Happy Independence Day!

[Edric O]

The 4th of July marks an important turning point for the entire world. It was the day that the world's first modern democratic nation declared its independence. The independence of the USA played an important part in the final overthrow of feudalism, and the USA itself did far more good than harm on the world stage up to very recently.

But the 4th of July does not represent Bush, the CIA or McCarthyism. It represents the revolutionary spirit of the early American settlers. It is that revolutionary spirit which is in such a short supply in modern day America. Still, it is good to see that the revolutionary spirit is still alive, even though much weaker than in the old days.

THAT is what the 4th of July is about. Not obedience, not flag-waving and singing praises to the government and kissing Bush's feet, but Revolution! Revolution and independence!

God bless the American people!

[Mahdi]

Happy Independence day tot he americans, and

and reply to Edrics post, you're in the minority of historians if you believe that. Examine the causes and outcomes of the so called "revolution" (which, in fact, was more of a civil war) and you may change your mind. It was merely the changing of one elite to another that didn't want to have to pay taxes to the old elite. Even the majority of AMERICAN historians believe that.

[Acriku]

You'll always find a way to sneak communism into every thread won't you Edric? :P

This is a great day, filled with barbecues and pool parties, and the best of all... M*A*S*H marathon!!!!

Happy good times Hawkeye, happy good times.

[DukeLeto]

Yes, happy Fourth of July! Fireworks, flags, lots of soda and hot dogs!

Makes me miss the time when it was actually patriotism, not jingoism. Oh well.

And remember: never be a follower! Always challenge authority! That's the true American way! :)

[Dude_Doc]

Turn-a-base-into-travel-Texas-rockabilly-rebel, hehaj. Anyways, Happy 4th of July!

[Dante]

......... *Waits for flying saucers*........

[nemafakei]

And my goodness, the absurdity of the American plans to try the 'unlawful combatants' they took in Afghanistan! It seems they plan to have them secretly tried by the American army in Cuba for fighting against the American army in Afghanistan! And the Americans say they'd invade the Netherlands if one of their soldiers was simply tried at The Hague for war crimes (where, of course the accused would be able to see a lawyer, and be tried by impartial judges, and be treated well in the meantime) My goodness, the reek of hypocrisy and self-interest... something must be done. Incidentally, could it be that this news is being sneaked past the US holiday today? Or, in other words, how many of the US members here have honestly already heard this news properly?

Oh, yes, and here is sonething a friend sent me a while ago. Since it's topical...[attachment archived by Gobalopper]

[Acriku]

I guess some people can't refuse this glorious chance to profess their difference towards America...

[nemafakei]

Only insofar as America uses this chance to express its contempt for the rest of the world by violating some of its own principles upon others to get its way.

[Edric O]

You're right, Mahdi... But I was talking more about the psychological impact of the American Revolution (or any way you want to call it), which was much bigger than its actual impact in terms of social and political change. After all, it was one of the things that inspired the French Revolution, and that was one of the most important events of the 18th century.

And to Acriku: Ummmm... whoops, how did that link get there? ;D

[Ice_Cube]

lol nema, that was funny (and in part true).

BTW. get a sense of hummor Ariku :P

[Acriku]

I don't think they were joking ;)

[Ice_Cube]

If it was in a non joking fashion then it is a bit sad, but it is funny reading, even though most of it is non-sense.

[Sardauker-Kirov]

Happy betraya...day...errr I ment, ahem...

Happy Independence day.

:D

*Walks up to the balcony and kills the announcer with a Klingon sword. Pressing a button on his belly button, music coming out: The Chinese Anthem*

And tell me, what is the American way?

Being rough, tough, beat the competition down.

Sounds more 'Irish' to me.

Americans are no true American brothers of my, because the Indians are true Americans and I see them as true American brothers.

[Emperor Harkonnen]

Hurray for Bush and USA :)

[Davidu]

Happy Independance Day for all the normal Americans over there. That means to expell all those people like Bush, and others that think the world is theirs.