This came up on one of my RSS feeds (see what you started, LaLePoP):
Maybe feeling a little emotional because of the 4th and seeing neat fireworks both live with friends at Montclair and the Washington Monument celebration on TV from The Mall. But the video moved me. Fits my feelings about things pretty well. Jefferson thought we ought to dump the Constitution every twenty years. Anyway, democracy is a work in progress. Every day in every way, we are getting better and better, sir.
Also reminds me that we need to spend some time at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art.
I don't think I had heard this before - it was very moving. I wll definitely want to the Smithsonian Musuem of American Art on my agenda for my next trip to the DC area.
You wrote, "Every day in every way, we are getting better and better, sir."
This was the motto of the era of progress (1865-1919). It died with the war to end all wars. Or at least that is the conclusion of most historians of US intellectual history. However, I am sure there are still some among us who hold this ideal.
by AZRON (PM , CC ) on Saturday July 5, 2008 @ 10:24 AM
Think I recognize a bunch of the art work he used, Ron. It was from there.
Democracy is a work in progress. Like to think we are improving. but then, what a dreamer.
When I was a Plebe at the Naval Academy, an Upperclassman had me stand on my chair at breakfast and say that loudly until he was satisfied. Wiull never forget it.
by HAWK.... (PM , CC ) on Sunday July 6, 2008 @ 2:02 AM
Interesting, sinann, though a bit out of balance. Maybe we should spend more time acknowledging the millions of positive things the exemplary free Americans do to help each other and those in other countries.
by Curious (PM , CC ) on Sunday July 6, 2008 @ 5:39 AM
Good thought, Curious. Democracy takes a while to take hold in alien cultures - like Iraq - and takes a long while to develop. Often marvel at how we sort of started it - with a lot of help from the Greeks and the Brits - and got it to work. Really got to admire George and Tom and Ben and all those guys back then.
by sinann (PM , CC ) on Monday July 7, 2008 @ 7:53 AM
That guy was a little creepy. He put me off so I almost did not use it. But when I started thinking about how our democracy keeps developing, and getting better, had to do it.
Many Blogstream members are there
already! Quotes from members: "It's like blog lite!" -- "I like the instant
gratification!" -- "Stop spectating, get in the game!"
If you have not joined in, you are really missing out!
You wrote, "Every day in every way, we are getting better and better, sir."
This was the motto of the era of progress (1865-1919). It died with the war to end all wars. Or at least that is the conclusion of most historians of US intellectual history. However, I am sure there are still some among us who hold this ideal.
Democracy is a work in progress. Like to think we are improving. but then, what a dreamer.
When I was a Plebe at the Naval Academy, an Upperclassman had me stand on my chair at breakfast and say that loudly until he was satisfied. Wiull never forget it.
I'm not sure how I feel after watching it. Strange feeling.