For the background of this blog, please go here.
Other threads at this blog:
PLACARD Here
The CCP&J's Myths About Iraq & Bush - Debunked
The CCP&J's Myths About Jefferson And War - Debunked
Update for Tuesday, July 1:
To attend the event:
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which owns Monticello, will be distributing 1,000 free tickets to the event, starting at 7:00am on Wednesday, July 2, at the Monticello Visitor Center. See the news article here, and please pay attention to the security protocols and restricted items.
From reader emails - keep them coming!
- On Monday, this blog was mentioned on both WCHV's and WINA's talk shows, and they may have provided link-backs on their sites.
. - David Swanson of the CCP&J, and author of the missives cited in this blog, appeared on WVIR (NBC affiliate). According to the source, he presented himself as the epitomal patriot, who is planning to merely exercise his Constitutionally-recognized right to protest - but didn't happen to use any of the inflammatory rhetoric he employs on the CCP&J blog. Apparently, the WVIR reporter bought it all without question, and without challenging him on his (actual) rhetoric, or the CCP&J's (actual) background and affiliations.
. - The CCP&J website now contains more hate-filled rants, and even a flyer with details of their planned protest - see here.
. - There are now indications that protesters may attempt to shut down Route 53, the road leading to Monticello. So much for "peace" protesters. But then, they surrendered that title when they began openly discussing whether they should prevent Bush (an invited guest) from speaking, on property they don't own, weren't invited to, and have no role in.
. - A lively discussion of this controversy is taking place in the blog section of the CvilleNews website, here. It is refreshing to see that some Democrats and leftists see that what the CCP&J is planning/insinuating is congruent neither with Jefferson's principles, or the rules of civility.
Plans being considered for a counter-demonstration
Not much to report yet, just ideas being tossed around. But for those who are thinking about it, keep in mind that no matter how incendiary and provably false the opposition's rhetoric is, please keep it civil and respectful. The other side thrives on ignoring laws, property rights, facts and basic civility; we thrive on the opposite.
Keep the info coming, folks.
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1 comment:
The year was 1958. Miss Helen Craddock told her Fifth Grade Class at Burnley Moran Elementary to look out the window. The trees had shed their leaves and what was previously hidden came into view. We could espy Monticello on the mountaintop in the distance.
According to Miss Craddock we sat in the only classroom at Burnley Moran with such a view. One classroom at Clarke Elementary had a view but not a good she said. Moreover these were the only two classrooms in the nation with a view of the home of any U. S. President. I’m confident she was correct and telling the truth: she also headed the Primary Sunday School Department at First Baptist Church.
Little did I realize in the Fifth Grade how many Independence Days I would spend at Monticello or what a lasting impression those days would make. Until moving to Richmond in 1993, I was a regular member of the Charlottesville Municipal Band. It offers a prelude of patriotic music before each Naturalization Ceremony. I don’t claim to have made it every year but did make most.
Naturalized citizen are sworn in at ceremonies conducted by Federal District Courts throughout the year all across the nation. But consider how moving it must be to be sworn in on Independence Day at the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence.
I remember how hot most July Fourths are on that mountaintop.
I remember reading the printed program each year and marveling at all the exotic names.
I remember the late Darden Towe dressed as Uncle Sam each year passing out miniature U. S. Flags.
I remember President Ford and Queen Elizabeth attending in 1976.
I remember the late U. S. District Judge J. Harry Michael of Charlottesville presiding, looking and sounding every bit like a silver haired judge straight out of central casting should.
I remember driving my boss, the late Congressman J. Kenneth Robinson, the year he spoke, and how he spent far more time and attention preparing those remarks than any political speech he ever gave.
But most of all I remember the oath the naturalized citizens-to-be took. I’ll never forget the sight of them raising their right hands and swearing the following:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
I can only hop that those in attendance this year appreciate and reverence what is taking place. Please Charlottesville, don’t spoil the moment. There will be plenty of other opportunities to express political opinions. This is a day for our newest fellow citizens.
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