This Noble Experiment...

I think in light of the state of the union,as it stands,it may be easy to become disheartened about the prospects for America.

We seem to be hopelessly embroiled in a war that has no clear objective,nor cohesive plan for success.

The ability of the average citizen to move freely about,and express opinions in opposition to those in power diminishes on (nearly) a daily basis, while the cronies of our duly elected gangsters cruise in and out of the justice system with ease.

The media spends millions of dollars in an effort to focus our attention on the lifestyles of the spoiled and priveledged,while the countless survivors of Hurricane Katrina are left to wonder why..

Still,..There is this thing we have as a nation that perseveres.

It's in our hearts,and our minds,and probably our American genetic make-up.

It's Patrick Henry's defiant ultimatum,"Give me liberty,or give me death!"

It's Francis Scott Key,moved to poetry at the sight of the American flag waving proudly over Fort Sumter.

..(Grab yer babies,I'm on a roll)..

• Abraham Lincoln's confimation that our nation was."Conceived in liberty,and dedicated to the proposition that ALL men are created equal".


• Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal"
  
• D-Day...'nuff said


• ..and didn't each of us,..born or not,..take that first step along with Neill Armstrong on the surface of the Moon!..

Yeah,I've been drinking a dram or few,but that's how I feel.

That indefinable thing that fills our chests with pride,and prompts us to stand up,out loud,and in public,to proclaim our individual independence survives even now...I'm thoroughly convinced of that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!!....end of pontification.