This is a beautiful song, its lyrics and its music. I have just recently discovered it for my first time. I share it here, with you. On the video to follow, it is beautifully sung by Barbara Streisand. It was on her album ‘Walls’ in 2018. I could not find another video and even though I do not agree with the bias and politics of everything in the video or politically with Barbara Streisand, it is still a beautiful song.
-dahni-
Lady Liberty
Words and music by Desmond Child
Lady Liberty Lift your lamp of hope a little higher Burn that flame of freedom just a little brighter, please For all the world to see and still believe
Oh, Lady Liberty Show us how to stand and feel a little prouder As the anthem plays let’s sing And raise our voices even louder Since the real danger lies in the sound of silence
Lady Liberty I see you rise above the crashing waves Bearing witness to our darkest days Like that terrible September When we stopped and cried together Remember?
Lady Liberty Give me your tired and your poor Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free The wretched refuse of your teeming shore Send these, the homeless, the tempest tossed to me, to me
So lift your lamp and lead us through the golden door Tell the whole damn universe there’s a room for all of us and more Forever
Lady Liberty, my country ’tis of thee Lady Liberty, for all the world to see Please Lady Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was completed in France and presented to Levi P Morton, the U.S. minister to France, on July 4, 1884 in Paris. Then it was dissembled and shipped to the United States aboard the French Navy ship, Isère. It almost capsized on its way to NY. The Statue arrived in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885 in 350 individual pieces, packed in more than 200 cases. It took over a year to finish building the pedestal, construct the framework inside designed by Eiffel (same as the namesake of the Eiffel Tower), to anchor it, then fashion the copper skin over it by a construction crew hanging from ropes. People here did not want to pay for the construction, even though France had built the statue and gave it to the US and paid to ship it here. It was Pulitzer (yes the same namesake as the Pulitzer prize), that promised to publish the name of anyone who donated even a penny (the same color ‘Lady’ was until oxidation changed her into a lovely green patina). Children broke open their piggy banks and sent in their pennies. Pulitzer kept his promise and published every name. Finally, it was dedicated On October 28, 1886. President Grover Cleveland officially dedicated the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators. The non-donating rich people, still sat in the front rows.
Wood lath and plaster
Plaster
Torch construction
The torch-bearing arm was displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, and in Madison Square Park in Manhattan from 1876 to 1882.
The torch-bearing arm was displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, and in Madison Square Park in Manhattan from 1876 to 1882.
The head and shoulders were completed in 1878 and displayed at the Paris Universal Exposition
The entire Statue was completed and assembled in Paris between 1881 and 1884. Also in 1884, construction on the pedestal began in the United States.
Completed in France and presented to Levi P Morton, the U.S. minister to France, on July 4, 1884 in Paris. Then it was dissembled.
Pieces readied for shipment
350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases
shipped to the United States aboard the French Navy ship, Isère. It almost capsized on its way to NY. The Statue arrived in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885, and was met with great fanfare. Unfortunately, the pedestal for the Statue was not yet complete and the entire structure was not reassembled on Bedloe’s Island until 1886.
The Pedestal under construction, Eiffel’s framework built and anchored in the pedestal, and construction workers had to suspend from ropes to apply the copper skin
Weep not Dear Liberty. Is is not among the people. Now as ever before and evermore, it is a war, war between God and the god of this world. A war between good and evil. A war between day and night, right and wrong, truth and lies. It is a spiritual war.
Weep not Dear Liberty. Remember what is inscribed upon your heart…
History is like a map of where you are, where you are going and where you hope to end up. It is in essence, memory. Having no memory is like going somewhere without a map, without eyes and ears and feelings especially, but all the senses including taste and smell.
Growing up, I recall very little stored in my memory about American History. It was quite simple really, I just wasn’t into it, not interested in it. Ancient Greek and Roman History suited me better, but in a way, what was the practical side of those to me, they were not about me or where I lived; not my history.
I had another problem with learning American History, any history really and for the most part, any subject, anything. The simple cause for this was, I just did not have a very good memory. But I noticed a couple of curios things;
1. If a teacher made something interesting or I was interested, I could learn it and remember it later, IF… 2. IF, I spent a lot of time (maybe more so than most), and the more detail I could find and add to it, the easier it was to retain it and recall it later.
Having neither the blessing or the curse of a photographic memory, I could only learn to train what memory I had and like working any muscle, strengthen it over time. Repetition is important. Presentation is important, like who gives it and how it is presented. It should be interesting. It should have a purpose. It should be shared in order for it to continue. These all could be seen as just aids to memory, but most important of all, is the content. Is something a fact like 100 years ago there was no such thing as the Internet like today? When this nation was forming, the founders did not have email, cell phones, GPS, social media and such things as we may take for granted and these are facts. Facts come and go. Truth or principles are timeless. If it is truth or built on principle, what worked in the past will work today and any time, for anyone. WE the People are still, created equal, and still endowed with certain unalienable rights.
If all of these things or none of these things are not taught and continued, history is or will be lost. With human nature and without history, the mistakes of the past, are likely destined, to be repeated.
Our nation and our Constitution is based on the Declaration of Independence’s declaration that all are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain rights that cannot be bought, sold, transferred, bartered or taken under any circumstances. Among those are the rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. If these rights have not come from God, then they are inventions of the human mind. If this is so, then therefore, rights could be bought, sold, bartered, transferred and taken. Whether you or I believe in God from a “rights” point of view, these “rights” did not come from the mind of mankind and are therefore universal, not exclusive to just these United States of America. And these “rights” are, built into a written document, our Constitution, ideally and idealistically, for their future continuance. The words in the preamble declare it authority, it authors, “WE the People” and its goal, “in order to form a more perfect union.” It does not say a perfect union or a union beyond perfection, more perfectly perfect, and perfection, but it is a view towards progress, a constant motion, always and ever, striving for excellence. This again affirms, the importance of history.
Symbols are important. They aid in relating and recalling from its stores of memory. Our United States flag is such a symbol. From Betsy Ross sewing a flag with 13 stars representing the then thirteen colonies (not yet states), to its present day, it is still a symbol. No matter how you and I might feel about spitting on, tearing, and burning this flag, this symbol of the United States, just remember that we live in a country that is free to do these things. And we are also free, not to and to respect this symbol, for what it represents. We are free to share these things, teach these things; to preserve and protect our history, of being free.
History is like a map.
“History is like a map— it shows us where we have been, where we are and where we desire to go!”
-dahni-
So, I have found and will share here in chronological order, lyrics and videos about our our history, love of country and our flag. When and where possible, I will share who wrote and/or is presenting them. I will when possible, share some background about each one. All of these things will help or aid the memory. But most importantly, are they mere facts for only a certain time or are they relevant today? Are they based on truth? Are they timeless? It begin with, ‘The Pledge of Allegiance’.
This piece was presented to CBS by Red Skelton, for possible airing on his comedy/variety show with them. CBS initially rejected the proposal. Even then, they did not want to be seen as being in favor of what they viewed as political. They did however, say that if it was from a third party and not Red Skelton or CBS, they would be OK with it. In order for it to pass the CBS censors and top brass, Red Skelton made up a story about a schoolteacher in Indiana, who had taught this to his students. CBS approved and it was aired.
‘The Pledge of Allegiance’ (text)
Written and presented by Red Skelton, 1969
“I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?”
I – Me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge – Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance – My love and my devotion.
To the flag – Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there’s respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody’s job!
United – That means that we have all come together.
States – Individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that’s love for country.
And to the Republic – A state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands, one nation – One nation, meaning, “so blessed by God”
Indivisible – Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty – Which is freedom — the right of power to live one’s own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice – The principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
For All – Which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to The Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance…
Under God – Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?”
‘America Why I love Her’ (text)
Written by Robert Mitchum (yes the actor), in 1973 Presented by John Wayne (yes the actor)
You ask me Why I Love Her? Well, give me time. I’ll explain. Have you seen a Kansas sunset Or an Arizona rain? Have you drifted on a bayou Down Louisiana way? Have you watched a cold fog drifting Over San Francisco Bay? Have you heard a bobwhite calling In the Carolina pines, Or heard the bellow of a diesel At the Appalachia mines? Does the call of Niagara thrill you When you hear her waters roar? Do you look with awe and wonder At her Massachusetts shore… Where men who braved a hard new world First stepped on Plymouth’s rock? And, do you think of them when you stroll Along a New York City dock? Have you seen a snowflake drifting In the Rockies, way up high? Have you seen the sun come blazing down From a bright Nevada sky? Do you hail to the Columbia As she rushes to the sea? Or bow your head at Gettysburg At our struggle to be free? Have you seen the mighty Tetons? Have you watched an eagle soar? Have you seen the Mississippi Roll along Missouri’s shore? Have you felt a chill at Michigan When on a winter’s day Her waters rage along the shore In thunderous display? Does the word “Aloha” make you warm? Do you stare in disbelief When you see the surf Come roaring in at Waimea Reef? From Alaska’s cold to the Everglades, From the Rio Grande to Maine, My heart cries out, my pulse runs fast At the might of her domain! You ask me why I love her? I’ve a million reasons why — My Beautiful America, Beneath God’s wide, wide sky.
Ragged Old Flag
By Johnny Cash, 1975, music and lyrics
About this song in his own words:
Ragged Old Flag (lyrics)
By Johnny Cash, 1975
I walked through a county courthouse square On a park bench, an old man was sittin’ there. I said, “Your old court house is kinda run down, He said, “Naw, it’ll do for our little town”. I said, “Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit, And that’s a ragged old flag you got hangin’ on it”. He said, “Have a seat”, and I sat down, “Is this the first time you’ve been to our little town” I said, “I think it is” He said “I don’t like to brag, but we’re kinda proud of That Ragged Old Flag
“You see, we got a little hole in that flag there, When Washington took it across the Delaware. and It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it, writing “Say Can You See” It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson tugging at its seams. and It almost fell at the Alamo beside the Texas flag, But she waved on though. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville, And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill. There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on That Ragged Old Flag
“On Flanders Field in World War I, She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun, She turned blood red in World War II She hung limp, and low, a time or two, She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam. She waved from our ships upon the briny foam and now they’ve about quit wavin’ back here at home in her own good land here She’s been abused, She’s been burned, dishonored, denied an’ refused, And the government for which she stands Has been scandalized throughout out the land. And she’s getting thread bare, and she’s wearin’ thin, But she’s in good shape, for the shape she’s in. Cause she’s been through the fire before and i believe she can take a whole lot more.
“So we raise her up every morning And we bring her down slow every night, We don’t let her touch the ground, And we fold her up right. On second thought I *do* like to brag Cause I’m mighty proud of That Ragged Old Flag”
Robin Williams as The American Flag
Written and Performed By Robin Williams, 1977
My Name is Old Glory
Note: There have been at least three individuals that attest to have written this poem and thre exists three U.S. Copyright registration numbers. So who actually wrote it? Should it be assumed that the one who registered it first, is the original author? Perhaps not? Perhaps the original author did not get around to registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office until after someone else had? Here is all I was able to find:
“My Name is Old Glory” under the following names and registration numbers from the United State Copyright Office: Don Stewart Miller, PAu000540162 / 1983-08-29, and Ray M. Coach, TXu000350470 / 1988-12-19. Howard Schnauber’s copyright registration number is at TXu000695891 / 1995-08-28.
Who wrote “My Name is Old Glory”? I do not know, but it is a great poem, still used in the military and is still presented currently.
My Name is Old Glory (text)
By author unknown
I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutes of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up! And see me!
I stand for peace – honor – truth and justice. I stand for freedom I am confident – I am arrogant I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners My head is a little higher My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one. I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped – I am saluted – I am respected I am revered – I am loved, and I am feared.
I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.
And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me. I was there. I led my soldiers – I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country, and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle – it hurts. But I shall overcome – for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.
I am proud.
My name is Old Glory.
Dear God – Long may I wave.
Note: Presentation by Vann Morris. Evangelo “Vann” Morris, is a combat veteran turned motivational speaker & narrator. This retired Navy officer LOVES America and was born to inspire! He has visited 45 countries and has made hundreds of speeches in 20 years. His is, a Veteran owned business.
God Bless the USA (lyrics)
Written (music & lyrics), and performed by Lee Greenwood and others
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life And I had to start again with just my children and my wife I’d thank my lucky stars to be livin’ here today ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the USA
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA Well, there’s pride in every American heart And it’s time we stand and say
That I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the USA
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the USA
Our flag is like a map too.
“History & Our flag is like a map— it shows us where we have been, where we are and where we desire to go!”
Before you tear down Liberty, you should know what she stands for; what she strides for. If you are a supporter of or a participant in protests erroneously so-called, the words “tear down Liberty”, should shock you to the core! Think about those words. Having the liberty, to tear down liberty?
“Before you tear down Liberty, you should know what she stands for; what she strides for.” -dahni-
I can think of no greater example, anything clearer and so familiar, than the Statue of Liberty, in New York City Harbor.
In our country, there were two revolutions. One in 1776, was to prove to the then powers that were that all are created equal and righted with Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. In 1861, it was to put these universal truths into practice. We may be on the verge of a third revolution, to determine like president Abraham Lincoln wrote in the Gettysburg Address, whether or not “…of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” IF, “…any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.”
When the once defeated Continental Army were run out of Philadelphia by the British, they would have only needed to follow the bloody footprints left by feet in the snow by Washington’s troops that walked barefooted or with rags wrapped around their feet, to have ended that first revolution. But emerging from the cold and devastating winter of Valley Forge, the same British soldiers could not believe these were the same, they had so easily defeated in Philadelphia. But the Continental Army defeated the British in Yorktown, and General Cornwallis through his emissary, offered his sword and surrendered. But it was the French fleet in the harbor, which prevented the British from escape, the essence of the end, of the American Revolution.
By 1865, the second American Revolution had ended with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting slavery, anywhere in the United States of America. Inspired by this, a French man held a dinner party with guests including a sculptor. The topic of conversation was the inspiration from America which inspired the French Revolution against Napoleon Bonaparte. Talk centered on the historic ties and love of liberty the two nations had in common. There was “a genuine flow of sympathy,” between France and America, “the two sisters.” as Laboulaye noted. Laboulaye commented in light of our centennial, just 11 years hence:
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people in France gave the United States a great monument as a lasting memorial to independence and thereby showed that the French government was also dedicated to the idea of human liberty?”
Auguste Bartholdi was the sculptor attending that dinner party.
Bartholdi was a small man in comparison to his vision. He had wanted to build a great statue as a lighthouse. He had wanted to do this work in conjunction of the opening of the Suez Canal. He envisioned a young dark skinned peasant woman with her face covered, indicative of the religion of Islam.
The statue would recall the pharaonic Lighthouse of Alexandria, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and in appearance drew heavily on yet another ancient “wonder” – the Colossus of Rhodes, which in tradition appears carrying a flame, thought to serve as a beacon. Her motto was to be, “Egypt (or Progress) Carrying the Light to Asia.” The project was never realized, as there just was not enough money to it.
Bartholdi was inspired again, for such a work, for the work, for the United States. He had wanted its dedication to coincide with our centennial in 1876. An organization was formed to coordinate funding for France in giving the statue to the United States and the United States in funding her base and pedestal. Sketches and perhaps small bronze statues exist which originally offered the visage of a young dark-skinned woman with broken shackles on her hands and feet, but was abandoned as it was considered too offensive and too painful a reminder. She would be more akin to the ancient Greek and Roman goddesses like Libertas the goddess over freeing of the slaves and the oppressed. Columbia, the goddess-like personification of the United States, beginning around 1738 would be its other half, symbolically.
The author’s words were inscribed on a bronze plate, “The New Colossus”, a sonnet by American poet Emma Lazarus. She wrote it to try and help raise funds for the base and its pedestal. But funds were not forthcoming.
Congress failed to approve any further funding. What had been raised had already been spent, and the work had not begun. The president vetoed the project. The governor of New York vetoed funding it. The wealthy gave little to nothing and said nothing. The public was apathetic to the whole idea. Many said, “let New York fund it.” But it was never intended to belong to New York or any state, but all of the United States. The land upon which it was to be built, was approved by General Sherman and belonged to the federal government, the people of the United States. But due to lack of funding and lack of public interest, it almost never came to be.
A Hungarian immigrant, had fought in the War among the States, then became a journalist and rose to become a newspaper publisher. His namesake was, ‘The St. Louis Post Dispatch’. He bought another paper and decided to name it, ‘The World’ hoping to appeal to the common masses. He decided to use this paper to try and fund ‘The Statue’. He promised to publish every name that donated and to shame the wealthy and the elite that would not. Grandmas sent in dollar bills and children broke into their piggy banks and sent in pennies. The funds were raised, by grandmothers and children mostly, the “common masses” with many single one-dollar bills and pennies. As promised, every name that contributed, was published!
The base and pedestal was constructed. France shipped ‘The Statue’ over in many crates. It was assembled and Lady Liberty, was placed upon her pedestal.
In a copper box within the cornerstone, there was enclosed:
• a copy of the United States Constitution • George Washington’s Farewell Address • twenty bronze medals of Presidents up through Chester A. Arthur [including Washington, Monroe, Jackson, Polk, Buchanan, Johnson and Garfield, who were all Freemasons] • copies of New York City newspapers • a portrait of Bartholdi • a copy of ‘Poem on Liberty’ by E. R. Johnes • a list on parchment, of the Grand Lodge officers.
Wouldn’t it be an important work to look up the significance of those contents and the contents themselves?
-dahni-
By traditional ceremony, the cornerstone was then tested and being found, square, level and plumb, the Deputy Grand Master completed the work by applying the mortar and by having the stone lowered firmly into place. The Grand Master then struck three blows with the gavel and declared the stone duly laid. The elements of consecration, corn, wine and oil, were next presented. The corn is poured as an emblem of nourishment and abundance; the wine as an emblem of refreshment, comfort and hospitality and the oil as an emblem of light, joy, happiness, comfort and anointing. The cornerstone of the pedestal was completed, August 5, 1884. Another plaque was placed at the cornerstone ascribed and attested by the Grand Mason that sealed it and to the distinguished quests and peoples represented on this historic day.
The namesake of the Pulitzer Prize, Joseph Pulitzer should be posthumously awarded a medal, “For Distinguished and Meritorious Public Service.” It was he and his papers that had helped to raise the necessary funds in order for ’The Statue’, to have been completed.
“Liberty Enlightening the World” was dedicated, October 28th, 1886.
• Her 7 spires of her radiate crown- the seven continents of earth and the seven seas which connect them all to together and could bring them to the shores of Liberty. • Her torch, held aloft by her outstretched right arm- “Liberty Enlightening the World”, the light of knowledge, a beacon in the darkness to all that would desire to be free, come, Come! • Her face- is perhaps a composite of the sculptor’s mother and a model he would later marry? But a combination of the beauty and gentleness of a woman and the sternness and potential for wrath, should any enemy from without or from within, threaten any of her children, any one of us, WE the People! And as a woman, it is prophetic in a sense of the woman’s right to vote (more progress), in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. • Her left arm holds a document- wherein is ascribed July 4th, followed by the Roman Numerals for the year, 1776, when the ideas of all are created equal and all are endowed by their creator with such rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, were written into the Constitution and became the Law of the Land. • Her stola or toga- our republic similar, to the republic of ancient Rome. • Her left foot- tramples the broken chains of slavery, bondage and oppression. • Her right foot- in mid stride is not stationary. It is progress. She is ever moving until, all that want to be free, are free!
Liberty is, the emancipation from bondage! It is freedom!
Now in 2020, perhaps we are in or on the verge of a third revolution? If you support those that in the name of justice and protest, who by liberty, tear down liberty in the looting, defacing and destruction of private and public property, assault and bodily harm, then you are in support of criminal acts, criminal if not of law, then at least of humanity.
If you are a participant that in the name of justice and protest, who by liberty tear down liberty in the looting, defacing and destruction of private and public property, assault and bodily harm, you are a criminal, if not of law, then at least of humanity.
By liberty, if you tear down liberty, with the proposition of erasing all offending history, you are plunging yourselves and attempting to draw others, back into the darkness from which we rose and some are still trying to rise from. The opposite of all of this is, to educate, which is, to lead out of darkness and into the light of the liberty, you say you are seeking. To support the tearing down or to tear down liberty is, to tear down Liberty. It is to re-shackle all, once emancipated from bondage!
To support the tearing down or to tear down liberty is, to tear down Liberty. It is to re-shackle all, once emancipated from bondage!
-dahni-
What she stands for; what she strides for
For more information you can read my blog, ‘Our Lady Liberty’ here are a couple of links to two posts you might enjoy pertaining to this subject:
“To all you so-called “woke” stupid, you NFL, BLM, you celebrities, news media morons, execs, and politicians, hiding behind your personal; private protection, you take a knee to show solidarity, you defund and disband law enforcement “woke(s)”, (learn English and grammar and stop misappropriating someone’s culture for God sakes), you either are embracing insanity or you are insane! It aint:
It aint about protests, it’s riots, death and injury and criminals It aint about justice, it’s about anarchy and lawlessness It aint about race, there is only one It aint about freedom, it’s about slavery of the mind and the blackness of the heart. But you know what, an idea whose time has come cannot be stolen, killed or destroyed and still…”
Still I Rise
By Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.
Yesterday Was National Moon Day and for me, it began with a status on my sister’s Facebook page and an incredible picture.
Max Guliani (@maximusupinNYc) | Twitter
Even though I live in New York, I do not live in New York City and I have never seen the Statue of Liberty in person. But she is an icon and a symbol of so much that evokes so much emotion and captures in her meaning and visage, the United States of America. She is on my ‘bucket list’ to one day or night, to experience with my own two eyes.
I was aware that the full moon of this month is called the Buck Moon, the Hay Moon or the Thunder Moon, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. I had recently heard that if the conditions were right, I just might be able to see it as a red moon this month. I am not too good at taking decent pictures at night with my cell phone, so it was time to take out my big-boy camera and tripod, to see what I could capture. As the following pictures show, my views went from red, to golden and then white as it was when I took it, high in the sky at approximately 1:30 AM, eastern standard time. Though the quality of my pictures are not the greatest, I marveled at their beauty in my own two eyes and the change of color, in such a short period of time.
Red Moon – about 11:00 PM Wednesday 7/20/16 eastern standard time
Golden Moon – around midnight Thursday, 7/20/16 eastern standard time
Golden Moon (closeup with clouds covering) – 12:15 AM 7/21/16
White Moon – (closeup) 1:30 AM, Thursday 7/21/16 eastern standard time
Earlier on the Wednesday 7/20/16, I was watching the news on TV, around noon. On July 3, 1995, astronaut Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and she was scheduled to speak in Cleveland, OH, Wednesday evening, 7/20/16. She became the first female shuttle pilot and commander to speak at a Republican National Convention. And why not, this is, after all, America!
I put two and two together (or three)— National Moon Day, Collins speaking at the convention and on 7/20, 47 years ago in 1969, the United States Landed the first people EVER, on the Moon. I knew I wanted to hear Collins speak, but I caught very little of it, as I was trying to get set up to take pictures of the moon. I am glad it was re-broadcast and I caught it later. I saw a lot more than I was expecting!
Some people were a little upset that a certain former candidate did not endorse the republican nominee for president and there was some booing. Someone (someone against all of this) was quick to call them, “howling lunatics.” I wonder if they knew there was a full moon out and howling refers to wolves that supposedly howl when the moon is full? “Lunatics” has as its root, “luna,” which refers to the moon. I only mention this as we seem so divided now, perhaps even more so or at least equal to, the times of the so-called Civil (which I call the UN-civil) War? This division among us seems especially true politically, anyway. It seems WE has all but been replaced with ME?
me-myself-and-i and you-yourself-and-yours seem along way away from US, WE the People
The sun rules the day and reveals so much. It is too intense of a light to look upon with the naked eye, so we look down and at what lies before us. The moon rules the night. It is a light in the darkness. We are drawn to this, especially when it’s full, like a moth is drawn to the flame. We look up at the moon and wonder and dream. How long as a nation, as a people, have we had vision, for the future or dreamed? Not howling our discontent at the moon like lunatics, but dreamed?
We are now a people who are concerned or worry over or fear our future. The world seems on fire and even our neighborhoods, don’t feel safe anymore. Who has time to dream if you’re just trying to survive from pay check to pay check or just to get through the day? Now, people can seize upon these doubts, worries and fears and provide vision and leadership or keep us blind and divided.
Dividers separate, manipulate and keep us in the dark Leaders give vision to guide us together to the light of liberty
-dahni-
John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States (1961-1963), the youngest man elected to the office. He provided US with vision, vision to safely land people on the moon and return home. This he envisioned being possible, within the decade of when he first proposed such a thing. OUR dedication to this vision produced so much more than what we received! New technologies, businesses, methods, jobs and inventions were just some of the by-products, of all things necessary to land on the moon and safely return home. As incredible as this was, a vision is NOT, for a final destination, but a continual and continuous journey! WE stopped dreaming as a people, at least about space travel and discovery, in 1999. WE need to Dream and Dream BIG again! This was beautifully and succinctly stated by Neil Armstrong. On July 20, 1969, from the moon’s surface he said,
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!”
Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11
When should WE ever stop stepping or leaping? NEVER! Each night of the Republican Convention of 2016, there was a planned theme. On July 20, 2016, this theme was:
‘Make America First Again’
We used to be first at so many things. This is what made US, a ‘superpower’ in the world! WE had vision!
“Where there is no vision, the people wander aimlessly.”
Proverbs 29:18 Sanskrit Telugu
With vision, we have direction and can see clearly; our actions and our results bring more results, even far greater than what could be imagined. How apropos that on this National Moon Day and a day in history when the world was graced with the benefits of our landing on the moon! As this began with the image of the Statue of Liberty, with the moon at her back, so it will shortly end here, but hopefully NOT in your memory and your resolve. That image is, the purpose of unity among US, WE the People. WE need to look up as in the night sky towards the moon that rules the night. What I am trying to say here is more, so much more than sentimental hogwash or an emotional appeal; some feel-good! WE need to DREAM again! Only where there is Liberty do WE have the freedom to dream and dream big and lead others out of darkness! Ladies and gentlemen, this IS, the American Dream! Let’s dream again together and dream—
BIG!
This is what allowed US to become the greatest superpower, the world have ever known! WE were first because, WE were unified! WE had vision because, WE had the Liberty to DREAM! Let US, WE the People, with the American Dream, rise up together with this vision! Let US lead ourselves and our children; our families and friends and the strangers among us and the entire world! That’s what it means to be First, to have Vision, to draw out from the darkness to the Light of Liberty! Let US DREAM again, DREAM first and DREAM big !
At the end of this day, in trying to hear the speech by our country’s first female astronaut commander, I saw the following video. Enjoy it and share it with everyone, whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent! Just look up at that moon in the night sky and DREAM because, Liberty allows US to be, WE the People and do great things, for ourselves, each other and the entire planet!
This post can also be viewed on another of my blogs, ‘The Gathering Place’ from the following link:
In the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Lost is the life, Gone is the free
Lost is the strength and her purity Replaced with the ME, for surety So you thought, for victory is but a virus of— insecurity
In the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Where is there Happiness Where is the joy and the glee
Color Me, Look at Me, Hear Me, See Me Label me; Divide Me— from sea to dimming see And in this relentless storm Gone now is— her forgotten face and form
In the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Are you Happy now Are you really living Are you really Free
Are you Happy Now?
Then why is this abiding No more hiding, But in the streets— Stealing; killing; destroying; dividing
The ONE for all— diverse-d’ The ALL FOR ONE—dispersed What infection to death is this directness Death by— political correctness
In the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Are you really Happy now Are you really living Are you really Free
For me-my-self-and-i Have swallowed this poisonous pill A plague, a virus, a mutation Corrupting still
In the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Is it too late to dare Or do you— did you ever care That it was UNITY that made US FREE
Label, Sexist, racist, he/she— so you thought, all-including Color, Religion or No, differences became— the self-deluding And the weakness of each, now imputing No strength at all, but all diluting
In the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Where is the Life, the Freedom or the Joy Not a woman or a girl; Not a man or a boy;
The chains at her feet once broken The symbol of Our Liberty Made possible by Our Unity Reformed now stronger than ever And binds us all so bitterly
For in the chaos and the shouting and the scramble for the ME, Lost is, the identity of—
the WE!
Are You Happy Now?
“No,” says he/she, “How can I be?” “I do not know my name…” “…or recall from whence I came.” “I do not know, am I a mister or a mam?” “I know not who or what I am!”
Put them on your phone Put them in your mind Keep them in your Heart Live them throughout your life Share them with your first and last breath They are the Hope of the world
Now as to the word “men,” if you believe it was just an all-inclusive plural pronoun or that the founders really only believed that men and only men were created equal and only they were endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights (rights which cannot be taken, surrendered, bartered or sold), does not diminish its inherent and inerrant truths!
“For there is no respect of persons with God.”
Romans 2:11 King James Version (KJV)
WE, that hold these truths are every man, woman and child the world over. Our republic, our form of government put them into writing in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America put into writing, the defense and preservation of these truths! WE the People are, the Hope of the world!
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (every man, woman and child) 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 (every man, woman and child), 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.”
Excerpt from: The Declaration of Independence, 1776
Click the picture for full size and then right-click (twice) to save the full size image. On a touch phone, touch the image twice and save it to your pictures. Go to settings and choose this as your wallpaper for your home and/or lock screen. It will automatically be re-sized to your phone’s standards.
FREE copies of The Declaration of Independence are available from many, many sources. You can read the words on paper, read it online, copy the words and paste them to your document program or application and print them from your printer. You can also download FREE digital copies or eBooks, from Apple’s iBooks etc. Just do a search for the device and format you are interested in. Here is one source that has several formats available and all, for FREE.
Of all the holidays I love among all the rest
It is the Fourth of July— that I love best
Yes, I confess
And I profess
There are many different leaves upon this Our-tree
And WE are each one person; one people; One country
Oh, yes I love all about this day it’s true
But what I love the most is you!
America the Beautiful was written by Katharine Lee Bates and composed by Samuel A. Ward, “America the Beautiful” is one of the most well-known and beloved American patriotic songs. The song celebrates the natural beauty and the “patriot dream” of the United States.
Enjoy the following video (full screen if possible and the larger the better). It was published on YouTube on Jun 30, 2015, and sung by the Hillsdale College’s choir. James A. Holleman, Music Director and Debra Wyse, Accompanist/Assistant Conductor
Our Lady Liberty 