- Teddy Roosevelt
- unknown
Happy 228th birthday, United States of America (from an American abroad).
As previously noted, America the only nation-state ever founded on the basis of a philosophy is not a place nor a people, but a set of principles and ideals. Thus, one takes America along wherever one goes. I've also recently seen put forth the idea that Amercia has always struggled, and so often failed, to live up to its own principles. But America is all about trying eventually to get it right which is one reason why I have such a soft spot for the place. I fail and fall short so often, but try never to lose my faith that I will eventually get it right.
And that the striving and failing and trying again and finally getting it right is also why I'm now able to offer my congratulations and best wishes to all of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, who for the first time in our nation's history have the civil right to marry. (In one state only but it's a great start!) And it is also why the U.S. Supreme Court was able to overrule and reign in the Bush administration by deciding that suspected terrorists must be allowed access to the American justice system to contest their detention. (*) And it is why we can all now despite so many dire missteps look forward to seeing the people of a free Iraq celebrate their own Independence Day, for years to come. God bless and Godspeed to them all.
And, oh happy 2nd anniversary, Dispatch from the Razor's Edge.