Friday, July 04, 2008

Two hundred thirty-two years ago . . .

. . . a document was published that began thus:
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

This action was the official beginning of unpleasantness between us and our (now) friends in the British Empire - an unpleasantness that lasted (again, officially) until 1815. During that time, we had the unfortunate need to declare war on Britain not once, but twice.

Feelings between us have moderated a bit since then, and I shall be eternally grateful that they have remained so.

Our Navy still flies a jack based on one from that era. Whatever the opinion of the U. S. in the world today, the flag still contains some good advice.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I did suggest to Lisa that, despite it looking like a lot of fun to be at a 4th July party, the wearing of a Union Jack T-shirt and speaking in my obviously British accent would be a little unwise when surrounded by patriotic Americans armed with fireworks. :-)

To be honest, we've taken a second look at the whole "getting the colonies back" thing and after reviewing the tornadoes and biting spider stuff we're perhaps better off sticking to what we know; drizzly rain and badgers...much safer in the long run!

Jack said...

Ian,

Actually, the folks probably would have stood you for a pint. I think we're all past the Tarleton's quarter thingy. :o}

I doubt if you would want the colonies back. I liken it to a 30 year-old moving home again with mum & dad. Who needs the problem child back?

Anonymous said...

LOL. Yes, I can identify with that. For the record I think we're very fond of the US (not that we had much to do with the teenage years and onwards) - the problem child is definitely Mugabe. :-(

Jack said...

True. I doubt Cecil would want his old namesake country back these days - and perhaps neither would the "Secret Society."