We celebrate our freedom today from the tyranny of former English rule. Ironic, now, that the current threat to our freedom rests in the hands of a furious, disgruntled, scared-sheetless crew of those within our own borders who wish, more than anything it seems, to turn back time to the days of the Wild West as more states allow their citizens to carry guns into public places -- many of which furnish those dastardly spirits of alcohol where, of course, sane minds always prevail.
Along with that kind of incredibly insane permission-decision gaining momentum in more and more states, we can't ignore the attacks on women's abortion rights ala Kansas' recent attempt to make abortion doctors/clinics obsolete (illegal) so that back-alley abortions can once more pick up where it "left off" many years ago, leaving many hapless women physically scarred for life, if not losing their life in the process.
But dare I bring politics into a political celebratory day when most of the country simply seeks a nice grilled hot dog, burger or whatever while participating in either virtual (Wii) or the old-fashioned hands-on version of the sport of their choice.
Enjoy your chosen recreation, nation!
To those elsewhere in the world, don't worry, it's just a one-day thing over here (although it actually began on Friday).
Tomorrow we will awake and return to our daily quakes.
Happy 4th Shauna. I find it hilarious that
ReplyDeletea report from Harvard has now indicated that
parades, waving the flag, and celebrating the
4th of July, is nothing more than propoganda
and indoctrination into the Republican party.
John
John - WTF?
ReplyDeleteHarvard: July 4th Parades Are Right-Wing
ReplyDeleteBy Paul Bedard
Posted: June 30, 2011
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Democratic political candidates can skip this weekend's July 4th parades. A new Harvard University study finds that July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turn kids into Republicans, and help to boost the GOP turnout of adults on Election Day.
"Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation's political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party," said the report from Harvard. [See political cartoons about the 2012 GOP field.]
"The political right has been more successful in appropriating American patriotism and its symbols during the 20th century. Survey evidence also confirms that Republicans consider themselves more patriotic than Democrats. According to this interpretation, there is a political congruence between the patriotism promoted on Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican party. Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans," write Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa-Drott and Bocconi University Assistant Professor Andreas Madestam. [Enjoy political cartoons about President Obama.]
Their findings also suggest that Democrats gain nothing from July 4th parades, likely a shocking result for all the Democratic politicians who march in them. [Check out editorial cartoons about the Democrats.]
"There is no evidence of an increased likelihood of identifying as a Democrat, indicating that Fourth of July shifts preferences to the right rather than increasing political polarization," the two wrote.
The three key findings of those attending July 4th celebrations:
When done before the age of 18, it increases the likelihood of a youth identifying as a Republican by at least 2 percent.
It raises the likelihood that parade watchers will vote for a Republican candidate by 4 percent.
It boosts the likelihood a reveler will vote by about 1 percent and increases the chances they'll make a political contribution by 3 percent.
What's more, the impact isn't fleeting. "Surprisingly, the estimates show that the impact on political preferences is permanent, with no evidence of the effects depreciating as individuals become older,"said the Harvard report.
Finally, the report suggests that if people are looking for a super-patriotic July 4th, though should head to Republican towns. "Republican adults celebrate Fourth of July more intensively in the first place."
See the month's best editorial cartoons.
Check out our gallery of Whispers political caricatures.
See who's been visiting the White House.
More Washington Whispers posts
Is this is a joke? It reads like something The Onion would publish.
ReplyDeleteOh well. Just another example of how crazy things are becoming and how divided the country has grown. I may not be happy w/ the GOP and a few Democrats - but I must say this "Patriotic" issue is stunningly awry.
I know dear Shauna. I couldn't believe it when I heard it. Hope you're enjoying your time off. John
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