On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born.  In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).  From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people.  Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream.  Sadly, some come with other things in mind, a free ride, to tear us down from within, or to commit wanton acts of terror against us due to religious & political ideology. Because we are Americans and this is the “land of the free and the home of the brave” where one of our most iconic landmarks displays the words:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

We as Americans need to remember, not just today, but every day to make an effort to differentiate between those seeking to join us who are truly seeking to become Americans and those who would see us torn down or do us harm. While I’ll grant you this is not an easy task, it is a debt we owe those who founded this great nation for us.

Ladies and Gentleman please stand for our (period correct) National Anthem

 Please remain standing and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance after a great American explains the meaning behind it.

Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance

Live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol!

A Star Spangled Birthday Party — Live from the US Capitol!

This July Fourth, America’s national Independence Day celebration honors our country’s 239th birthday with an all-star salute led by two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron, along with a cast of legendary performers. Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this top-rated extravaganza features 20 cameras positioned around the city, ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation.

A Capitol Fourth is broadcast live on PBS and can also be heard live on NPR member stations nationwide and via the American Forces Network to the nearly one million American service members, Department of Defense civilians, and their families, stationed at bases in 175 countries as well as 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea.

See the star studded performers list here: http://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/concert/2014-performers/

Friday, July 4, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET

John Philip Sousa’s March, “The Stars and Stripes Forever”

Wednesday I made a Gratuitous Movie Referenced and challenged you people to post the movie it was from in the comments section of the issue. I’m not sure which I’m more disappointed in, the fact that none of you got it, or that only a single individual could be bothered to take the effort to comment with the answer.

The line about hating when I get my Schwartz tangled is a reference to the 1987 Mel Brooks Cult Classic “Spaceballs”.

Let me again reference my general disgust over the lack of participation effort like this:

I now return your to drunken BBQ activities.

The Birth of American Independence

“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the early movement toward rebellion. Repeated attempts by the colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.

When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in Thomas Paine’s bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published in early 1776. On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence. Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.

The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document (as seen above). A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” On July 4th, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.

On July 6, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the extraordinary document. The Declaration of Independence has since become our nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty.

Flash Mob – “Proud to be an American”

Remember to thank our Veterans & Soldiers for the privilege of being able to do so

Couple last minute spice rubs in case you’ve a need to one up the neighborhood self anointed grill master and a cake recipe I promised Impish I’d post for the holiday. RELAX ALREADY! If you keep a decently stocked larder its likely you have just about everything you’ll need for this cake

Chicken Rub

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2  tbsp.  garlic powder
1  tbsp.  onion powder
1  tbsp.  cumin
1  tbsp.  dried thyme
1  tbsp.  coriander
1/4  c.  smoked paprika
1  tbsp.  black pepper
2  tbsp.  kosher salt

Instructions

For presentation, layer spices. Recipe may be doubled or tripled to fit your jar. To use, combine all spices together and rub liberally on any chicken product.

Variations: Make your own favorite blend by adding or substituting any of these spices: fennel seed, ginger, all spice and a dash of cinnamon.

Pork Rub

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1/3  c.  smoked paprika
2  tbsp.  kosher or sea salt
2  tbsp.  brown sugar
2  tbsp.  white sugar
2  tbsp.  black pepper
2  tbsp.  mustard powder
1  tbsp.  garlic powder
1  tbsp.  cayenne pepper
1  tbsp.  ground coriander
1/2  tsp.  ground cinnamon

  or presentation, layer spices. Recipe may be doubled or tripled to fit your jar. To use, combine all spices together and rub liberally on any pork product.

Variations: Make your own favorite blend by adding or substituting any of these spices: thyme, rosemary, sage, allspice, marjoram, nutmeg, bay leaves, or ginger.

Beef Rub

Ingredients

2  Tbsp  thyme
1  Tbsp  black pepper
2  Tbsp  garlic powder
2  Tbsp   kosher salt
1  Tbsp  mustard powder
1  Tbsp.  smoked paprika
1  Tbsp  cayenne powder

Instructions

For presentation, layer spices. Recipe may be doubled or tripled to fit your jar. To use, combine all spices together and rub liberally on any beef product.

Variations: Make your own favorite blend by adding or substituting any of these spices, ingredients, or herbs: rosemary, orange peel or cumin.

In all three cases I make mine with half of the salt called for to reduce the sodium levels. In fact if making it for a gift I include no salt and the instructions for use say to slat the meat to the cooks preference

Premium Tres Leches Cake

I promise Impish I’d post this recipe for the holiday as when he heard me describe it he lost another keyboard to shorting out in a pool of drool. While it didn’t make it into Wednesday’s issue it’s a long weekend and the stores are open

Three forms of leche, or “milk,” are poured over a baked cake to create its signature indulgence. Cake mix and ready-to-spread frosting make it easy.

• Prep Time 15 min
• Total Time 1 hr 55 min
• Servings 15

Ingredients

1  box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist  yellow cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 container Betty Crocker™ Whipped fluffy white frosting

Directions

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease and flour or spray bottom and sides of 13×9-inch pan.
• 2 In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
• 3 Bake as directed on box for 13×9-inch pan. Let stand 5 minutes. Poke top of hot cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking.
• 4 In large bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and whipping cream. Carefully pour evenly over top of cake. Cover; refrigerate about 1 hour or until mixture is absorbed into cake. Frost with frosting. Store covered in refrigerator.

Typical yellow cake? Not! You’ll savor a very moist cake that’s been soaked in three full-flavored milks (“tres leches” in Spanish). The preparation is similar to a “poke” cake, where a cake is first baked, then poked and a mixture poured over it. This cake can vary by region, having fruit or chocolate, but the three-milk soaking is the key to its authenticity.

[We like it with strawberry cake mix and topped with whipped cream and strawberries instead of frosting]

John Philip Sousa’s March, “The Liberty Bell”

Some people do Crossword puzzles to keep their minds sharp, others prefer Word Jumbles or Sudoku. I like to parody song lyrics for my own purposes and the amusement of my friends. My muse just whispers in my ear (then usually gives me a wet willy) and I’m off at it.

Today’s requires a little explanation and background. Unless you were lucky enough to be born Irish or marry a fine Irish woman your not likely to recognize the tune which I have bent to my will because its mainly only popular with us Irish as its sort of a period history piece. So I’ll let you listen to it and an explanation of how it came about before giving it to you. Sorry but it won’t play here. Instead you’ll have to go to Youtube to comply with the posters restrictions to hear it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CySri9RAuQ

 Impish and I frequently exchange IMs during the day (don’t look for us it’s a closed system we’re using). I try to announce my presence with something humorous to make him laugh and his day better. So originally this started out only as the first 3 stanzas and chorus. Impish knew the song but couldn’t quite place it as he while not lucky enough to have been born an Irishman got the consolation prize and married an Irish lass. He was impressed enough to urge me to continue on with perverting it.

Bracing for another wet willy I asked my muse for more help. She’s fickle and has a short attention span however and came back to help paying attention now not to making Impish laugh but because of the upcoming holiday to make it about our stand against the political insanity that threatens our Republic ever seeing its 250th birthday.

I’ll sing you a song of peace and love.
They whack politicians all the live long day
Of the Leprechaun that reigns o’er a blog that’s a cut above
They whack politicians all the live long day

May profits a plenty be his share,
He keeps Impish Dragon from the electric chair!
So the Gods bless Lethal is our prayer
Whacking politicians all the live long day

They whack politicians all the live long day
So we say “Hip Hooray!”
Come and listen while we sing their praise
Whacking politicians  all the live long day

When Impish was savage fierce and wild
They whack politicians all the live long day
Lethal came along like a mother to her child
They whack politicians all the live long day
Vigorously applying shelling to Impish all the time
Which kept our Dragon from hellish crime
And made him profitable in his own good time
Whacking politicians all the live long day

They whack politicians all the live long day
So we say “Hip Hooray!”
Come and listen while we sing their praise
They whack politicians all the live long day

Together the two oft are naughty boys
They whack politicians all the live long day
For computers and guns are dangerous toys
They whack politicians all the live long day
From the blog the rail against Obama’s will
They make poor Liberals weep their fill
Ah, but ould ‘Merica they love her still
Whacking politicians all the live long day

They whack politicians all the live long day
So we say “Hip Hooray!”
Come and listen while we sing their praise
Whacking politicians all the live long day

Oh, Conservatives forget the past
They whack politicians all the live long day
And think of the time that’s coming fast
They whack politicians all the live long day
When we will all be liberally Communized
Neat and clean our lives by Big Brother well supervised
Oh, won’t the Founding Fathers be surprised?
Whacking politicians all the live long day

Bonfires and Illuminations

On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.

The custom eventually spread to other towns, both large and small, where the day was marked with processions, oratory, picnics, contests, games, military displays and fireworks. Observations throughout the nation became even more common at the end of the War of 1812 with Great Britain.

In June of 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C. to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote. In it, Jefferson says of the document:

“May it be to the world, what I believe it will be … the signal of arousing men to burst the chains … and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. …For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.” – Thomas Jefferson June 24, 1826 Monticello

Aaron Tippin – Where The Stars & Stripes & The Eagle Fly

American Revolution – 1776

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv1QdkMdGrA

At 50 minutes I’ll just post this and leave it to you to watch it later.

Early Fourth of July Celebrations

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776 some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III, as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty. Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.

After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties–Federalists and Democratic-Republicans–that had arisen began holding separate Independence Day celebrations in many large cities.

The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps in 2012 Spirit of America

July 4th Becomes A National Holiday

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.

Still too early yet for fireworks… so how about a little more music

Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)

Let’s see…is it dark enough yet?

Yeah that looks pretty good beside you natives are getting too restless and rowdy.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks New York City

Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky Fireworks 2013