“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day 30 May, 2011
There is Only One American Flag. Remember Those Who Fought and Died for Their Country
Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.
“You have been to France before, monsieur?” the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
“Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.”
The American said, “The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.”
“Impossible. Americans always have to show their passports upon arrival in France!”
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ”Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.”
Aw, hell, since the 'Thunder Run' she, and her family, have been to the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial, The National Archives, Mount Vernon, Fort McHenry, and, last seen, was on her way to Gettysburg.
The Press Corps is going nuts because she won't give them an itenerary.
Fast forward some 40 plus years to today, and the general attitude of most Americans toward those who are or have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although there are groups of anti-war types who hate the military in general, the recognition and treatment that most of our returning warriors have been accorded is a refreshing change.
...
By way of contrast, President George Bush’s unscheduled and unannounced visit to the Dallas airport to greet returning servicemen and women as they disembarked from their planes and passed through the terminal was an inspiring example of the recognition that our returning warriors are receiving today.
I can only hope that our troops continue to receive the positive recognition and support from the American public that we are witnessing today. It’s a welcome change.
My grandfather after he got his big house and was retired was taking his loved mutt for a walk one day when he met Mr Murphy going the other way. Mr Murphy says, "Claus, that mangy mutt is 1/2 Swede and 1/2 son of a bitch."
Grandfather, always a quick thinker, says, "Yes Mr Murphy, that makes him related to both of us."
Palin was a no-show for supporters, celebrity-watchers and media waiting hours for her at the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg on Monday, but her tour bus reportedly was spotted at a nearby hotel, making it likely she would appear in public Tuesday.
...
Several hundred people gathered on a hot, sunny day for a glimpse of the woman who supporters are hoping will inject some life into a slow-moving race for the Republican nomination to take on President Barack Obama next year.
...
The crowd awaiting Palin's arrival was a mix of the politically passionate and the curious.
Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.
ReplyDelete“You have been to France before, monsieur?” the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
“Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.”
The American said, “The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.”
“Impossible. Americans always have to show their passports upon arrival in France!”
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ”Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.”
You could have heard a pin drop.
You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop.
Respects to all the Veterans.
ReplyDeletedwr
The entire Washington Press Corps, today, is playing "Where's Sarah?"
ReplyDeleteFunniest damned thing I've ever seen.
I know where she is ---
ReplyDeletePalin Swarmed At Rolling T hunder
dwr
But those 'in the know' are certain she moved to Arizona to be near rat.
ReplyDeletedwr
Aw, hell, since the 'Thunder Run' she, and her family, have been to the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial, The National Archives, Mount Vernon, Fort McHenry, and, last seen, was on her way to Gettysburg.
ReplyDeleteThe Press Corps is going nuts because she won't give them an itenerary.
:)
ReplyDeleteI can't keep up with her.
But they are talking about her on tv right now.
This place has a ping-pong table!
But I got no one to pong with.
dwr
Okay, Bob, I'll be kind (but, try to maintain control - or at least close the curtains. :) Sneak Peek at Greta/Palin Interview on the Bus to Somewhere.
ReplyDeleteMan sitting at home on the veranda with his wife and he says,
ReplyDelete"I love you."
She asks, "Is that you or the beer talking?"
He replies, "It's me... talking to the beer."
Dick Morris was asked the other day if Sarah was going to run. He said; "No."
ReplyDeleteSo maybe we're wrong, Rufus. (But I know you don't have a very high opinion of Dick Morris :) )
Maybe we're wrong, but I doubt it.
And by the way you can't be the Queen of England you're already the Guvnor.
dwr
This story really touched my heart the morning.
ReplyDeletethis morning
ReplyDeleteI have many to remember.
ReplyDeleteFast forward some 40 plus years to today, and the general attitude of most Americans toward those who are or have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although there are groups of anti-war types who hate the military in general, the recognition and treatment that most of our returning warriors have been accorded is a refreshing change.
ReplyDelete...
By way of contrast, President George Bush’s unscheduled and unannounced visit to the Dallas airport to greet returning servicemen and women as they disembarked from their planes and passed through the terminal was an inspiring example of the recognition that our returning warriors are receiving today.
I can only hope that our troops continue to receive the positive recognition and support from the American public that we are witnessing today. It’s a welcome change.
Memorial Day Thoughts
My grandfather after he got his big house and was retired was taking his loved mutt for a walk one day when he met Mr Murphy going the other way. Mr Murphy says, "Claus, that mangy mutt is 1/2 Swede and 1/2 son of a bitch."
ReplyDeleteGrandfather, always a quick thinker, says, "Yes Mr Murphy, that makes him related to both of us."
:)
g'nite
dwr
ReplyDeleteThere's something, I think, going on between Sarah-baby, and Rick Perry. Don't know what. Way above my powers of prescience. But, sumthin'.
ReplyDeleteI take it Mr. Murphy definitely wasn't Swede. :)
ReplyDeletePalin was a no-show for supporters, celebrity-watchers and media waiting hours for her at the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg on Monday, but her tour bus reportedly was spotted at a nearby hotel, making it likely she would appear in public Tuesday.
ReplyDelete...
Several hundred people gathered on a hot, sunny day for a glimpse of the woman who supporters are hoping will inject some life into a slow-moving race for the Republican nomination to take on President Barack Obama next year.
...
The crowd awaiting Palin's arrival was a mix of the politically passionate and the curious.
Gettysburg View
Greetings to each one, it’s really a particular for me to visit this website page.
ReplyDeleteI’m no longer sure where you are getting your info, however good topic.
ReplyDeleteI must spend some time studying much more or working out more.
ReplyDeleteThank you for excellent information I was searching for this info for my mission.
ReplyDelete