Saturday Morning Thread: Helping Our Heroes [Y-not]

One of the nice things about living in the Utah is the extent to which patriotism is on display. There seems to be a color guard at nearly every civic event and I think I've recited the Pledge of Allegiance more times in my five years here than I had in the previous twenty-five years of my adulthood.

Yesterday our Governor spent part of his day calling military veterans to thank them for their service:

Gov. Herbert signed a one-year resolution during the 2014 legislative session designating Thurs. July 3, 2014 as "Call Your Military Hero Day" in Utah. The resolution urged Utah's citizens and military personnel to strengthen bonds of friendship with military veterans and active duty servicemembers.

Then there's the "Candy Bomber:"

OREM -- Seventy years after his first missions, the candy bomber struck again Friday afternoon. Gail Halvorsen dropped 1,000 chocolate bars to anxious kids below at Scera Park in Orem.
Halvorsen first made headlines when he delivered candy to children in Berlin at the end of World War II by dropping parachute sweets. Friday's candy drop was reminiscent of his historic flights during the Berlin airlift decades ago.

He flew over our house several times yesterday, although the candy drop itself was a couple of miles from our home. Pretty cool.

As it so happens, my husband's home town in Western Massachusetts is semi-famous for its Fourth of July parade. Mr Y-not's dad was always involved in the parade in some way through his American Legion post's activities. Here's a video of the parade from a couple of years ago:

Nice!

So I thought today that we could spend a little time talking about how to honor and serve the men and women of our military, past and present, who have served all of us so well.

Charity Navigator tweeted a link to this list of charities that support soldiers and their families that I thought I'd share, in honor of the day.

With so many charities engaged in these endeavors you may wonder how you can find one to trust to spend your money wisely. To assist you we've compiled this list of charities supporting soldiers and their families. These organizations provide various services from lifting the troops' morale to financial assistance for food, rent, utilities and medical expenses.

Charity Navigator's ratings run from 4 stars down to 0 stars. Their system focuses on the financial health of the organization and their accountability and transparency. It is just one method for evaluating charities (and it has its flaws), but overall I think it's a helpful one.

Amongst the organizations receiving top honors is DAV (Disabled American Veterans), which happens to be a charity that my family has always supported. The Navy Seal Foundation and Operation Homefront also earned four-star reviews. I was surprised (and somewhat saddened) to see that the USO only earned two stars.

Incidentally, the Wounded Warrior Project, which has been subjected to criticism from some circles, both on the Left and the Right, received a good rating (3 out of 4 stars) by Charity Navigator. I think that some of the criticism WWP has received stems from a misunderstanding of the group's mission, as well as some confusion about the different types of charitable organizations, in particular the difference between grant-making foundations and foundations that deliver services.

If you're interested in learning more about the distinction, you might find this column that appeared last month in The Chronicle of Philanthropy helpful. The author wrote it to try to clear up confusion about the Clinton Foundation. Despite the fact that I loathe the Clinton Foundation with the red hot intensity of a thousand suns, I think that this article is worth reading. It was not intended as a defense of the CF so much as an explanation how to evaluate the financial statements put out by non-profits. A short except below:

Although it has "foundation" in its name, the Clinton Foundation is actually a public charity. In practical terms, this means both that it relies heavily on donations from the public and that it achieves its mission primarily by using those donations to conduct direct charitable activities, as opposed to providing grants from an endowment.
Failure to understand the difference led to the widespread claim (covered by the New York Post, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, and others) that only a small portion of Clinton Foundation spending goes toward charity. While measuring charitable endeavors by the amount of grants awarded may be appropriate for many private foundations, it is not for an organization that acts as a direct service provider like the Clinton Foundation.

(None of this changes the sleezeball nature of the Clintons' sleezeball organizations, but I still think there are valid points in this article.)

Although Independence Day is not strictly speaking a holiday "for" (or about) members of the military (or veterans), I thought it might be nice to talk about which organizations you support and/or which ones those of you who are veterans find the most helpful (or enjoyable). To get the discussion started, I thought that this column that appeared at This Ain't Hell last year was interesting. In it, Jonn Lilyea responds to the claim that VSOs (Veterans Service organizations) like the VFW and American Legion are out of touch with the needs of younger veterans. He goes on to make the case for the benefits of membership in VSOs.

What has been your experience?

What do you plan to do this weekend to celebrate our freedoms and to honor the men and women who protect them?

**UPDATE: I just had to add this awesome video that I saw on Twitter:

Not all of our "furry friends" enjoy fireworks as much as I. Please keep your pets safe on the 4th! https://t.co/u1mG8eGaNE #GodBlessAmerica
— ChopperTheBikerDog (@ChopperBikerDog) July 1, 2015

(Open thread below for wildly off-topic discussion.)

Posted by: Open Blogger at 08:35 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 TEST

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 08:44 AM (RWGcK)

2 So is this the book-burning thread?

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at July 04, 2015 08:45 AM (YFw5T)

3 Morning.....

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 04, 2015 08:45 AM (VXYfi)

4 Best 4th of July I ever had was in Bryce.

Posted by: Valiant at July 04, 2015 08:50 AM (nsZzA)

5 I live in New Jersey, an upscale community which has voted for Obama solidly. There are about 20 homes on my street. Currently, only 4 homes have their flags up. Which tells you everything you need to know about liberals/Jersey.

Posted by: Sid Vicious at July 04, 2015 08:52 AM (UW3fL)

6 Not the book burning thread, but the banning thread. NASCAR us probably going to have to ban the flag, just telling people not to display it won't work.

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 08:53 AM (WQLtV)

7 In the spirit of the day, in remembrance of those brave men who wrote our Declaration, to any Leftists who are fool enough to come around here: Fuck off and die, you mendacious totalitarian ball washers.

Posted by: Cato the Rebel Without a Party at July 04, 2015 08:54 AM (HalrA)

8 Bring me the head of France.

Posted by: Boss Moss at July 04, 2015 08:55 AM (wvq55)

9 Morning, Glories!

Finished reading comments in the last thread too late to say hello there. Hello here.

Most days, I wake up furiously enraged about my life or the world or both. (Cue Bruce Banner in the Avengers movie: I'll tell you my secret...) By the time I'm up, dressed, and focused on the computer screen, I tend to be over the worst of it, or at least have it under control. Today, I just can't seem to shake it. This is probably not good.

ICYMI:
Happy 4th of July Eve!
That special season of the year
(comment from yesterday when I was cheerier, reposted dressed up and illustrated)
http://bit.ly/merry-4th-2015

Now to go read what Y-Not has to say. Maybe that'll help.

Posted by: mindful webworker - need fireworks at July 04, 2015 08:55 AM (FrMyu)

10 *shoots the newscopy writer on the Candy Bomber*

The Berlin Airlift started in 1948. That is NOT the end of World War II which was May 9th, 1945 in Europe.

Posted by: Anna Puma at July 04, 2015 08:56 AM (tBwwp)

11 it achieves its mission primarily by using those donations to conduct direct charitable activities

And those would be...?

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at July 04, 2015 08:56 AM (oVJmc)

12 The 'charitable activities' of the Clinton Foundation are the speeches given by Clintons to bestow upon the ignorant, the benevolent wisdom of the Clinton family, for which they are paid large sums of money.

Posted by: Tommy Linkbetter at July 04, 2015 08:57 AM (m2+KV)

13 The Russians were just doing to Germany what the Fourth Reich is now doing to Greece.

Posted by: Boss Moss at July 04, 2015 08:58 AM (wvq55)

14 This is re-Declare Your Independence Day.

Posted by: @votermom at July 04, 2015 08:58 AM (cbfNE)

15 Any problems here, just call this guy, his title is long enough, he must be important!

Dr. John
Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and
Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 08:59 AM (WQLtV)

16 My father-in-law passed away 9 years ago. IIRC, he mentioned that my husband (who is not a veteran) could join the American Legion as the son of a member/veteran. Does anyone know if this is true? Has anyone done this?

I like the American Legion a lot. It seems as if they do a good job advocating for veterans, while also delivering programs that help instill good American values in young people. Mr Y-not's dad and mom used to spend a lot of time volunteering to put on the Boys State civics camp each year. Seemed like a great program:

http://www.legion.org/boysnation/stateabout

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 08:59 AM (RWGcK)

17 My father-in-law passed away 9 years ago. IIRC, he mentioned that my husband (who is not a veteran) could join the American Legion as the son of a member/veteran. Does anyone know if this is true? Has anyone done this?

I like the American Legion a lot. It seems as if they do a good job advocating for veterans, while also delivering programs that help instill good American values in young people. Mr Y-not's dad and mom used to spend a lot of time volunteering to put on the Boys State civics camp each year. Seemed like a great program:

http://www.legion.org/boysnation/stateabout

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 08:59 AM (RWGcK)

18 Does anyone know who pays for the nightly primetime WW ads on Fox? That can't be cheap, assuming that Fox doesn't donate the time.

Posted by: pep at July 04, 2015 08:59 AM (LAe3v)

19 Double post!

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:00 AM (RWGcK)

20 Fisher House, that is all!

Posted by: Hrothgar at July 04, 2015 09:01 AM (ftVQq)

21 Currently, only 4 homes have their flags up. Which tells you everything you need to know about liberals/Jersey.

Posted by: Sid Vicious at July 04, 2015 08:52 AM

My town in Eastern MA is solid Choom Boy country. Its denizens haven't met a liberal cause they didn't wholeheartedly support.

And yet, the town is festooned with flags and bunting, private residences and public spaces alike. The Fourth is a Very Big Deal here.

Go figure.

Posted by: MrScribbler at July 04, 2015 09:01 AM (P8YHq)

22 Yesterday over 100 courthouses in Texas had the Declaration of Independence read on the courthouse steps. I don't ever remember that happening before.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2015 09:02 AM (HQ0Z4)

23 Y-not,

Sons of the American Legion

http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/salapplication.pdf

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:02 AM (kmtse)

24 22 Yesterday over 100 courthouses in Texas had the Declaration of Independence read on the courthouse steps. I don't ever remember that happening before.
--

Wow, that's interesting!

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:02 AM (RWGcK)

25 Near and dear to my heart, thanks for posting this.

My older nephew just got out (Navy Intel, now in law school), while our younger nephew just commissioned (Marines 0302).

We pray a lot in my house.

Will take my FIL (Army MP in Korea) out for nine holes of golf this afternoon (he's in his late 70s and it's really hot down here so he can't play 18 anymore).

Despite all the stupid shit going on in this country and our vile, racist, joke of our President, I love this country unconditionally. It breaks my heart to see her being run down the way she is.

Posted by: Blacksheep at July 04, 2015 09:03 AM (bS6uW)

26 Thanks, SMFH.

We should probably do that - and donate to the American Legion's Boys State program - as soon as we get our financial house in order. Going through some big changes at Casa Y-not right now, but things should be better by winter.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:04 AM (RWGcK)

27 I was told there would be no tests.

Posted by: andycanuck at July 04, 2015 09:04 AM (kivUY)

28 Happy 4Th of July to everyone and especially to LCDR R and CAPT D in Afghansitan.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:04 AM (/tNwW)

29 Wow, that's interesting!

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:02 AM

They do that every year here. In costume, of course.

Posted by: MrScribbler at July 04, 2015 09:04 AM (P8YHq)

30 Flying the American Flag after public personalities have made the claim that the US Flag is a flag of oppression exactly like the Confederate flag makes it difficult to fly the flag even today.

Personally, I wouldn't want to start a war with my neighbors, so I'm going to do what my neighbors do which is drink beer and operate unmuffled internal combustion engines at high speed.

Posted by: Tommy Linkbetter at July 04, 2015 09:05 AM (m2+KV)

31 If any organization, project, business, foundation, charity, or hobby has any association with "the" Clintons, it will be corrupt, evil, and serve only "the" Clinton Royal Family!

Posted by: Hrothgar at July 04, 2015 09:05 AM (ftVQq)

32 Man mocks alligators, jumps in water and is killed in Texas

CNN: See, more stupidity from Texas....and you want the GOP in the WH /s

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:07 AM (WQLtV)

33 My town in Eastern MA is solid Choom Boy country. Its denizens haven't met a liberal cause they didn't wholeheartedly support.

And yet, the town is festooned with flags and bunting, private residences and public spaces alike. The Fourth is a Very Big Deal here.
---

Nothing quite like a small New England town adorned with flags and bunting. Those sorts of folks are so frustrating because it seems as if they really don't get how destructive the politicians they keep electing are to this country.

There are always a ton of flags in our neighborhood on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day... which is great, except that our dumb rough collie HATES waving flags. We keep telling her it's not patriotic to bark maniacally at the Stars and Stripes, but she doesn't listen.

I hope she's not a commie.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:08 AM (RWGcK)

34 Flying the American Flag after public personalities have made the claim that the US Flag is a flag of oppression exactly like the Confederate flag makes it difficult to fly the flag even today.

I live in an isolated gated community with 36 houses. We put a small flag in every yard in the neighborhood, and many have their own as well. One guy has the community flag, his own U.S. flag and a Confederate flag working.

Posted by: Blacksheep at July 04, 2015 09:09 AM (bS6uW)

35 Flying the American Flag after public personalities have made the claim that the US Flag is a flag of oppression exactly like the Confederate flag makes it difficult to fly the flag even today.

I live in an isolated gated community with 36 houses. We put a small flag in every yard in the neighborhood, and many have their own as well. One guy has the community flag, his own U.S. flag and a Confederate flag working.

Posted by: Blacksheep at July 04, 2015 09:09 AM (bS6uW)

36 Sorry for the double post, no idea why that happened.

Posted by: Blacksheep at July 04, 2015 09:10 AM (bS6uW)

37 My wife and I ( the kids deserted us this 4th) are going for a traditional 4TH of July meal- well Jewish 4TH at least-- Chinese Food. Not my choice, my Wife's but remember if the Wife ain't Happy, ain't nobody Happy!

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:10 AM (/tNwW)

38 One guy has the community flag, his own U.S. flag and a Confederate flag working.
---

A lot of flags in our neighborhood. No Confederate flags, but some Utah state flags, Marine flags, and Gadsden flags.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:11 AM (RWGcK)

39 "I hope she's not a commie."

Singing her versions of The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America?

Posted by: teej-tiny print banned at July 04, 2015 09:13 AM (/czxp)

40 No Confederate flags, but some Utah state flags, Marine flags, and Gadsden flags.

Very cool, three of my favorites. Sounds beautiful.

Posted by: Blacksheep at July 04, 2015 09:14 AM (bS6uW)

41 [G]oing for a traditional 4TH of July meal- well Jewish 4TH at least-- Chinese Food. Not my choice, my Wife's but remember if the Wife ain't Happy, ain't nobody Happy!

Ha! You've got that right. Sounds like an awesome home brew tradition. Enjoy!

Posted by: Blacksheep at July 04, 2015 09:16 AM (bS6uW)

42 So is the 10% figure still true? Ie. only 10% of donations to the Clintons goes to direct charitable work, or grants?

Posted by: Huma Abedin at July 04, 2015 09:16 AM (mG3Qj)

43 Ya know if I were to wear my Uniform today I could be taken to CAPT's Mast. Sigh

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:16 AM (/tNwW)

44 >>Ya know if I were to wear my Uniform today I could be taken to CAPT's Mast.

Thank you for your service!

What's CAPT's Mast? A restaurant?

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:17 AM (RWGcK)

45 That Utah Governor sounds like another hypocritical politician who uses another fake holiday to drum up support from dumb voters by pretending to be "patriotic" and "for the vets". When the ass clown calls, tell him to stick it in his ass. Tell him to take one of his family down to an induction center and sign their ass up for a tour of duty if he feels so god damn patriotic and stop waste tax payers money trolling for votes.

Posted by: George S. Patton at July 04, 2015 09:18 AM (JG47A)

46 Y-not,

Non-judicial punishment, similar to an Article 15 in the Army.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:19 AM (kmtse)

47 I cannot not fly the flag, so it's up in remembrance of our Nation's faded glory. Also as a hearty Fuck You to our liberal oppressors.

Posted by: Weasel at July 04, 2015 09:19 AM (e3bId)

48 Greetings gentlefappers.

Happy Fourth, y'all.

We need to remind ourselves that we're still a nation full of good people. We have faced down bad times and bad "leaders" before, and I'm firmly convinced we'll do it again.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at July 04, 2015 09:20 AM (eEb+d)

49 The writer of that article is confusing things a bit.

One great way to judge charities is the ratio of "operating costs" vs the amount of money actually used in it's charitable mission, ie. how much money goes toward the people it's supposed to help.

Two awesome (though not related to this post) charities with above 90% of their money going toward and used for the actual people in need are:

The Salvation Army

and

The Shriners Children Hospitals.

Saying the Clinton Fund doesn't give endowments is a little like saying Hillary! doesn't fly into Haiti and give everybody she meets $100K.

IMO the Clinton fund is the worst kind of scam as was TFG's election because they preyed on people's good will to commit evil.

YMMV.

Posted by: naturalfake at July 04, 2015 09:21 AM (KUa85)

50 maybe I should put up my pirate flag

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at July 04, 2015 09:21 AM (tRdrd)

51 What's CAPT's Mast? A restaurant?
Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:17 AM (RWGcK)

Punishment. We have been directly Ordered NOT to appear in public in our Uniforms. We are suppose to hide under our beds and even take off all distinguishing stickers from our cars. because of ISIS ya know. And I am not kidding

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:22 AM (/tNwW)

52 Drudge has a link to a story in the FT that Greek banks are preparing to raid depositor's accounts to recapitalize. I wouldn't try that with an armed populace.

Posted by: pep at July 04, 2015 09:23 AM (LAe3v)

53 Just some good 'ol boys never meaning no harm.

Wanting to return the country to a constitutional federal republic like the day they was born!

Posted by: Kreplach at July 04, 2015 09:23 AM (VvoVZ)

54 To celebrate Independence Day, we're going to Mass in an hour, to join with our neighbors to give thanks to God that we live in America, and to pray for our nation.

Then, I will cut the grass and weed the vegetable garden: the weather is gorgeous today (bright sun, cool breeze, high in the low 70s), and working in the garden on such a day is a great pleasure. Then, we'll pull out the weber, burn some dried wood from our late apple tree down to coals, then grill three ribeyes that I bought yesterday at the neighborhood butcher. We'll eat them with steamed garden veggies, washed down with a lovely cote du rhone (sorry, but there's some things the French still do best). After that, I plan to relax and read and simply savor the day.

Oh, and we put out the flag. The "celebrities" who claim that it's a flag of oppression and racism can kiss my ass.

Posted by: Broqn Line at July 04, 2015 09:24 AM (a5bF3)

55 I wouldn't try that with an armed populace.
Posted by: pep at July 04, 2015 09:23 AM (LAe3v)

Actually they do that everyday here in America already.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:25 AM (/tNwW)

56 Updated the post with a fun doggy 4th of July video.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:25 AM (RWGcK)

57 Okay, let me try to be more on-topic this time. A bit of news from the old home town:

...The "Street of Honor" is the personal project of local resident Bob Hunley, a 64-year-old retired Army sergeant.

Since moving here from Virginia four years ago, the wheelchair-bound veteran has painstakingly put out more than 100 flags along his street. The displays are created before Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans' Day.

"I didn't have nearly as many of the flags when I started," Hunley said Tuesday. "Last Friday, we put 180 of them up."...

Article:
http://bit.ly/bville-flags

Video:
https://youtu.be/pCDxDCnODNA

Posted by: mindful webworker - citizen of the USA at July 04, 2015 09:25 AM (FrMyu)

58 Ugh, that CAPT's mast thing is terrible.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:25 AM (RWGcK)

59 Oh, dear. Not a 4th in the barrel!!

Posted by: mindful webworker - citizen of the USA at July 04, 2015 09:26 AM (FrMyu)

60 I wouldn't try that with an armed populace.

Posted by: pep at July 04, 2015 09:23 AM (LAe3v)

Believe me we've thought of that, Comrade Citizen!

Posted by: K Marx at July 04, 2015 09:26 AM (ftVQq)

61 Should the penalty for using and possessing illegal personal fireworks, currently a $250 fine, be increased?

Poll in Baltimore Sun today...yes vote is wining.

I'm sure they will have plenty of fireworks this weekend!

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:27 AM (WQLtV)

62 Nevergiveup,

Meet Edward Rackette: Super Sekrit Sailor Spy

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=60706

I'm not all that knowlegable regarding Navy awards, but his uniform looks jacked up.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:28 AM (kmtse)

63 Going over to MIL's house. And I do have my flag up.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 04, 2015 09:28 AM (GpgJl)

64 I sure hope that my fellow NASCAR fans will show the mewling quims that run that sport that they refuse to be cowed by the SJW's who can somehow draw a direct line between some nutcase and the CBF. I hope to see them aplenty at the races down here.

Had the kids over yesterday. SIL is a lefty who voted for TFG, and even he's pissed at what's happening. Fortunately, conservative DIL keeps him in line. You should've heard her rant against it.

Did my heart proud, it did. And it comforts me greatly knowing that my Little G'Dette is being well raised.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at July 04, 2015 09:28 AM (eEb+d)

65 The Clinton Global Scam has Blumenthal on the payroll as Hilly's Renfield.

It's a slush fund.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at July 04, 2015 09:28 AM (oVJmc)

66 Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:27 AM (WQLtV)

If they just decrease the fine for knowingly commenting arson, it will all balance out!

Posted by: Hrothgar at July 04, 2015 09:29 AM (ftVQq)

67 Governor Herbert is a pretty good governor, actually. He's a little too "compassionate conservative" for my tastes, and Utah (being essentially a one-party state) has a fair amount of Machine Politics going on, but overall he's good. And I am sure his attitude towards veterans is sincere.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:30 AM (RWGcK)

68 52 Drudge has a link to a story in the FT that Greek banks are preparing to raid depositor's accounts to recapitalize. I wouldn't try that with an armed populace.

Sadly they will probably raid 401ks in the US to 'save' social security and they will get away with it.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at July 04, 2015 09:31 AM (auetc)

69 Meet Edward Rackette: Super Sekrit Sailor Spy

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=60706

I'm not all that knowlegable regarding Navy awards, but his uniform looks jacked up.
Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:28 AM (kmtse)

Ya that's a hot one. Sigh.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:31 AM (/tNwW)

70 Good morning Y-not. And happy 4th to you.

Posted by: Kindltot at July 04, 2015 09:31 AM (3pRHP)

71 Flags at every house for 3.5 miles in Shreveport:

http://tinyurl.com/s-port-patriots

Posted by: Mama AJ at July 04, 2015 09:32 AM (61JYR)

72 Meet Edward Rackette: Super Sekrit Sailor Spy

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=60706

I'm not all that knowlegable regarding Navy awards, but his uniform looks jacked up.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:28 AM (kmtse)

Ya that's a hot one. Sigh.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:31 AM (/tNwW)

Holy sh*t....starting to look like one of those North Korean generals with a whole chest full of medals....

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:34 AM (WQLtV)

73 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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:34 AM (/tNwW)

74 Video " restricted from viewing on certain sites".

Posted by: steevy at July 04, 2015 09:35 AM (sPO3u)

75 I'm flying an upside down flag today.

It's my subtle/not so subtle way of voicing my displeasure to the world.

Posted by: Kreplach at July 04, 2015 09:35 AM (VvoVZ)

76 15 houses in our development, my house is the only one with the flag out. Front and back. Celebrating with dim sum for lunch. Husband just brought out the first national flag of the confederacy that looks similar to the NC state flag.

Posted by: NCKate at July 04, 2015 09:35 AM (bP6xm)

77 Four months into 28 years, now an undercover CIA agent (So he says on his Facebook page).

Amazing.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:35 AM (kmtse)

78 "And yet, the town is festooned with flags and
bunting, private residences and public spaces alike. The Fourth is a
Very Big Deal here.

Go figure.

Posted by: MrScribbler at July 04, 2015 09:01 AM (P8YHq)"

It is their country now.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at July 04, 2015 09:35 AM (QHgTq)

79 *falls over*

Greek shippers thinking of moving to Cyprus?
http://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/greek-shipping-mulls-cyprus-move-274012

Posted by: Anna Puma at July 04, 2015 09:35 AM (tBwwp)

80 Drab crappy weather today.Seems apt somehow.

Posted by: steevy at July 04, 2015 09:36 AM (sPO3u)

81 Look at all those hash marks and he only made E-6. I made E-6 before I went over 6.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 04, 2015 09:36 AM (GpgJl)

82 I'm trying to find a Patriotic Movie on TV and the closest I can come is "The Graduate" and "Airplane"?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:36 AM (/tNwW)

83 Sorry about that restriction error message -- but the Watch on YouTube link seems to work.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:37 AM (RWGcK)

84 re: the phony sailor...

would it be cruel for me to wish he falls into the water while entrapped with all those decorations?

Posted by: Anna Puma at July 04, 2015 09:37 AM (tBwwp)

85 Colin,

One of my favorite pastimes is reading up and helping to get the word out on these fakers.

He'll close his FB account before the day's out.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:38 AM (kmtse)

86 lol Anna,

Not at all.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:38 AM (kmtse)

87 TCM has several good movies on later today.1776 on this afternoon.I'm not a musical fan but I know many people like it.

Posted by: steevy at July 04, 2015 09:39 AM (sPO3u)

88 Vic,

This guy only did four months...total.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:39 AM (kmtse)

89 Ya know I don't get these guys who feel the need to phone up their Uniforms. I respect anyone who signed on the line even if all they have is "The National Defense" ribbon. That is still a hell of a lot more than 96% of the American Public. We had a DR in my Unit who had 3 phony ribbons on her Uniform and I had great joy in ripping her a new one. But in her Defense, she is usually in La La land

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:39 AM (/tNwW)

90 Look at all those hash marks and he only made E-6. I made E-6 before I went over 6.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 04, 2015 09:36 AM (GpgJl)

I guess the local pawn shop must have been bought out of all the medals.I can't believe someone would try this, with the internet to look things up.

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:41 AM (WQLtV)

91 "82
I'm trying to find a Patriotic Movie on TV and the closest I can come is "The Graduate" and "Airplane"?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 04, 2015 09:36 AM (/tNwW)"

Maybe you would like some music that appropriately responds to those who have brought us to this state of affairs.

https://youtu.be/OfF8RxpxHhc

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at July 04, 2015 09:41 AM (QHgTq)

92 Gail Halvorsen dropped 1,000 chocolate bars to anxious kids below at Scera Park in Orem.

According to Lt. Worf and the leftist goons, giving chocolate to kids is a felony requiring a lifetime registration and being barred from coming within 1000 feet of any school, ever again.

Asked about this, Lt. Worf grunted, "We will jail anyone distributing chocolate. They should have dropped ears of corn on those kids. We are fueling up Air Farce One and we're going to go drop 2 tons of corn on top of the first group of children we spot."

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at July 04, 2015 09:41 AM (MYSVz)

93 Colin,

You can order them off the Internet...and no, they have no clue how the Internet works.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:42 AM (kmtse)

94 heh, Primordial.

I'm amazed he dropped chocolate, tbh. It's been in the 100s for over a week around here. Stuff must've melted as soon as it hit the pavement!

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:43 AM (RWGcK)

95 49 The writer of that article is confusing things a bit.

One great way to judge charities is the ratio of "operating costs" vs the amount of money actually used in it's charitable mission, ie. how much money goes toward the people it's supposed to help.

Posted by: naturalfake at July 04, 2015 09:21 AM (KUa85)

That was my impression, too. Also, the article comes off as something written at Snopes where anything remotely political is skewed in favor of leftists. OMG Fox News!! Limbaugh!!

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at July 04, 2015 09:44 AM (EHU9F)

96 38 A lot of flags in our neighborhood. No Confederate flags, but some Utah state flags, Marine flags, and Gadsden flags.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:11 AM (RWGcK)

my flag and next door neighbor's flag are the only one's up. and she put her's up when she saw me put mine's up.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 04, 2015 09:44 AM (GpgJl)

97 (Open thread below for wildly off-topic discussion.)

Yeah, that doesn't really work, y'know. The ~~herd~~ horde just rolls on, 'sfaras I kin tell.

Yesterday, someone asked about Joffen and I replied, and later, when someone asked about Backhoe, I realized I was confusing the two late Morons. Or conflating. Apologies, to both.

Hard enough for my tired old brain to connect names & faces & personas in meatspace; online folks without even avatars I have to tell apart by content of text alone, can you imagine!?!

I'm saying, you all look alike to me.
Tha's raciss'!
http://bit.ly/trans-racist

Posted by: mindful webworker - losing consciousness one cell at a time at July 04, 2015 09:44 AM (FrMyu)

98 Anybody noticed Fake Sailor has Boston Marathon Troofer posts on his Facebook page?

Edgy stuff for a retired spook.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at July 04, 2015 09:45 AM (oVJmc)

99 I'm amazed he dropped chocolate, tbh. It's been in the 100s for over a week around here.

I like that. My kind of weather.

Stuff must've melted as soon as it hit the pavement!

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:43 AM (RWGcK)

That makes it even more fun for the kids! Not the parents, so much ...

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at July 04, 2015 09:46 AM (MYSVz)

100 So Spooky Sailor is a troofer...

Huh.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:46 AM (kmtse)

101 ...mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed...

Seems this is where we are.

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at July 04, 2015 09:48 AM (mvenn)

102 Just sent that link to my dad, a retired CPO.

He'll have some fun tearing this guy a new one on FB.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:48 AM (kmtse)

103 The 'charitable activities' of the Clinton Foundation are the speeches given by Clintons to bestow upon the ignorant, the benevolent wisdom of the Clinton family, for which they are paid large sums of money.
______________________

The foundation's "charitable" activities in Haiti haven't done the Haitians any good -- at least according to them. But it probably got the foundation some nice U.S. tax advantages . . . .

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at July 04, 2015 09:49 AM (kGrdk)

104 Interesting, here is a PDF about the Candy Bomber. It seems aimed at elementary school kids. But still is nifty and informative.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/paeyyre

Posted by: Anna Puma at July 04, 2015 09:49 AM (tBwwp)

105 Was phony sailor a side door machine gunner on a submarine, too?

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at July 04, 2015 09:51 AM (mvenn)

106 (None of this changes the sleezeball nature of the sleezeball Clintons' sleezeball organizations, but I still think there are valid points in this article.)

FIFY.

Posted by: Fox2! at July 04, 2015 09:51 AM (uztdD)

107 Gonna see if I can finish tweeting out the Declaration of Independence one phrase at a time before the day ends.
I'm on my 25th tweet and just finished the second grievance.

Posted by: @votermom at July 04, 2015 09:52 AM (cbfNE)

108 Feliz cuatro de julio!

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at July 04, 2015 09:53 AM (zauWW)

109 He lasted all of four months in the Navy, during 68-69.

Ten to one the Navy found out he was more fucked up than a soup sandwich and got rid of him post haste.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:53 AM (kmtse)

110 Flying the American Flag after public personalities have made the claim that the US Flag is a flag of oppression exactly like the Confederate flag makes it difficult to fly the flag even today.

That would make me buy even more of them.

Posted by: t-bird at July 04, 2015 09:54 AM (FcR7P)

111 Just sent that link to my dad, a retired CPO.

He'll have some fun tearing this guy a new one on FB.

The "sailor" should have the German Iron Cross also, to complete the ensemble..

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:54 AM (WQLtV)

112 How did your doggehs fare last night?

Very large aerials are legal here, except close to public lands (b/c of fire hazards). We're just a couple of blocks short of the No Fireworks zone... sadly... so last night was quite noisy. My older collie does not like fireworks, so she got to sleep in bed with me.

Tonight will be worse so we'll put her Thundershirt on. It does seem to help her.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 09:54 AM (RWGcK)

113 Where's his trident? I'm calling bullshit that the CIA would take any squid without a trident.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:55 AM (kmtse)

114 Where's his trident? I'm calling bullshit that the CIA would take any squid without a trident.

Gum?? just kidding

Posted by: Colin at July 04, 2015 09:57 AM (WQLtV)

115 Flying the American Flag after public personalities have made the claim that the US Flag is a flag of oppression exactly like the Confederate flag makes it difficult to fly the flag even today.

Posted by: Tommy Linkbetter at July 04, 2015 09:05 AM

Pussy. Who gives two shits what 'public personalities' claim? Fly that flag and tell your neighbors to piss up a rope.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 04, 2015 09:57 AM (WeuzC)

116 I wonder what he studied at MIT...

Posted by: SMFH at it all at July 04, 2015 09:58 AM (kmtse)

117 Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at July 04, 2015 09:44 AM (EHU9F)

Charitable organization accounting allows for a very flexible definition of "operating costs",

unless you are a Christian or Conservative charity!

Posted by: Hrothgar at July 04, 2015 09:59 AM (ftVQq)

118 That's the third reminder of protecting our pets I've seen today. Had it brought home late Thursday evening when we were leaving to pick up or son at the airport. A local community was having their firework show and with the clouds the noise was really loud. Saw a puppy running down our busy road, with cars slowing down to avoid her. She gratefully jumped into our car while we called the owner (who was at the firework show). She went through a screen, over or under a locked gate and was desperately searching for her family. Poor baby, now safe at home with a tearfully thankful family. Watch your furry friends tonight, they just don't understand.

Happy Fourth morons, thanks for keeping a little corner of sanity in these insane times.

Posted by: RedDish at July 04, 2015 10:02 AM (5eXg1)

119 The US flag is not the flag of my country. My country was a constitutional republic. This country is not a constitutional republic.

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at July 04, 2015 10:02 AM (YFw5T)

120 So the Clinton Foundation is a direct service provider. Exactly who are they providing service to and what is that service? And help running the Clinton Library doesn't count.

Posted by: Cruzinator at July 04, 2015 10:03 AM (4SgJh)

121 After the liberation of Rome in 1944 my Dad's unit was pulled from the line for rest and refit. Written in his diary while in bivouac along the coast of Italy near Rome on this day in 1944:

The EZ Dog Diaries

July 4, 1944
"Independence Day"! No great celebrations like we have in the States - In fact outside a few inebriated souls there was very little indication of any thing out of the ordinary. The report has it that every American artillery piece now in use against the Krauts was fired at noon as sort of a demonstration for liberty.

Another trip to Salerno today. This time to look over a Shore Fire Control Party school being conducted by Seventh Army. I'll probably be spending quite a bit of time down there, because the General seems pretty concerned with it.

News from the Russian front really sounds good. All those "tsk" towns have fallen - Pinsk, Minsk, Polotsk, etc - and in the ten days since the drive started the Red troops are 1/4 of the way to Berlin.

Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at July 04, 2015 10:03 AM (mvenn)

122 My little town will have about 100 mounted trail riders. It's a casual affair with every race and blend represented, unified as People of the Horse.

Posted by: Dave at Buffalo Roam at July 04, 2015 10:03 AM (GwMPx)

123 NOOD.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 10:07 AM (RWGcK)

124 I will watch The Patriot today just to see the scene where Gibson and his young sons rescue his captured oldest son from the British. It's in my top ten best movie scenes.

Posted by: Cruzinator at July 04, 2015 10:07 AM (4SgJh)

125 Our treeing walker coon doesn't like fireworks and was nervous last night, pacing. Tonight will be worse. Thundershirt doesn't help her.

Posted by: NCKate at July 04, 2015 10:08 AM (bP6xm)

126 "119
The US flag is not the flag of my country. My country was a
constitutional republic. This country is not a constitutional republic.

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at July 04, 2015 10:02 AM (YFw5T)"

The Stars and Stripes is the flag of my country. I don't know exactly when my country died and this other entity took over and animated its corpse but I fly the flag in memory of America that was.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at July 04, 2015 10:08 AM (QHgTq)

127 Flying the American Flag after public personalities have made the claim that the US Flag is a flag of oppression

Public personalities like....Louis Farrakhan.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at July 04, 2015 10:09 AM (oVJmc)

128 Parades? For me? Aww, you shouldn't have...

Posted by: Barack Obama, The Great Gaymancipator at July 04, 2015 10:14 AM (FcR7P)

129 It is a waste of time to be patriotic till God intervenes. Anything now will be twisted to serve obamanation. The current thinking is God's intervention will become apparent to all in September. Everyone stock up on food and water please. Historically those two items are in short supply during such events. Remember the joke about "red ink shortage" in USSR.

Posted by: theTruth at July 04, 2015 10:15 AM (PGh+Q)

130 Feliz cuatro de julio!
Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at July 04, 2015 09:53 AM (zauWW)
---------
Felix Ungar de Julio Yglesias.

Posted by: Huma Abedin at July 04, 2015 10:24 AM (mG3Qj)

131 Scrubbing out the grill right now. It's been so crummy, weather-wise, this will be the first time we've used it. Steaks, corn on the cob, watermelon and homemade potato salad. Pretty standard.

Went to the ChiSox game last night. We had a great time. Sox actually won, we were in a great section with awesome actual baseball fans and lots of diversity and the young black guy sitting next to me gave me a high ten after the fireworks and a "'murica, yeah!" And tears actually came to my eyes because this is the way it should be and we let them divide us.

Posted by: Gem at July 04, 2015 10:54 AM (c+gwp)

132 That sounds really nice, Gem.

Posted by: Y-not at July 04, 2015 11:51 AM (RWGcK)

133 My current doggehs get scared even when it rains now, but we used to have a badass blue heeler who would attack fireworks. She'd run up and try to bite the Black cats and bottle rockets we would play with. Next day we saw that her whiskers were all curled up from being singed. What a great dog. Not the brightest dog ever born, but real kickass.

Posted by: stace at July 04, 2015 12:21 PM (+sO7w)

134 Some of the state-specific USO's get higher rankings than the national USO, probably because they can piggy back on the name recognition of the national organization and don't have to spend as much on fundraising. Disappointed to see the national org only gets two stars, but I'm not aware of any other organization that does what they do on the scale they do it. As such, I'm still a proud supporter of the USO..

Posted by: OCBill at July 05, 2015 01:50 AM (VCCXE)

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