4th of July musings
So, one of my all-time favorite musicals is 1776. I’ve seen the movie countless times. I saw the Broadway revival starring Brent Spiner in the 90’s. I saw a production at a regional theater here on Long Island a few years ago. And there was a concert version at City Center, done in modern dress, with John Laroquette as Ben Franklin.
The play takes a few liberties in order to simplify the plot line and heighten drama, but overall it is historically accurate.
Little known fact: the song “Cool, Considerate Men” was cut from the movie at the request of then-President Nixon, but the Director’s Cut has restored that scene.
So, why was that song cut?
Well, it was a criticism of conservative thinking and reminder that Franklin, Adams and Jefferson, and the like, were considered left-wing radicals. The more conservative Americans of the era (especially men of property) sought reconciliation with England.
Remember that these revolutionaries rejected the notion that the King had been appointed by God to rule over the people (a notion supported by the religious institutions of Europe), but rather, that there was a social contract whereby leaders rule with the consent of the governed.
Remember that these revolutionaries rejected the notion that the King had been appointed by God to rule over the people (a notion supported by the religious institutions of Europe), but rather, that there was a social contract whereby leaders rule with the consent of the governed.
Leaders who were not afraid to try something new for the benefit of their fellow Americans.
The Declaration of Independence contains much of the philosophy of Locke and Rousseau. It contains almost no mention of God, and no references to the Bible.
Tell that to your conservative friends the next time they say this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the responses NPR got when it tweeted passages from the Declaration of Independence; Trumpsters accused NPR of tweeting the type of anti-Trump “propaganda” which would result in the government defunding NPR programs.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the responses NPR got when it tweeted passages from the Declaration of Independence; Trumpsters accused NPR of tweeting the type of anti-Trump “propaganda” which would result in the government defunding NPR programs.
Yesterday a woman climbed the Statue of Liberty to protest the current administration’s immigration policies. It was part of a planned protest, her colleagues brought a banner that read “Abolish ICE”, though her colleagues say she “went rogue” when she climbed up there.
Yes, I think her protest got a bit of media attention...
Makes my participation in last year’s Women’s March pale in comparison.
This fall I will be working on the campaigns of several Democrats, for state and local offices as well as Congress. Putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak.
I will do my best to change the course, to get us back on track ....
I will do my best to change the course, to get us back on track ....
Good luck with your endevours.
ReplyDeleteI like the transition from 1776 to today's issues. Kudos to you for your efforts!
ReplyDeleteYou are to be congratulated for living your beliefs. Too few people do. Good luck. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSo, we know- it's not clear to me that Dump ICE is the right answer. But, I refuse to let those nincompoops complaining about the concept to declare "as if". ICE is a MOST recent invention, incorporate customs enforcement with the INS. And, as is true for most of these post 9-11 "improvements", they are generally politcally motivated and far less accomplished than their predecesor origins.
ReplyDeleteAnd, while we're at it- the immigration "crisis" is not resulting from even 400K folks wanting asylum, it is the result of two issues- one the failure of ICE to DEPORT those folks who have overstayed their visa (numbers far in excess of those purported "illegals" crossing our borders) by months, years, and decades, and two- by the failure of the GOP to enforce the law imposed by their demi-god, Ronald Rayguns (oops, Reagan), to arrest and prosecute the CEO's of those firms that hire illegally present individuals. (Notice- NOT those here illegally, but those that make it possible for those lacking credentials to be employed.)
It is great that you want to join the movement and make your voice heard. It is one of the beauties of living in America. We can all voice our opinions and beliefs without the threat of condemnation. Be safe out there.
ReplyDeleteMy feed reader's link to this was broken yesterday. Ah well.
ReplyDeleteI saw that about the protestor. Cool for her. Even if she went rogue. I'm all for protests that garner attention that don't harm anyone.