Tag Archives: fireworks

Happy 4th of July


The 4th of July … for many, is just another day; some use it to contemplate on what Independence Day means personally, some partake in public services while others are thinking about war and the intent for independence and the power that it gives.

I admit sometimes it feels like our independence is being compromised every time the Republicans fail to do the right thing for our fellow Americans each day they convene on the floor of Congress.

I grew up in military country; know people who have proudly served, died, live and some who came back damaged.  I think about how war affects our independence and the unimaginable unthinkable things our Soldiers see and go through, having had a brother who suffered through his own horrific journey of war; it could only be seen as a daily dose of hell for him and probably for countless others. So, unless you are a part of the Military or live in a Military town, you can only imagine what a family experiences and as civilians we definitely should be aware and be grateful for their sacrifices

So, as we all celebrate our own style of independence give a shout out to those you know, love and miss who serve and protect us.

a message from Jay Inslee … For Gov. of Washington State


I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s celebration of our nation’s independence — the sun certainly helped!

Our campaign, led by our tremendous team of field organizers, visited close to 30 Fourth of July events across the state yesterday. It was inspiring to see so many Washingtonians decked out in their best red, white, and blue, celebrating our proud national heritage together. It was also an opportunity to thank the members of our Armed Forces and their families for all that they do to protect the independence we celebrate each Fourth of July.

It’s an important reminder, especially during campaign season: no matter what our political beliefs, we’re all Americans.

I’m particularly proud of our organizing team — Team Inslee was out in force across the state! Thank you to all of our supporters who shared their day with us.

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And of course, thanks to you again for standing with our campaign. We couldn’t do it without you.

Very truly yours,

Jay Inslee

Whitehouse vids


The National Mall fireworks as seen from the South Lawn of the White House. July 4, 2012.More

President Obama speaks to military families celebrating Independence Day on the South Lawn of the White House. July 4, 2012.More

President Obama welcomes members of Congress to the White House as he and the First Lady host the annual White House Congressional picnic. June 27, 2012.More

TGIF … &some News


Today, being the first day of July with a slow roll into Independence
Day next Monday, which most of us celebrate some do not with sparklers and fireworks just
seems sad in a way. I guess it does sound very dramatic but think about it will
this be the last real Independence Day some States will have faced with all the
changes Republicans are trying to implement and force upon their fellow
Americans all over the country. The change we can believe in
is just one less Republican in office, one less lobbyist , one less huge
insurance corporation like AIG or bank between Americans wanting Health-Care,
Energy and Educational REFORM.

The change we need is one that can be implemented incrementally and will probably take
years to complete. Yet Congress seemsto prefer to debate, stall, block the obvious and or go on break at least 2
times a month am i alone in wondering if they are even serious about getting
anything done or understand that this will take time and it will need
continuous tweaking. The financial crash has taken years to surface as well as expose
what has to be the most complicated and somewhat corrupt system that branches
out globally. I am still asking why the public is not willing to give President
Obama time to work on unwinding the crap the last guy left but it is obvious people have forgotten who did what and
when. While it has been a couple of years we cannot afford to forget who slowed down the stimulus, who said let’s
stop and do tax cuts and who not only threatened filibusters but have done so
on everything that could help Americans and will continue to hold the middle
class hostage until the election of a new President. I know most folks know
that the Obama admin tried to get the stimulus out there quickly but the party
of no held it up knowing no matter what happened Republicans would get money as
well. It was a disappointing, sad and an offensive awakening to watch as the
party of no acted so calculating. Reports of Republicans taking credit for the stimulus,
others asked for more funds while talking trash about the President of the
United States. I was upset about it then and believe now that the stimulus
dollars should NOT have been used to plug state budget holes but for jobs, jobs
jobs or to make stuff, turn to wind and solar plants and or farms with a move
to end our dependence on nuke plants.

I do not understand how anyone with common sense fails to see
the Republican mission for what it is as Mitch McConnell said: to make President Obama a one term President which includes
eliminating the middle and lower classes and who used to be their fellow
Americans. The joke that was called The Pledge to America has now become a rude and scary reality filled with what looks
like an attempt to ban abortions, eliminate worker rights, Medicare/Medicaid
and social security just to name a few while making sure those with public
service positions become unemployed. If you need reminding that would be our
Teachers, Police, Firefighters, and other first Responders. I don’t know about you but the scam that is
the Republican party is somewhat scary. I wake up wondering just which
Republican controlled state is moving so far to the far right that its citizens
will lose their rights every day. I have concerns that people are not taking this thing as serious as Republican Mayors,
Governors, legislators and their flunkies are. There was a time when we could
depend on a correction by the upper court system or what used to be a fair and
balanced application to whatever the issue was. Now, the Court Systems seem
filled with republican activists given too much power by the Bushies. I get it
not all of my fellow democrats agree with what President Obama is doing we need
people to connect the dots maybe think about the bigger picture. I want folks
to think about what your neighborhood will look like if Republicans are
successful in their mission and it cannot be a good image. For example, I know
we all heard about the man who failed to pay his fire protection fee so the
local fire department let his house burn down. I have to admit i was stunned by
that story and clearly take some things for granted because I like other
Washingtonians pay into a system, which we assume covers all things related to
911. I am still shocked and amazed that some States managed to privatize such
services and should be re-assessed as folks across the country pay their
Government Representatives to Represent them which as we are all finding out
lately that seems to be less and less of a reality. I don’t understand. Is this
not their USA too? Why not help create solutions for your fellow American. I ask those people
who voted for Republicans in November if these are the kinds of politicians we
need or want as public servants. If you believe in equality, the right to choose and the pursuit of happiness, you
cannot continue to vote against your best interests. We are still a Country in trouble that needs
both political parties to solve this crisis and yes, the crisis is still in
effect; what is happening in Congress is unacceptable. Republicans are acting
like the USA is a playground drawing and redrawing lines in the sand instead of
agreeing to help solve the problem that we face and while they throw out nasty
rhetoric they have decided to put Grover Norquist, Koch Brothers , Chamber of
Commerce, Wall Street and others with Corporate interests first.

Other News …

Dominique Strauss-Kahn released on own

Minnesota government shuts down over

Wall Street on track for best week in nearly a year

Nine killed as Syrian protests spread

Clinton: ‘The Syrian government is running out of
time’

US debt ceiling deadline still August

New York set to lift fracking
ban

CSPAN …

NASA Administrator Discusses Space Shuttle Program at National Press Club

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Senate Cancels July 4th Break

Debt negotiations continue

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Prime Time on the C-SPAN Networks

Debate on China, National Organization of Women conference among the events