Independence day Redux and anew
Ok today is the 5th and I'm hoping everybody had a safe and enjoyable 4th. Though we know that some died on the highways as a result of celebrating to much or stupidity. And there were probably the proverbial few that blew off there hands despite being inundated with the PSA of a watermelon being blown up by a "firework" through intoxication and/or stupidity (I remember once as a kid being held down while some of the bigger kids dropped a firecracker down my boot which was an "ouchie" and prob left me with severe unresolved emotional issues. But hey, if your gonna play with the "big boys" ). And though their are those who would take offense to use of the word "stupid" I will cop to my own "stupidity" by, despite my constant battle with cholesterol, I wolfed down way to many greasy burgers with cheese (real cheese now, artery bocking, blood clogging good ol American cheese. And it were good) and have yet to declare independence from my addiction to cigarettes. And slow suicide, I'm just guessing here, is prob dumber or at least more uncomfortable than quick suicide. But I reckon I may be guilty of having some remnants the adolescent testosterone tainted attitude of "9' tall and bullet proof" left in me somewhere despite the broken bones and the inability to bounce as good as I used to I can still be guilty of "that stuff (pick your brand of stuff, cancer, heart attack, bike wreck) happens to other folk and not me".
So anyway today ( a day late of course) I thought I would spend a little time reviewing the "Declaration of Independence", you know that little document that is what the day is supposed to be all about that we prob never think about as we "ohhh" and "awe" at fireworks displays (unless we walk away going well that one sucked).
For those that might also like to refresh their memories as to what this document is all about you can find it here. And maybe like me, you might find it best to review this little document after the festivities as you may find reviewing it to be a little sobering and my suspicion is that there may be a few who are trying to sober up today. Though I won't reprint the whole thing today, I would like (and so I will) to print a couple off it's provisions and share some just, off of the top of my head observations, that I'm sure with a little research can be expanded on and would hope that some would have their own thoughts. Now here is the main premise of the declaration, the part we all remember from school and many consider to be "it":
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
And here are some of the "afters" that many of us probably do not remember or dwell on considering the current state of affairs, or maybe don't give a damn about:
"Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world." Can anyone say "Patriot Act and or permutation of law by executive order?"
"He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries." Has anyone forgotten the full scale investigation of the of the Federal Prosecutors office whereby many were fired based on there "possible" opposition to a particular "political viewpoint" and not application of law as per the constitution (or any legitimate proof of failure to perform there duties as prescribed by law)) and/or the fact that Supreme court justices are no longer appointed as per their understanding of the constitution but by whether or not they will support the "ideologies " of the "left" or the "right", whichever ideology holds office not by virtue of comprehension of inalienable rights but by an understanding of media manipulation .
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance." Hurricane Katrina victim's are still left out in the cold, but ol "Brownie" was congratulated on the "fine job" he was doing and subsequently fired and replaced by some one who either no less or cares less about the job they should be doing, hundreds of Fema trailors were left to rot by the Fema traitors at taxpayers expense in Texas and Arkansas airfields and the New York first responders still can not communicate effectively with each other and I suspect that there cannot be any argument as to the inadequacy's of the bureaucracy's.
"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power". This can only be true because due to lack of intestinal fortitude our legislative bodies are afraid to, to borrow a term from Nancy Reagan, "just say no". The power of the national guard by their respective states has been usurped by the Federal government and left us woefully ill prepared to address a national emergency oh our homeland.
"He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:" Can we say UN, WHO, International Monetary fund and on and on and on...............
"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent": Guilty
"For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of Trial by Jury" Patriot Act, Guantanamo, Guilty
"For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses": Guantanamo and other holding camps beyond our shores where torture up to organ failure and/or death is accommodated..Guilty
"For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:" SEE ALL OF ABOVE.......GUILTY
"In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms. Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." What do your think? Guilty or not ?
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare.
"That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown," Could We? Should we? Compare our own government to the British Crown?
"and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." DO WE?
NOW THERE ARE MANY THINGS I COULD PROBABLY SAY HERE AND BE ACCUSED OF TREASON BY REFERENCING OUR OWN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE SO I WILL LEAVE WHAT MIGHT BE SAID TO WHAT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DID SAY:
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
Now if anyone actually read this far, one may wonder (my hope would be that few are) why such a missive is posted on a motorcycle rights and freedom site. It is simply this, as "bikers"
we have a history of seeking Freedom, Independence and preservation of "our" lifestyle.
Well heres a bulletin my brothers/friends. That is not "our" lifestyle. That is the inferred and intended lifestyle as envisioned by our fore fathers. It is just that as I have come to see it. We are the last bastion, or at least were, of the embodiment of these principles. Although we have had much discussion here and elsewhere re: the expenditures of our "Biker/Motorcycle capital", we must not forget that we have an obligation if we wish to maintain, procure or otherwise throw of the yoke of tyranny that would seek to restrict or kill our lifestyle that we must not forget the rights and freedoms of all individuals and not disenfranchise ourselves by disenfranchising others. We may find and this is just a thought, that our position may be enhanced if we positioned ourselves to be the defenders of "all" liberty. If we were perceived to be the mechanized defenders of rights and freedoms wherever the underprivileged are oppressed.
This of course would necessitate the abandonment of many of our traditional tactics, first and foremost, "sleeping with the enemy". Abandon the seeking of governmental funds that in dept us to our enemies (and yes we do have enemies). Disassociate ourselves with those who would subvert our cause through compromise or retreat. Rid ourselves of the deadwood whom we would depend on to accomplish a given task only to find they are more prone to give in to the seduction of a beer blast when the chips are down and they are needed elsewhere.
Imagine if you will the capital or appreciation or untapped resources we might find if we defended the rights of those who do not ride (and by that I do not mean support of charities that do not contribute to the cause), for our goals are not exclusive. Advocating for the Freedom of all reduces the perceived hypocrisy of advocating for our own agenda that that puts us in a minority situation consistently sabotaged by those whom we would consider brothers in arms. It could be propositioned that our repeated pleas to the multitude of "bikers' who have become homogenized, pasteurized, neutralized, and commercialized as Hooters waitresses that come from the same factory is wasted breath. It could be that those who ride who would join us in our fight, have joined us. That we need to find a new source of honest blood and a new cry by which to rally them.
Our forefathers negotiated hard and long for fair treatment from those who would oppress them. When they finally accepted the futility of such actions the war was on. Biker or not, we all live in one America. If we are to be the calvary on iron horses that would charge into the fray, then let us look to those (other than allies within the ranks of those whom we fight who can not be trusted to keep their word) already disenfranchised who seek a voice to speak for them.
Let us revisit how we have come to be here in the first place.
Let us revisit history to see what has worked, what hasn't and why it hasn't
Let us review our committment and seek clarity as to what exactly is it that we are committed to.
And then let us review the strength of our committment and the reality's of our tactical position.
And then Let us be True Freedom Fighters. rc.
So anyway today ( a day late of course) I thought I would spend a little time reviewing the "Declaration of Independence", you know that little document that is what the day is supposed to be all about that we prob never think about as we "ohhh" and "awe" at fireworks displays (unless we walk away going well that one sucked).
For those that might also like to refresh their memories as to what this document is all about you can find it here. And maybe like me, you might find it best to review this little document after the festivities as you may find reviewing it to be a little sobering and my suspicion is that there may be a few who are trying to sober up today. Though I won't reprint the whole thing today, I would like (and so I will) to print a couple off it's provisions and share some just, off of the top of my head observations, that I'm sure with a little research can be expanded on and would hope that some would have their own thoughts. Now here is the main premise of the declaration, the part we all remember from school and many consider to be "it":
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
And here are some of the "afters" that many of us probably do not remember or dwell on considering the current state of affairs, or maybe don't give a damn about:
"Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world." Can anyone say "Patriot Act and or permutation of law by executive order?"
"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." Hmmm, the recent Pardon of Scooter Libby comes to mind as does Guantanamo and the abandonment of "Habeous Corpus" and as always, "executive orders".
"He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained, and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them." We might consider here "presidential veto" (which is a legitimate check and balance unless abused) and the withholding of federal funds from states unless they comply with Federal dictates.
"He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only." This of course our leader (whoever he/she may be) can only do with a house representative that out of either fear, lack of balls , or failure to read the bills before them pass willy nilly. Unfortunately for us this does seem to describe the current house of representatives.
"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people". In this day and time the leader does not have to dissolve representative house when through the shrewed use of veto and executive power he may render them impotent. When the representatives by law have the power to "check" abuses by the executive branch but fear to do so. And so in fact become complicit in the forfeiture of our liberties. When the representatives do not even know who is ruling the executive branch, the President or the vice president as any inquiries are stymied by the execution of "executive priviledge".
"He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries." Has anyone forgotten the full scale investigation of the of the Federal Prosecutors office whereby many were fired based on there "possible" opposition to a particular "political viewpoint" and not application of law as per the constitution (or any legitimate proof of failure to perform there duties as prescribed by law)) and/or the fact that Supreme court justices are no longer appointed as per their understanding of the constitution but by whether or not they will support the "ideologies " of the "left" or the "right", whichever ideology holds office not by virtue of comprehension of inalienable rights but by an understanding of media manipulation .
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance." Hurricane Katrina victim's are still left out in the cold, but ol "Brownie" was congratulated on the "fine job" he was doing and subsequently fired and replaced by some one who either no less or cares less about the job they should be doing, hundreds of Fema trailors were left to rot by the Fema traitors at taxpayers expense in Texas and Arkansas airfields and the New York first responders still can not communicate effectively with each other and I suspect that there cannot be any argument as to the inadequacy's of the bureaucracy's.
"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power". This can only be true because due to lack of intestinal fortitude our legislative bodies are afraid to, to borrow a term from Nancy Reagan, "just say no". The power of the national guard by their respective states has been usurped by the Federal government and left us woefully ill prepared to address a national emergency oh our homeland.
"He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:" Can we say UN, WHO, International Monetary fund and on and on and on...............
"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent": Guilty
"For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of Trial by Jury" Patriot Act, Guantanamo, Guilty
"For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses": Guantanamo and other holding camps beyond our shores where torture up to organ failure and/or death is accommodated..Guilty
"For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:" SEE ALL OF ABOVE.......GUILTY
"In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms. Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." What do your think? Guilty or not ?
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare.
"That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown," Could We? Should we? Compare our own government to the British Crown?
"and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." DO WE?
NOW THERE ARE MANY THINGS I COULD PROBABLY SAY HERE AND BE ACCUSED OF TREASON BY REFERENCING OUR OWN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE SO I WILL LEAVE WHAT MIGHT BE SAID TO WHAT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DID SAY:
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
Now if anyone actually read this far, one may wonder (my hope would be that few are) why such a missive is posted on a motorcycle rights and freedom site. It is simply this, as "bikers"
we have a history of seeking Freedom, Independence and preservation of "our" lifestyle.
Well heres a bulletin my brothers/friends. That is not "our" lifestyle. That is the inferred and intended lifestyle as envisioned by our fore fathers. It is just that as I have come to see it. We are the last bastion, or at least were, of the embodiment of these principles. Although we have had much discussion here and elsewhere re: the expenditures of our "Biker/Motorcycle capital", we must not forget that we have an obligation if we wish to maintain, procure or otherwise throw of the yoke of tyranny that would seek to restrict or kill our lifestyle that we must not forget the rights and freedoms of all individuals and not disenfranchise ourselves by disenfranchising others. We may find and this is just a thought, that our position may be enhanced if we positioned ourselves to be the defenders of "all" liberty. If we were perceived to be the mechanized defenders of rights and freedoms wherever the underprivileged are oppressed.
This of course would necessitate the abandonment of many of our traditional tactics, first and foremost, "sleeping with the enemy". Abandon the seeking of governmental funds that in dept us to our enemies (and yes we do have enemies). Disassociate ourselves with those who would subvert our cause through compromise or retreat. Rid ourselves of the deadwood whom we would depend on to accomplish a given task only to find they are more prone to give in to the seduction of a beer blast when the chips are down and they are needed elsewhere.
Imagine if you will the capital or appreciation or untapped resources we might find if we defended the rights of those who do not ride (and by that I do not mean support of charities that do not contribute to the cause), for our goals are not exclusive. Advocating for the Freedom of all reduces the perceived hypocrisy of advocating for our own agenda that that puts us in a minority situation consistently sabotaged by those whom we would consider brothers in arms. It could be propositioned that our repeated pleas to the multitude of "bikers' who have become homogenized, pasteurized, neutralized, and commercialized as Hooters waitresses that come from the same factory is wasted breath. It could be that those who ride who would join us in our fight, have joined us. That we need to find a new source of honest blood and a new cry by which to rally them.
Our forefathers negotiated hard and long for fair treatment from those who would oppress them. When they finally accepted the futility of such actions the war was on. Biker or not, we all live in one America. If we are to be the calvary on iron horses that would charge into the fray, then let us look to those (other than allies within the ranks of those whom we fight who can not be trusted to keep their word) already disenfranchised who seek a voice to speak for them.
Let us revisit how we have come to be here in the first place.
Let us revisit history to see what has worked, what hasn't and why it hasn't
Let us review our committment and seek clarity as to what exactly is it that we are committed to.
And then let us review the strength of our committment and the reality's of our tactical position.
And then Let us be True Freedom Fighters. rc.
PGR Run Fri For Tally Area Road Capt's Father
PGR MISSIONThe Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to pay Honor and Respect to SMSgt. Robert Michael Donohoe Sr. SMSgt. Donohoe faithfully served his country for 30 years first in the USMC and then finished his career in the USAF. He is the father of Tallahassee, Florida Ride Captain Mike Donohoe (havananole). This is a multi-part mission: The PGR will be providing escort and flagline services at various locations and times. NOTE: You are welcome to participate in any or all segments of this mission at your discretion.
Church Services, St. Dominic Catholic Church, July 06,2007, 9:00 am, 3308 E. 15th St./Hwy 98, Panama City, Fl.
Graveside Services, Holy Cross Cemetery, July 06, 2007, 3:30 pm, 1300 E. Hayes St., Pensacola, Fl.
Tallahassee Staging to Escort Family and Hearst to Panama City 6:50 a.m. staging. 7:00 a.m. sharp KSU.
Faith Fumeral Home, Havana FL, N Hwy 27., 1/2 to 3/4 miles on right past Burger King
The Tallahassee group will meet up with the Panama City group in Wewahitchka.
Panama City Escort Staging for Church Services: Super Wal-Mart, South side parking lot off 7th St. 725 N. Tyndall Pkwy./Hwy.98
Callaway, Fl. Stage: 5:30 am Pre-Ride: 5:45 am Pre-Ride: 5:45 am
We will take a 30 mile ride to Lake Alice Park in Wewahitchka, Fl. where we will again stage at 6:45 am for escort of the family to the church in Panama City. A flag line will be formed at 8:30 am in front of the church.
Panama City Staging for Graveside Services:
We will be departing St. Dominics Church at approximately 12:30 pm for escort to Pensacola. Please be aware that we will be traveling with no scheduled stops for this stretch of 100+ miles at highway speeds without benefit of LEO escort. We will be joining our PGR Brothers and Sisters in Milton, Fl. for final escort to Holy Cross Cemetery.
Ride Captains will be "Sneakysnake", "Shaman", "Rod-Hog", "Motorhead", "ByPass", "Koolness" Vehicle Support will be provided by our "SUPPLY SERGEANT" Tricky Ric
RIP SMSGT D0nohoe SR.
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