From The Archives -- Celebrate The Fourth -- Pursue Some Happiness!
[Originally published July 4, 2007]
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.
-- Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
That line will be widely quoted across this land today, in parks and bandstands, on radio and in newsprint, from California to the New York islands, in countless big-city parades and from a myriad of small-town gazebos.
The more serious-minded of these proclaimers will go on to read the entire text of the Declaration which began the idea of the United States of America. It's an interesting text to read, and if you haven't read it since Junior High, I certainly encourage you to do so. There are obvious parallels in the deprivations of King George III which may sound uncomfortably apt today, for various reasons.
For instance, in the list of grievances: "He [King George] 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..."
Funny, but I didn't hear many Republicans quoting that line during the recent immigration debate.
There are always those who point out the politically incorrect bits, too: "[King George] 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."
That part gets edited out of a lot of small-town ceremonies, and also winds up on the cutting room floor of a lot of big-city newspapers.
But I write today not to quibble with or otherwise criticize what was writ more than two centuries ago, but instead to shine a brilliant spotlight on the fundamental and far-ranging statement which begins the preamble. Because -- today of all days -- it bears understanding by all who call America home.
In 1921, the incomparable H.L. Mencken decided the text needed updating, so he wrote "The Declaration of Independence in American," which is just as funny today as when he wrote it (although the politically incorrect slurs and other rough language are from another era, so the easily-offended should be warned). He translated the relevant text above into the following:
"All we got to say on this proposition is this: first, you and me is as good as anybody else, and maybe a damn sight better; second, nobody ain't got no right to take away none of our rights; third, every man has got a right to live, to come and go as he pleases, and to have a good time however he likes, so long as he don't interfere with nobody else."
Well put, for 1921. While I admit I am tempted to follow in Mencken's footprints and rewrite the entire document into modern American vernacular, that'll just have to wait for another year. Because increasing understanding of the bedrock sentence in the entire document is more important.
We hold these truths to be self evident...
The following ideas are so blindingly obvious to any thinking individual that they simply cannot be contradicted. There is no argument against the following statements which has any meaning at all. They are statements of truth and fact with which no intelligent person can argue. The following things we say are not only true but indeed are so axiomatic that they require no proof whatsoever, and rather stand alone as solid pillars of linguistic granite requiring no external support.
...that all men are created equal...
All humans are born of woman and enter into this world in pain. We are all children of "Nature and Nature's God," equal in value and equal in importance. The law and the government must see all humans equally and treat them all equally, since this is Nature's intent.
[OK, admittedly, that's not what it meant when it was written. When it was written, it meant "...all men are created equal... except for slaves (of course)... and Indians (of course)... and women (of course, that's why we said "men")... and any men who didn't own property -- who may have been created equal, but we're certainly not giving them the right to vote..." But I freely translate the Founding Fathers into what the phrase should have meant when written, and is indeed slowly coming to mean in today's America.]
...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,...
That when they are born, each human has certain rights which cannot be separated from them. Governments cannot take these rights away, and the individuals themselves cannot sell, barter, or give away these rights. They are the birthright of every citizen, and remain with that citizen until arriving on Death's door. These rights may be usurped by tyrannical governments, but the possession of these rights is still each human's divine gift. A government may take away your freedom -- but not your inherent right to be free, since that is a possession which simply cannot be taken from you by anyone.
...that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Among these rights (not only these we're going to mention, mind you, but just among the many which are every human's true birthright) are the ability to live free, the ability to freely live, and the ability to pursue happiness in whatever method you choose that does not infringe on another's rights. This could mean acquiring property, this could mean pursuing the profession of your choice, this could mean running for public office. However you define happiness, it's your inherent right to chase your dream, and the government cannot take this fundamental right away from you.
The entire sentence's keystone is the word "unalienable," defined as: "non-transferable." Today, it's considered archaic and bad English, but it was perfectly acceptable in 1776. Some even translate the word into its modernly acceptable spelling, "inalienable," which is just a semantic travesty. While the two words are essentially interchangeable in meaning, some things simply should not be edited -- ever -- and the founding document of our country would seem to fit that category, in my humble opinion.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists both words as synonyms, and cites usages of both back to the 1600s. Some, even today, argue that the words are not interchangeable, and that "unalienable" means something that you are not allowed to sell (like liberty -- you cannot sell yourself into slavery, as it is illegal to do so) -- something, in other words, that is your birthright and cannot ever be surrendered or taken from you. The flip side to this argument is that "inalienable" should be defined as something which cannot be surrendered or taken from you without your consent. I reject such hair-splitting as etymological foolishness. The Founding Fathers knew what they were talking about, and they were talking about natural rights which each possess and which cannot be removed from you, ever, by anyone.
If proof of this is necessary, the Virginia Constitution's Bill of Rights, which is seen by many as a "first draft" to our own Constitution (from June of 1776), begins with Section 1:
"That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity, namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
That meaning is crystal-clear, even if it does use more words to describe the same concept.
The wonderful thing about the Fourth of July is... well, OK... number one has to be the fireworks. It's hard to top the bombs bursting in air, and the rockets' red glare and the concomitant "Ooohs" and "Aaahs."
Seriously, though, the wonderful thing about the Fourth is that although it is a summer holiday, unlike Memorial Day there is simply no guilt factor about enjoying yourself. Every Memorial Day, a certain contingent of Americans gets indignant opinion articles published in newspapers across the country (or in letters to the editor, if they don't have enough influence) which grumble about how: "This day is for the soldiers, not for mattress sales and barbeques. Show our veterans some respect, put a flag on a military grave," and all the rest of that refrain. Problem is, they're right. If they weren't right, the rest of us wouldn't feel guilty at what they have to say -- they would simply be ignored.
Labor Day, our other bookend summer holiday, has no guilt attached to it whatsoever. I guess the decline of unions in America... oh, heck, that's not really it... it's because union members love to hold and attend fantastic picnics on Labor Day as much as the next guy. They are the next guy, in fact -- standing there just beside you.
But the glorious Fourth is all about what a cool idea America was in the first place, and how we of all nations came up with the idea first. It is a day even a tree-hugging liberal in San Francisco can fly an American flag proudly -- with no militaristic overtones taken by her tree-hugging liberal neighbors, it should be noted -- since it is a day to celebrate what the ideal of America is. And that's something every American holds deeply in their own heart, and can celebrate in a very personal way -- even while enjoying the public celebrations.
So go ahead this Independence Day. Have a hot dog. Jump in some water somewhere. Watch a parade. Drink a beer. Drink two! Watch some fireworks.
The Founding Fathers not only would have approved of the concept of you having a great July 4th, they founded the whole damn country just so you could exercise your natural right to do so. You would be letting them down, in essence, by not doing so.
And that's something we all truly can celebrate together. Because it's not just celebrating your right as an American to have a happy Fourth, it's actually celebrating your birthright as a human being to be happy.
So go out there and pursue some Happiness today!
-- Chris Weigant
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
"America leads best not by the example of our power but by the power of our example."
@CW,
Funny that i didn't notice it in 2007, but life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are not always considered part of the preamble, but their own separate section.
"America leads best not by the example of our power but by the power of our example."
And, since Jan of 2017, our power and our examples have grown better and better, once we exited the dark and dreary days of Democrat rule..
Trump celebrates US might, avoids politics in rousing July 4 speech
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-producer-president-makes-july-4th-own-show-200916773.html
Gods, President Trump makes me proud to be an American!
I shudder and cringe when I think how utterly horrible things would be if Hillary Clinton had actually won the election..
We would be involved in thousands of wars, Clinton would be stealing the good china and silver from the White House and Bubba would be running a pedophile ring out of the White House, complete with Secret Service protections..
Thank the gods for President Trump!!
Trump spoke in front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr gave his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.
Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants.
But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals.
Instead, in a trickling rain, he uncharacteristically avoided talking about himself and his political detractors. He repeatedly ascribed a singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world."
"Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said.
"Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said.
Sorry, Trump/America haters.. You don't get to kick around President Trump today..
At least not over his awesome 4th of July extravaganza... :^/
I wonder if any of the haters will give President Trump any credit for a great show and a great speech??
Naaawwwww....
Sen. John Kennedy criticized Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s previous characterizations of detention centers as "concentration camps" and her overall stance on the situation at the southern border on Tuesday.
“Let me be frank," the Louisiana Republican said in an interview with KLSA News 12 reporter Jeff Ferrell. "Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez ... someone needs to tell her that the voices in her head are not real. She says that the men and women of our Border Patrol and our authorities are intentionally running concentration camps on the southern border. She needs to go to the Holocaust Museum and see what a concentration camp is."
"The problem we’re having at the border, a problem that Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has helped create, is that we have 5,000 people a day, not a week, not a month, a day coming into this country. We don’t have a place to put them. "
"The Department of Homeland Security is out of money and the congresswoman knows that. She says the conditions are inhumane," Kennedy continued. "But yet, when we send a bill over to her to vote to improve those conditions, she voted no. Her hypocrisy is breathtaking. This is the bottom line. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez believes that illegal immigration is a moral good. And she believes that the border is just a nuisance and it should be open, and I don’t think that’s what America believes.”
Ocasio-Cortez visited multiple detention centers earlier this week with other members of Congress, and witnesses claimed she screamed at federal law enforcement officers.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/sen-kennedy-someone-needs-to-tell-aoc-the-voices-in-her-head-are-not-real?utm_source=Examiner%20Today_07/04/2019&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WEX_Examiner%20Today&rid=91659
This is what happens when you put bartenders in the government..
They are completely and utterly clueless..
And, in the section marked HOW TO LOSE THE 2020 Presidential Election:
To date, the following positions have been taken by some or all the candidates: replace all employer-provided private insurance with a government plan; decriminalize the border while also providing subsidized health insurance to undocumented immigrants; and provide reparations for the descendants of American slaves.
Yep.. Guarantees President Trump til Jan of 2024...
And in HOW TO LOSE THE 2020 Presidential Election Part 2:
Later came another question.
"This is a show-of-hands question and hold them up so people can see,” said co-moderator Savannah Guthrie. “Raise your hand if your government plan would provide (health care) coverage for undocumented immigrants.”
Biden raised his, as did Sanders, Harris, Andrew Yang, Pete Buttigieg, Kirsten Gillibrand, Michael Bennet, the magical Marianne Williamson, John Hickenlooper and Eric Swalwell.
Did any of them think how a declaration of open borders policy and free health care for undocumented immigrants who break into the U.S. would play out in a general election?
Did any of them pause before engaging in self-destructive pandering?
What defines an election isn’t take-down dramas.
What defines elections, and political parties, are ideas with sweep, ideas that announce “This is who we are” to the voters.
Like the Democrats’ new open borders policy. And their agreement to provide “free” health care to immigrants here illegally.
As Joe Biden learned, rhetoric has consequences.
But ideas have consequences too.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-joe-biden-kamala-harris-debates-kass-20190628-2neu2wsltnd4vaniwr6ioy2lde-story.html
Let me repeat it for the cheap seats...
Did any of them pause before engaging in self-destructive pandering?
What defines an election isn’t take-down dramas.
What defines elections, and political parties, are ideas with sweep, ideas that announce “This is who we are” to the voters.
Like the Democrats’ new open borders policy. And their agreement to provide “free” health care to immigrants here illegally.
Congratulations, Democrats..
Ya'all just handed the 2020 Election to President Trump on a silver platter.
The General Election ads simply write themselves.. All President Trump has to do is run the loop of ALL Democrat Candidates either endorsing Open Borders and/or promising free full healthcare to illegal immigrants...
Viola' President Trump holds his title until Jan of 2024...
Anyone who denies this is either a Party slave or willfully ignorant of reality...
To put it in some context...
It would be as if President Trump were to address the American people from the Oval Office and announce, when he wins the 2020 Presidential Election, he will be bring on the advent of the Fourth Reich....
THAT is what Democrats have done by supporting Open Borders and/or full and free healthcare for illegal immigrants.. And it was done fully and willfully on National TV...
There won't be any "Well, I never said that!!" because it was all recorded and aired...
Basically Democrats just handed President Trump the 2020 election. "There ya go, Mr President. Hope ya like your next 4 years!!"
The 2020 Presidential Election is over. Democrats lost..
Of course, the afore mentioned prediction is subject to changes in fact and reality...
If President Trump does do something really stoopid, like the afore mentioned Fourth Reich announcement, the prediction will also have to change..
But if President Trump governs as he has governed the last 2+ years, then he has already won the 2020 election...
Because, all things being equal, Open Borders and Full Free Healthcare for illegal immigrants will simply DESTROY the Dem candidate in the General Election..
If President Trump does do something really stoopid, like the afore mentioned Fourth Reich announcement, the prediction will also have to change.
the truly scary thing is he does something stupid every day, and it doesn't change his support one iota
the truly scary thing is he does something stupid every day, and it doesn't change his support one iota
That's because the Left SPINS what President Trump does as "stoopid" when it really is nothing more than putting America and Americans first...
But President Trump has never done anything as stoopid as saying he will institute Open Borders for America..
And let's face reality.. Decriminalizing all border and immigrant crimes is de facto opening the borders..
Just as decriminalizing marijuana is de facto legalization..
JL,
Tell me honestly.. Do you honestly believe that a Dem candidate running on Open Borders can win an American election??
I mean, let's face facts..
Trump hasn't given billions of dollars to the #1 state sponsor of terrorism....
But Obama did..
Trump hasn't given billions of dollars to the #1 state sponsor of terrorism....
But Obama did..
My point??
"Stoopid" is in the eye of the beholder...
Democrats think that putting America and Americans first is "stoopid"...
Patriotic Americans think that giving the #1 State Sponsor of terrorism billions of dollars is "stoopid"....
Strong job growth is back: Payrolls jump in June well above expectations
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/05/jobs-report-june-2019.html
Now wait a min... Is this because of President Trump or Obama??
Well, it's really really good news... SO, obviously ya'all think it is because of Obama...
If it was really really bad news, ya'all would think it's because of President Trump..
That's right.. I got it straight now..
Media Predictions of “Tiny Crowd” For Trump July 4 Speech Proven Spectacularly Wrong
https://summit.news/2019/07/05/media-predictions-of-tiny-crowd-for-trump-july-4-speech-proven-spectacularly-wrong/
Once again.. Hysterical Trump/America haters make wild-assed predictions that turn out to be YYUUUGELY wrong...
Yunno, laws of probability say that, even ONCE IN A WHILE, ya'all would be factually accurate about something.. ANYTHING.... But I guess probabilities don't take into account Party slavery...
:eyeroll:
Yep...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-ru-N2U8AAu7Xs.jpg
A "tiny" crowd.... :eyeroll:
Once again, the haters got it wrong...
Biden knocks AOC wing of Democratic Party, warns voters are not ‘way left’
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-knocks-aoc-wing-of-democratic-party-warns-voters-are-not-way-left
Even Biden knows that Democrats won't win if they move too far Left...
Millions of ordinary Americans who tuned in to watch must have been wondering what the fuss was all about. Democrats promised they would witness a partisan address. But instead, they saw the president deliver a deeply unifying speech that celebrated America’s accomplishments, and the courage of our men and women in uniform. With each passing minute, the president looked larger while his critics looked increasingly petty and small.
It is literally raining on Trump’s parade. Thunderstorms are predicted.
And yet, it was a grand celebration!!
I know, I know.. For America haters, it was very very bad..
But for patriotic Americans!?? It was awesome!!! :D
it was a grand celebration!
That hardly anyone saw. I've heard that CNN carried Trump's speech live, but that's about it.
Interestingly, there was another capitol fourth down on the other end of the Mall that PBS carried.
Some stations carried the Macy's Fourth from NY.
Even Fox News did their regular programming schedule.
So if you liked it, fine. I had other things to do yesterday - like eat burgers and watch movies.
Even Biden knows that Democrats won't win if they move too far Left...
Even Biden! You mean ONLY Biden, right!? (of the serious contenders, I mean)
By the way, Michale, I'm back to reading all of your comments again ... very, very nice!
Michale,
And yet, it was a grand celebration!!
Well, I think President Trump focuses too much on the example of America's power and too little on the power of America's example.
If he demonstrated more of the latter - that is to say highlight the power of America's example - then I think he may be a much better president.
That hardly anyone saw. I've heard that CNN carried Trump's speech live, but that's about it.
MILLIONS of people saw it live...
I know, I know.. Yer of the Kardashian generation and think if it ain't on TV or streaming, it's not worth knowing
So if you liked it, fine. I had other things to do yesterday - like eat burgers and watch movies.
ANd whine and bitch how much America sucks..
Yea.. I get it..
Even Biden! You mean ONLY Biden, right!? (of the serious contenders, I mean)
I stand corrected.. Yes.. ONLY Biden understands the reality..
ANd you.. And me.. ANd CRS and even DH... :D
By the way, Michale, I'm back to reading all of your comments again ... very, very nice!
"I'm FATTER... Er FLATTERED..."
-Eddie Murphy, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR
:D
Well, I think President Trump focuses too much on the example of America's power and too little on the power of America's example.
"Power perceived is power achieved"
-Ernie Hudson, THE SUBSTITUTE
If he demonstrated more of the latter - that is to say highlight the power of America's example - then I think he may be a much better president.
The power of America's examples speaks for themselves..
But in the Democrat years, America lost ground on their perceived power..
President Trump has reversed that backslide...
Home of the Free
BECAUSE of the Brave...
I disagree.
President Trump pulled out of three very important international agreements - JCPOA, TPP (Hillary was very wrong about not supporting it) and the UN climate change accords.
Before Trump took office, the US was a global leader on these efforts and in a very strong position to set the rules of the road wrt trade, environment and nuclear arsenal issues.
Unfortunately, Trump has been blinded by his deep disdain for all things Obama. He will live to regret this.
The above was in response to Michale's comment that Trump has reversed the backslide of the Obama administration.
President Trump pulled out of three very important international agreements - JCPOA, TPP (Hillary was very wrong about not supporting it) and the UN climate change accords.
And it's a good thing he did..
Those were patently unfair to the USA and, at BEST, absolutely useless...
America first...
Before Trump took office, the US was a global leader on these efforts and in a very strong position to set the rules of the road wrt trade, environment and nuclear arsenal issues.
And was ridiculed by our enemies..
Unfortunately, Trump has been blinded by his deep disdain for all things Obama. He will live to regret this.
Highly doubtful.. Future historians will recognize the Obama years for the disgraceful episode it was.. That put the world's interest before America's interests, oft times even detrimental to America's interests..
Those future historians will put President Trump's administrations up there with Saint Ronald Reagan's as far as restoring pride in America again...
You are so wrong about this but it's too hot to try to persuade you today.
There'll be time enough for that later ...
You are so wrong about this but it's too hot to try to persuade you today.
There'll be time enough for that later ...
Yes...
After President Trump wins re-election (which is all but assured, given the Democrat's support for Open Borders and Free Healthcare for illegals) we will have 4 more years to discuss President Trump's place in history..
I dare say that at the end of President Trump's administration in 2024, you'll be a fan.. :D
I was brought up in Nigeria and Scotland so didn’t get much history of the American Revolution or the War of 1812 at school, so perhaps somebody can tell me why the British had airports at the time. We’re they for the famed “Pegasus Calvary Regiment”?
[This is the point where Michale and the rest of the RWNJs scour everything Obama has ever said to see if me mentioned airport battles in the late 18th and early 19th century, har har.]
I knew it...I just knew it.
The Wright Bros were not the first.
And was ridiculed by our enemies..
..As opposed to now, when we're being praised by our enemies, and ridiculed by our allies.
I was brought up in Nigeria and Scotland so didn’t get much history of the American Revolution or the War of 1812 at school, so perhaps somebody can tell me why the British had airports at the time. We’re they for the famed “Pegasus Calvary Regiment”?
Yea.. And there were 57 states when Obama was campaigning..
Funny how you slam President Trump for saying ridiculous stuff, but gave Obama a pass..
[This is the point where Michale and the rest of the RWNJs scour everything Obama has ever said to see if me mentioned airport battles in the late 18th and early 19th century, har har.]
Don't have to scour.. Every bullshit thing Obama said really stands out..
..As opposed to now, when we're being praised by our enemies, and ridiculed by our allies.
Yea.. Iran is really praising us..
Once again, you spew nothing but bullshit..
President Trump has been harder on Russia than Obama ever was...
President Trump has been harder on Russia than Obama ever was...
Yeah, I can see just how pissed off Putin looks when Trump's around him...
Once again, you spew nothing but bullshit..
...
Iran is really praising us..
In that case, we're doing the Saudi's dirty work for them, while keeping Russia away from the fray.
For years (as the Snowden stuff unveiled), the Saudis have been after us to get ever tougher against their ancient enemy. There are classified emails that say things like 'You ought to kill them now' from the Saudis.
And the Russians probably want Iran out of Syria.
Either way, it seems that Allies are the problem, since we can't seem to get any of our European partners interested in a prolonged war in Iran.
Yea.. And there were 57 states when Obama was campaigning..
Funny how you slam President Trump for saying ridiculous stuff, but gave Obama a pass..
If you actually watched the video, you would see that Obama was trying to express the thought that in all the time he had spent on the campaign trail so far in 2007-08, he had visited all (48) of the states in the continental U.S. save for one (i.e., “one left to go,” excluding Alaska and Hawaii), but in his weariness he slipped up and started off with “fifty” instead of “forty.” (Note the long pause in the video clip between the words “fifty” and “seven.”)
Don't have to scour.. Every bullshit thing Obama said really stands out..
Let me finish that for ya,
...because they occurred so rarely!
Elizabeth Miller
29
Unfortunately, Trump has been blinded by his deep disdain for all things Obama. He will live to regret this.
I completely agree, Elizabeth, and you've actually hit on one of the main keys to understanding exactly who Trump is. Poor Donald doesn't have any disdain whatsoever for those he refers to as the "elite," on the contrary; he's spent his entire life attempting to measure up and be accepted by them. In fact, Trump wants nothing more, but it's something that was never going to happen because they saw him for the liar, cheater, con artist, and criminal that he's always been in his lifelong search for money/power and their acceptance.
Hate Hollywood? Donald loves Hollywood. He's a showman and con right out of the PT Barnum playbook. Told everyone Madonna wanted to date him, actually tried to get a date with her. She laughed.
Royalty? He loves them; he wants to be them. To sell apartments at Trump Tower he lied and said Prince Charles and Princess Diana were buying. When the royals divorced, Donald Trump wanted to date Princess Diana, tried everything to make that happen. She gagged and laughed at the very idea.
President Obama? A real president who was elected by popular vote and without cheating... something Trump knows he wasn't. Trump knows he's a con and knows what he's done. It's Trump's jealously laid bare for all to see, and he will lie about Obama, cheat, whatever it takes to be loved and accepted by the "big dogs"... be one of them... and he never will because a large portion of the world's leaders know a lot about what Trump did to get elected. They were happy to supply us with the intercepts. :)
Democrats think that putting America and Americans first is "stoopid"...
Patriotic Americans think that giving the #1 State Sponsor of terrorism billions of dollars is "stoopid"....
When has America EVER put anyone but ourselves FIRST? Please, tell me when we’ve put another country’s needs before our own and acted without there being some alternative motive behind our generosity? I’m waiting.... and will be for a long time! I’m sure you can find cases where we gave aid to other countries, but it didn’t come at the cost of making anyone in America suffer or go without.
Here is how spoiled little turds Trumpkins are....Democrats are pushing for access to healthcare for ALL... BUT all you can focus on is that “ALL” includes undocumented people as well. So what if that means access to good healthcare for all citizens, including non-citizens doesn’t count as “putting America first”!
As for Iran, America never gave Iran billions of dollars. They were given money BACK that we had taken from their bank accounts when we imposed sanctions, but that was us doing what the law required of us.
And funny how under Obama and the signing of the Iran nuke deal, Iran wasn’t attacking ships in the gulf and were no longer enriching uranium, but were consistently meeting the requirements set in the agreement! But Trump had to get rid of all things Obama did because Obama poked fun at the fragile man-baby at the correspondents’ dinner...BOO HOO! So instead of Iran doing everything we demanded from them, they have gone back to doing the things we hated simply because America broke it’s WORD!
Other nations don’t respect us, and our enemies don’t fear us. Russia wasn’t shaking in its boots when Trump looked at Putin and giggled, “You better not get me re-elected in 2020!”
North Korea has gotten the US to give up so much simply by having their leader tell Trump he’s his BFF and writing Trump “beautiful love letters”. Make Trump feel important and he’ll roll on his back and give up the launch codes while you rub his belly! Rent out a few floors at his hotel and you can murder any journalist living in America that you want!
If that is how you make “America great again”, you really have a fuk’d up view of America!
Michale
38
President Trump has been harder on Russia than Obama ever was...
Wow. How high up your ass does your head have to be?
Trump practically bends over and grabs his ankles every time Putin is in the room. Trump is truly Putin's bitch, and there's a reason for that. Oh, wait... wrong! Trump is Putin's whore... quid pro quo.
neilm
34
I was brought up in Nigeria and Scotland so didn’t get much history of the American Revolution or the War of 1812 at school, so perhaps somebody can tell me why the British had airports at the time. We’re they for the famed “Pegasus Calvary Regiment”?
*laughs*
Trump was asked about that, and he naturally had a good answer why he said something so utterly asinine. Oh, who am I kidding? His explanation was as stupid as his original statement, and I quote:
"I guess the rain knocked out the teleprompter, but I knew the speech very well, so I was able to do it without a teleprompter."
So according to Trump himself who said the stupid shit about airports, he did know the speech very well so was able to do it without a teleprompter. *laughs* Of course, that still doesn't explain why he said that stupid shit, but then him being and liar and an ignorant SOB pretty much solidly nails it.
@m[13],
"open borders" is a right wing frame (i.e. massive exaggeration) of the objective policy of decriminalization, which stops WELL short of leaving the border unprotected. the answer depends on the candidate.
JL
(unless it's your claim that parking in front of a fire hydrant or doing ninety in a school zone is fully legal and not enforced)