young or old. But I know many who have no idea what being Patriotic means, even to the point of standing and uncovering when the Flag passes.

With said I still hold out hope for this Nation and Pray it comes with the next 2 elections.

[popper]

Yup, went to the Exxon/Houston show. Group of yuppie college age kids couldn't stop chatting, drinking, eating and texting during the National Anthem. Did have a group chanting USA, USA at one point. Not very many vets stood during the proverbial military songs. Most watching the fireworks would know what it's like if that was hot shrapnel from air bursts dropping on their heads. Always have a chuckle when the press says some natural disaster looks like a war zone, where they've never been.

[MUSTANG]

I am actually more encouraged than many concerning the future of our Republic, Freedom and Liberty. I have had the opportunity to speak with many of our young people who joined the various Services after the Terrorist Attacks. What I have discovered is that most of them have a much deeper understanding of the Constitution and our Republic than did the average Service member in uniform during my military career. Although a significant portion of today's youth do not seem to have a clue, I see the leaders and defenders of the Republic coming from those who have served over the last 12 years, and am encouraged.

I will say that I have common ground with Recluse when I hear someone say "I support the Troops". My usual response is: "That's great, how do you do that?" When they give me a blank stare, or stutter and fumble (which is most of the time) I follow up with: Are you:

- Donating to the USO?
- Sending care packages to Service Members overseas?
- Writing a letter/postcard to "Any Service Member"?
- Greeting returning service members at the airport
- Greeting returning Reserve/National Guard units when they return from overseas back to their communities?
- or .....

Amazing how angry these SUPPORTERS OF OUR TROOPS get at me.

The fact that few people (particularly our elected officials) can find the time to welcome these young service members home is the greatest hurt I have heard expressed in my discussions and interactions with today's young service members.

Mustang
(Semper Fidelis)

[Adam10mm]

I celebrate Independence Day, not the 4th of July. Big difference.

[Love Life]

I don't agree. This marks thread #3 poo pooing independence day for one reason another. It is getting old.

I celebrate the Independence Day for ME and MY family. I and THEY understand independence day and the importance of our founding documents. I can care less what billy-joe-bob numbnuts thinks about the 4th or whether or not he understands the significance of it.

Take the time to educate some of the people around you, calm down, and enjoy it for yourself.

[2wheelDuke]

I didn't get much enjoyment on Independence Day this year. I spent my favorite holiday in uniform, and I clocked 17.5 hours.

I spent 11.5 hours of that time training a new rookie.

At 33, I'm considered an old salt by some of my recruits. I help instruct at the gun club's youth events. It's cliche' to go on about the kids these days, but some of us are working hard to keep teaching some old school ways, even if we're not quite old yet ourselves.

[41 mag fan]

I know no one working a 60 hour week, be they young or old.

You ever met my wife, then you would.....if she does a 60 hr work week, then she's 5 hrs short her norm.
Normal day for her starts at 7:30am and usually doesn't end till 9pm, M-F
Come next week when I get released from med leave, I'll be lucky to see anything below a 55 hr work week, M-F. And to add the kicker, from what I hear we're behind on coal production.....so throw in another 10 hr or more day there too for Sat work.

Patriotic can come in many forms. It's human nature to forget and let things of great importance like Independence Day become a murmur in their thoughts and actions. This comes and happens as each generation comes to adulthood. Heck look at 9/11. Tens yrs later, you got a new generation coming in, that don't really fully comprehend the significance of that day or what or how it changed the U.S. and the world.
With each generation that comes to adulthood, that comprehension and significance will be lessened, till it'll be just another day, like Pearl Harbor has become, or Vietnam, Korean War, Gulf War, ect ect.

[jcwit]

You ever met my wife, then you would.....if she does a 60 hr work week, then she's 5 hrs short her norm.
Normal day for her starts at 7:30am and usually doesn't end till 9pm, M-F
Come next week when I get released from med leave, I'll be lucky to see anything below a 55 hr work week, M-F. And to add the kicker, from what I hear we're behind on coal production.....so throw in another 10 hr or more day there too for Sat work.


Let me rephrase that. I never needed money so bad as to work 60 hours a week. Even with our own business my wife and I seldom worked over 45 hours.

Only reason I ever worked was to enjoy life, never worked for the sake of working, included raising two daughters, owning my own home without payments, same for cars, no reason to make the banker money if I could help it. And I didn't drive rust buckets unless you consider Corvetts & Camaro's low end.

I think it all in priorities and a little luck.

I was Blessed.

[TXGunNut]

"long as their smart phone is charged and their cable tv is working, America is just fantastic" This is the description of the sheeple who are slowly losing our country and our freedom and who will not care or even wakr up till we are calling eac other comrade and the phones don't work. Sad isn't it?


Smart phone, cable TV and section 8 housing & the welfare/food stamps in their mailbox or on their card. When some or all of that stops we'll have rioting and looting, I hear. "Land of the Free" seems to mean something different to some folks.

[GL49]

I don't agree. This marks thread #3 poo pooing independence day for one reason another. It is getting old.

I celebrate the Independence Day for ME and MY family. I and THEY understand independence day and the importance of our founding documents. I can care less what billy-joe-bob numbnuts thinks about the 4th or whether or not he understands the significance of it.

Take the time to educate some of the people around you, calm down, and enjoy it for yourself.

After reading a lot of the posts, Love Life has a more polite version of what I would have told some of you. Most people are put off by the guy standing on the street corner waving his arms and shouting. If you don't like the way things are, ask yourself, "What can I DO about it?"

[canyon-ghost]

Fireworks- modern day inappropriate use of black powder.

That's according to this grouchy old man, lol.

[waksupi]

Fireworks- modern day inappropriate use of black powder.

That's according to this grouchy old man, lol.

Ron, I think they were using it for fireworks quite awhile before they made the first handgonne.

[leeggen]

Spent the day with the grankids. Never went to any fire works. When they are older I and their father will teach them respect for those who gave it all so we could be together when we wanted to be. I reflected on service to country and friends that no longer are with us. Some have no idea of what it takes to keep us free. Scares me to hear people and news meadia call this president "the world leader". Be it he has no idea what a leader is.
CD

[Gliden07]

Spent the day at the hangar yesterday helping get the Taylorcraft restoration ready for the last bit of painting (decorative striping, bling, etc). Was thinking of doing a sunset flight in the Cessna, then decided I was too tired. . . and that something was bugging me and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. But it was bad enough to keep me from rolling the plane out and taking a spin.

On the way home, I was on a stretch of I-35W and saw several big commercial fireworks shows going on, and for some reason, got really pissed off.

All these folks going to these shows with their kids and grandkids, oooh-ing and aahhh-ing over the big booms and sparkling streaks. . . and none of them bothering to even THINK of why they were at a damned fireworks show to begin with.

Today is the 4th and I've been sent so many e-mails and pics of people at picnics, at the lake, at the beach, blah blah blah and yet the overwhelming majority of these folks can't tell you the difference between the First and the Fifth Amendments of the Constitution, the difference between the Gettysburg Address and the Intro to the Declaration of Independence. They have no clue what just happened in Egypt, still don't care what happened in Behghazi and still stupidly believe that the IRS and NSA and other alphabets have zero interest in anything that they may say or do.

But by God, they're at the lake enjoying the living hell out of the Fourth, they wave the obligatory flags, say PC things like "We support our troops" and on an on.

Fact is, the majority are clueless as to what this country is supposed to really be all about. Worse yet, they don't care. As long as their smart phone is charged and their cable tv is working, America is just fantastic.

This past Memorial Day, five of us raised a toast to the four buddies who, since our discharge back in the 80's, died at their own hands because the stress--delayed and present--became too much. Each of us wonders which of us will be next.

We've become fat, lazy and cowardly in this country, this experiment called America. And worse, we seem to not only like it that way, but prefer it.

To hell with the fireworks.

:coffee:

Recluse I never thought of this like you have... After reading this I realized your right and it saddens me to think what this country has become! :(