4th of July plus One Week

With the fireworks over, the dogs calm and bureaucracy's effects on our personal lives in perspective, I have a chance to look over some of the posts other people had put up about this important holiday. Some holidays are worth reflection during the following week, I think.

Here's Cassandra's beautifully written piece comparing then and now. She quotes James Madison, Henning W. Prentis, "The Second Bill of Rights" (written 65 years ago) and President Obama, among others. I appreciate her clear perspective on prominent ideas in America over the years concerning the role of government and the role of the military. Highly recommended for your consideration.

Mark Steyn: A fascinating history of "America the Beautiful"

Sometimes Americans are sweet. National Anthem at Fenway Park - Everybody join in!

Dr. Sanity posted the text of the Declaration of Independence. She's not going to blog for a while. Concentrating more on real life. The posts she considers her best are on the left sidebar.

Pej puts the Declaration up in a little more artful style. 1776 The Musical - for the history, not musical brilliance. What the Declaration is not.

Other notable events connected with the 4th of July

More history: Letter from Valley Forge. And the Constitution's final edit. Rediscovering Frederick Douglass in the Age of Obama.

Looking toward the future, where will a new generation of leaders come from?