Quickpoll: What does the 4^th of July mean to you?

Founders Quote: Thomas Jefferson          

1821 - letter to John Adams

 [T]he flames kindled on the 4 of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

Thomas Jefferson

1825 - letter to Henry Lee

This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion.

Richard Henry Lee

1776 - Resolution in Congress

Resolved: That these colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved of 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. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective colonies for their consideration and approbation.

James Madison

1825 - letter to Thomas Jefferson

On the distinctive principles of the Government ...of the U. States, the best guides are to be found in...The Declaration of Independence, as the fundamental Act of Union of these States.

Thomas Paine

1776 - Common Sense

Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries; tis time to part.

John Witherspoon

1776 - debate over the Declaration

Category: Declaration of Independence

In my judgement it is not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of becoming rotten for the want of it.

4^th of July story: WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124656447523887753.html

Karl Rove WSJ story of family who is going beyond the call of duty to keep us free: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124649175841883047.html

TriMet asks feds permission for a quieter WES horn: http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2009/07/trimet_asks_feds_permission_fo.html

Chasse family settles with city, for the moment anyway: Are the law enforcement and emergency response folks really at fault here?. http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=124656161331502700   Tribune: Medical examiners report http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/james_chasses_broken_back_ribs.html

MERC director resigns after much pressure from others than the board that hired him, at more than a year’s salary and benefits. http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/embattled_director_reaches_res.html

Legislature Watch: Governor says he is not delaying signature of tax increase measures: We will see Gov. http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2009/07/kulongoski_says_he_isnt_playin.html  O’s Blind Squirrels say don’t delay the transportation bill on the Federal level so they can “replicate Portland” You have got to be kidding! http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/07/dont_delay_transportation_bill.html

Your tax dollars at work: Taxpayer Association’s Jason Williams gets face time on KGW regarding pork in stimulus bill: Of course, it has to do with TriMet: http://www.oregoncatalyst.com/index.php/archives/2485-Taxpayer-Association-Oregon-stimulus-pork.-1M-bike-boxes..html

Obama’s Nation:

Data reveals that economic recovery is not near: Doesn’t matter because the press and The Prez will just lie about it. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/03/new-data-indicate-recovery-not-near/

War on Terror: Otherwise known as Obama’s “overseas contingency operation” US Soldier captured by Taliban in Afghanistan is from Oregon. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijSi9m3h-DBGg4Cv6E4XiAYH6YcwD9968L1O0  Oregon troops ready for Iraq deployment? http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/oregon_national_guard_soldiers.html

This day in American history: Washington takes command of the Continental Army: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=50366

Battle of Gettysburg ends: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=VideoArticle&id=6947

Congrats: Gilchrist lumber mill restarts and will re hire workers. http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/07/gilchrist_lumber_mill_restarts.html

Freedom First!