Do I really represent 20% of the international audience of Geek Trivia?
Paul the Canadian
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Unless of course Jay has annexed Canada and I'm really American 
WHoo Hoo from Montreal.
WHoo Hoo from Montreal.
rowanthorn,
If I understand you correctly, you are from Canada and are not a citizen of the "United States of America". Are you a Canadian citizen? If so, then by my calculations, that means you are still a resident of the North American Continent. That makes you an American. The same would be true of anyone living on either the North or South American continents (and no that does not imply that the U.S.A. "owns" the whole hemisphere). Quite the opposite ... we simply happen to be "Americans" by being fortunate enough to live in and be citizens of a country that resides on the North American Continent as well.
Best Regards,
Ed
(edited to hopefully improve clarity)
If I understand you correctly, you are from Canada and are not a citizen of the "United States of America". Are you a Canadian citizen? If so, then by my calculations, that means you are still a resident of the North American Continent. That makes you an American. The same would be true of anyone living on either the North or South American continents (and no that does not imply that the U.S.A. "owns" the whole hemisphere). Quite the opposite ... we simply happen to be "Americans" by being fortunate enough to live in and be citizens of a country that resides on the North American Continent as well.
Best Regards,
Ed
(edited to hopefully improve clarity)
Ed,
While I understand your logic, it is fundamentally flawed. Most people don't identify themselves by the continent that they live on. they identify themselves by the COUNTRY they live in. People in France don't identify themselves as european, they identify themselves as FRENCH. The same goes for the North (and South) American continents. People who live in Mexico and Canada are not "Americans". They are citizens of the country that they reside in, not the continent. This is HIGHLY offensive to most Americans (read - citizens of the U.S.A.). And yes, while we dont "own" the continent, "America" is in the name of our country and as such we are truly the only ones that should be allowed to call ourselves "Americans"
While I understand your logic, it is fundamentally flawed. Most people don't identify themselves by the continent that they live on. they identify themselves by the COUNTRY they live in. People in France don't identify themselves as european, they identify themselves as FRENCH. The same goes for the North (and South) American continents. People who live in Mexico and Canada are not "Americans". They are citizens of the country that they reside in, not the continent. This is HIGHLY offensive to most Americans (read - citizens of the U.S.A.). And yes, while we dont "own" the continent, "America" is in the name of our country and as such we are truly the only ones that should be allowed to call ourselves "Americans"
The rest of then will have to become Americans. We should get a T-shirt printed. Something on the lines of
"I'm one of the 5 most trivial geeks outside America"
We couldn't give them away of course, remember the line
"Beware of geeks bearing gifts"
"I'm one of the 5 most trivial geeks outside America"
We couldn't give them away of course, remember the line
"Beware of geeks bearing gifts"
but I be number six
Andrew the Mackem
(englishman to the rest of the world)
Andrew the Mackem
(englishman to the rest of the world)
Not from outside the country, but away from the mainstream, I am the first and probably only from Eastford, Connecticut. Good article. Thanks, to all the guys from outside the US, they make the reading anything but dull.
The suttle launch must count as a Famous 4th FIRST.
The Shuttle launch Has to be the Best Fourth First bar none. What a launch it was....
why do the Americans or Yankees as you call yourself think only about destroying & violence: i.e.Quote "Detonating enough fireworks to shoot down a small national air force" End Quote.
and nobody exists outside the "usa".
and nobody exists outside the "usa".
Because we are truly and arrogant lot that believes that nothing of real importance exists outside ourselves.
We "violent" Americans are proud of the strides of the people before us to get where we are. We light fireworks to represent the muzzle/cannon blasts from the Malitia that won us our freedom. I don't expect you to care or understand what our patriotism means to us, but I don't make it a point to make snide remarks or question the values or traditions of your country, so I would appreciate the same courtesy.
I don't expect a foreigner to remember our national anthem any more that I would remember yours (even though "O! Canada" is a nice, catchy, tune!). I would like to remark on the words of the anthem of the United States of America. Please note on lines five and six of the below attached lyrics to the "Star Spangled Banner", that the bombs bursting in air gave the author enough light to see that the American flag was still standing, and that the American revolutionary forces withheld a British attack. Each time I see American fireworks going off, I get a lump in my throat thinking about the implications behind those blasts. By the way, I see nothing maniacal (or pyromanical) about remembering our national heritage.
I'm sure it must be different, depending on what country you originate from, but I have patriotism in my blood - even if my country isn't perfect!
I have included the lyrics (many verses I didn't know!) and a history of the song. (I found this information at the website: http://www.ezrom.com/rally/mar22/national_anthem.htm)
American National Anthem
Written by: Francis Scott Key (1779 - 1843)
"Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
History
Francis Scott Key (1779 - 1843)
It was the valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during the British attack on September 13, 1814 that inspired 35-year old, poet-lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem which was to become our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The poem was written to match the meter of the English song, "To Anacreon in Heaven." In 1931 the Congress of The United States of America enacted legislation that made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official national anthem.
"Then, in that hour of deliverance, my heart spoke. Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?..."
Francis Scott Key, son of an established Maryland family, was born on August 1, 1779, in western Maryland (Frederick, MD) on the family estate of "Terra Rubra." He attended grammar school and later graduated from St. Johns College in Annapolis at age 17.
By 1805, Key had established a law practice in Georgetown, Maryland, and, by 1814, had appeared many times before the U.S. Supreme Court. The site of his house on M Street is now a memorial park.
Key was a religious man and was involved in the Episcopal church. Although opposed to the war, he served for a brief period in the Georgetown Light Field Artillery (1813-14). During the Battle of Bladensburg, Key assigned field positions to American troops - a duty he had no expertise in!
In August 1814, Key's friend Dr. William Beanes was taken prisoner by the British army soon after its departure from Washington. Key left for Baltimore to obtain the services of Colonel John Skinner, the government's prisoner of war exchange agent. Together they sailed down the bay on a truce ship and met the British fleet. Key successfully negotiated the doctor's release, but was detained with Skinner and Beanes by the British until after the attack on Baltimore.
Key's vessel (name unknown) was 8 miles below the fort during the bombardment, under the watchful care of a British warship. It was from this site that he witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry, after which he was inspired to write the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner."
After the war, Key served as a United States District Attorney and continued his association with the Episcopal church, writing several hymns. On January 11, 1843, he died of pleurisy while visiting his sister in Baltimore. Today he rests in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland. The flag he so honored flies day and night here, and at Fort McHenry, as a reminder of those events in September 1814 that gave birth to our anthem and pride in our nation. (Note: There are also local monuments to Key at Fort McHenry, on Eutaw Place in Baltimore, and at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.)
Key was the brother-in-law of Roger Brooke Taney who served as Chief Justice and administered the oath of office to Lincoln in 1861.
I'm sure it must be different, depending on what country you originate from, but I have patriotism in my blood - even if my country isn't perfect!
I have included the lyrics (many verses I didn't know!) and a history of the song. (I found this information at the website: http://www.ezrom.com/rally/mar22/national_anthem.htm)
American National Anthem
Written by: Francis Scott Key (1779 - 1843)
"Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
"Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
History
Francis Scott Key (1779 - 1843)
It was the valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during the British attack on September 13, 1814 that inspired 35-year old, poet-lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem which was to become our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The poem was written to match the meter of the English song, "To Anacreon in Heaven." In 1931 the Congress of The United States of America enacted legislation that made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official national anthem.
"Then, in that hour of deliverance, my heart spoke. Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?..."
Francis Scott Key, son of an established Maryland family, was born on August 1, 1779, in western Maryland (Frederick, MD) on the family estate of "Terra Rubra." He attended grammar school and later graduated from St. Johns College in Annapolis at age 17.
By 1805, Key had established a law practice in Georgetown, Maryland, and, by 1814, had appeared many times before the U.S. Supreme Court. The site of his house on M Street is now a memorial park.
Key was a religious man and was involved in the Episcopal church. Although opposed to the war, he served for a brief period in the Georgetown Light Field Artillery (1813-14). During the Battle of Bladensburg, Key assigned field positions to American troops - a duty he had no expertise in!
In August 1814, Key's friend Dr. William Beanes was taken prisoner by the British army soon after its departure from Washington. Key left for Baltimore to obtain the services of Colonel John Skinner, the government's prisoner of war exchange agent. Together they sailed down the bay on a truce ship and met the British fleet. Key successfully negotiated the doctor's release, but was detained with Skinner and Beanes by the British until after the attack on Baltimore.
Key's vessel (name unknown) was 8 miles below the fort during the bombardment, under the watchful care of a British warship. It was from this site that he witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry, after which he was inspired to write the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner."
After the war, Key served as a United States District Attorney and continued his association with the Episcopal church, writing several hymns. On January 11, 1843, he died of pleurisy while visiting his sister in Baltimore. Today he rests in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland. The flag he so honored flies day and night here, and at Fort McHenry, as a reminder of those events in September 1814 that gave birth to our anthem and pride in our nation. (Note: There are also local monuments to Key at Fort McHenry, on Eutaw Place in Baltimore, and at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.)
Key was the brother-in-law of Roger Brooke Taney who served as Chief Justice and administered the oath of office to Lincoln in 1861.
i fully appriciate your patriotism as well all cultures, traditions and freedom. I am aware of firework tradition of the July 4th and would celebrate it with you anytime. Here in Canada there are Americans who do celebrate and have their own parties and functions on July 4th as well as in East Africa were i come from and have toasted a few drinks with them. The Americans in East Africa were 'Peace Corps' teachers who come over to teach and avoided going and fighting wars and killing in other countries (Vietnam timeframe).
The only objections i am having is why patrotism and freedom for some Americans only apply to themself and for some nothing exist outside of usa.............
The only objections i am having is why patrotism and freedom for some Americans only apply to themself and for some nothing exist outside of usa.............
I completely agree with your impression of Americans being very ego-centric, or whatever it may be called.
I would have to guess that it is:
1. a mix of our public school systems having such a biased agenda,
2. a liberal media whose job it is to skew our perspectives, and control what news we hear (we have acquired a fast-food mentality in more than just our choice of restaurants),
3. a generation of children raised in a post-industrial 'revolution' era. Yeah, somewhere along the line the disobedient, disrespectful children turned into adults, and started having their own children. Now even that generation is growing up and having a third generation, with even lower standards. Finally,
4. root problem - lack of holy reverence. If we do not fear the God of all creation, and follow his guidelines, how can we expect to get anywhere? We have kicked God out of our politics, out of our schools, and out of our workplaces. I'm sure people will even react with scorn just because that have chosen to listen to my little 'rant'! Anyways, God has commanded us to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere." Maybe if we (as a nation) took the time to go into all the world, we would realize just how much world there is beyond our borders!
God has blessed us, and not ever because we deserved it. He did it just because He is who He is. At different times during history, He has blessed different nations, and they were blessed because He chose to, not because they deserved it. Now we blatantly thumb our noses at Him...how long before the Loving Father spanks His disobedient child? Who knows...I hope I'm not here to experience the 'whooping'!
I would have to guess that it is:
1. a mix of our public school systems having such a biased agenda,
2. a liberal media whose job it is to skew our perspectives, and control what news we hear (we have acquired a fast-food mentality in more than just our choice of restaurants),
3. a generation of children raised in a post-industrial 'revolution' era. Yeah, somewhere along the line the disobedient, disrespectful children turned into adults, and started having their own children. Now even that generation is growing up and having a third generation, with even lower standards. Finally,
4. root problem - lack of holy reverence. If we do not fear the God of all creation, and follow his guidelines, how can we expect to get anywhere? We have kicked God out of our politics, out of our schools, and out of our workplaces. I'm sure people will even react with scorn just because that have chosen to listen to my little 'rant'! Anyways, God has commanded us to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere." Maybe if we (as a nation) took the time to go into all the world, we would realize just how much world there is beyond our borders!
God has blessed us, and not ever because we deserved it. He did it just because He is who He is. At different times during history, He has blessed different nations, and they were blessed because He chose to, not because they deserved it. Now we blatantly thumb our noses at Him...how long before the Loving Father spanks His disobedient child? Who knows...I hope I'm not here to experience the 'whooping'!
of everything. You are religious, but many are not. Many religious people still do wrongs as well. Morals is needed in this country more than anything. Too many parents are either too lazy, or work too much to be effective in teaching their children morals.
It has nothing to do with how religious people are. There are many different religions, and athiesm as well. Whatever works for each individual to make them a better person is excellent. But it is ultimately the lack of morals that causes soo many problems in the world (not just the USA).
It has nothing to do with how religious people are. There are many different religions, and athiesm as well. Whatever works for each individual to make them a better person is excellent. But it is ultimately the lack of morals that causes soo many problems in the world (not just the USA).
"GOD does not have to be a part
of everything." I agree with you that "Morals is needed in this country more than anything." but I disagree with the statements you followed this with "Too many parents are either too lazy, or work too much to be effective in teaching their children morals. It has nothing to do with how religious people are." I must disagree with you based on the religious history of the United States. Our founding fathers all believed in a God who created the world, and the people in it. Within the Declaration of Independance our founding fathers documented their belief in God "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Over the years liberal activists have attempted to change our society to eradicate God from every aspect possible. With the removal of the Pledge to the Flag and prayer in schools, removal of the Ten Commandments from courthouses, removal of religious scenes from public property, and other activities God is gradually being removed from our society. This removal has resulted in our school teachers being unable to teach morality or to correct immoral behavior in their students. Instead they are being praised for being intolerant of students who believe in the Almighty God while encouraging tolerance for gays, lesbians, etc. This activity will produce (as you stated) "...it is ultimately the lack of morals that causes soo many problems in the world (not just the USA)." It's amazing that you can arrive at the correct definition of the problem without having a clue about the cause. Put God back in the USA before "In God We Trust" is removed from all our money, and our memory. God provided the moral standards in the Ten Commandments. Removal of God from society will ultimately remove order and orderly behavior from our society and result in a country which is no longer FREE! Help to keep us the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!
of everything." I agree with you that "Morals is needed in this country more than anything." but I disagree with the statements you followed this with "Too many parents are either too lazy, or work too much to be effective in teaching their children morals. It has nothing to do with how religious people are." I must disagree with you based on the religious history of the United States. Our founding fathers all believed in a God who created the world, and the people in it. Within the Declaration of Independance our founding fathers documented their belief in God "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Over the years liberal activists have attempted to change our society to eradicate God from every aspect possible. With the removal of the Pledge to the Flag and prayer in schools, removal of the Ten Commandments from courthouses, removal of religious scenes from public property, and other activities God is gradually being removed from our society. This removal has resulted in our school teachers being unable to teach morality or to correct immoral behavior in their students. Instead they are being praised for being intolerant of students who believe in the Almighty God while encouraging tolerance for gays, lesbians, etc. This activity will produce (as you stated) "...it is ultimately the lack of morals that causes soo many problems in the world (not just the USA)." It's amazing that you can arrive at the correct definition of the problem without having a clue about the cause. Put God back in the USA before "In God We Trust" is removed from all our money, and our memory. God provided the moral standards in the Ten Commandments. Removal of God from society will ultimately remove order and orderly behavior from our society and result in a country which is no longer FREE! Help to keep us the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!
I agree with you about most points you make. However, it's NOT 'God' that is being taken out of public places. It's CHRISTIANITY!!! This is being done in order to do what our Fore Fathers wanted: Freedom of Religion. There are MORE 'Religions' than just Christianity that believe in 'God'. They only have different names for Him.
And THAT, Sir, is what is WRONG with 'Organized Religion'. It thinks that it's the ONLY game in the whole World. Well, here's a CLUE: It's NOT!!! THAT is why MORE blood has been spilled in the name of "Religion" than ANY other reason in the History of the World....INCLUDING this Jihad thing that's going on with the Muslims at present!!!
There are MANY 'religions', a LOT of them more ancient than Christianity (and some of which Christianity is based in the first place) that, while they have a DIFFERENT NAME for 'God', worship 'God' similarly and have 'morals' that are just as sound (some of which are MORE sound than...REALITY speaking) as "Christianity".
So, put THAT in your Right Wing/Neo-Con pipe and smoke it!
w2ktechman is ABSOLUTELY correct in their post!!!
And THAT, Sir, is what is WRONG with 'Organized Religion'. It thinks that it's the ONLY game in the whole World. Well, here's a CLUE: It's NOT!!! THAT is why MORE blood has been spilled in the name of "Religion" than ANY other reason in the History of the World....INCLUDING this Jihad thing that's going on with the Muslims at present!!!
There are MANY 'religions', a LOT of them more ancient than Christianity (and some of which Christianity is based in the first place) that, while they have a DIFFERENT NAME for 'God', worship 'God' similarly and have 'morals' that are just as sound (some of which are MORE sound than...REALITY speaking) as "Christianity".
So, put THAT in your Right Wing/Neo-Con pipe and smoke it!
w2ktechman is ABSOLUTELY correct in their post!!!
I don't remember where in any official document of the United States that it says which God. I do know that it was so important to the founders of this country that freedom of religion be expressed that they made it the first topic in the bill of rights.
What do the Ten commandments have to do with Christianity? Nothing save through an extension of Judaism. The Ten were given to Moses, a Jew, at the top of Mt. Sinai. So the basis of morality of the Christian faith are also the basis of morality for Islam, and their mutual progenitor faith, Judaism.
It is possible for Atheists to have good morals... but they didn't come to these by accident. The rules they follow were still given to them by God, whether they believe in him or not. Society has enforced the rules for morality, and up until this point, society has been rooted in faith. So even if there isn't a God (which there is), it is our faith in him that has given us our moral code.
Besides this point, all major religions of the world have some sort of moral code, and by the same processes, it is faith in their beliefs that have shaped morality in their societies. SO WITHOUT GOD (under whichever name you call him), THERE ARE NO MORALS.
Back to the first amendment....
We are granted the freedom "of" religion. Not the freedom "from" religion, however that is a choice. Separation of church and state doesn't permit the oppression of those wanting to practice their faith, but actually protects those wanting to do so. It is a shame that so many courts have interpreted this protection as a divisive method of oppression.
What do the Ten commandments have to do with Christianity? Nothing save through an extension of Judaism. The Ten were given to Moses, a Jew, at the top of Mt. Sinai. So the basis of morality of the Christian faith are also the basis of morality for Islam, and their mutual progenitor faith, Judaism.
It is possible for Atheists to have good morals... but they didn't come to these by accident. The rules they follow were still given to them by God, whether they believe in him or not. Society has enforced the rules for morality, and up until this point, society has been rooted in faith. So even if there isn't a God (which there is), it is our faith in him that has given us our moral code.
Besides this point, all major religions of the world have some sort of moral code, and by the same processes, it is faith in their beliefs that have shaped morality in their societies. SO WITHOUT GOD (under whichever name you call him), THERE ARE NO MORALS.
Back to the first amendment....
We are granted the freedom "of" religion. Not the freedom "from" religion, however that is a choice. Separation of church and state doesn't permit the oppression of those wanting to practice their faith, but actually protects those wanting to do so. It is a shame that so many courts have interpreted this protection as a divisive method of oppression.
Morals are taught, by faith, parents, community, etc. People are not born with or without. In fact, people and animals in general are born with a self preservation that will front everything else in many situations.
You are a religious person, and I do not condemn it, nor do I condemn any religion or the religionless. In my opinion, if your religion or lack of helps to make you a better person, then that is a good thing.
I also agree that religion (many types) in the past has played a large role in morality all over the world. There is no single one that did it all, but the different religions worked these out. But, it has always been a choice to embrace religion from most.
But I have to disagree with your comment "SO WITHOUT GOD (under whichever name you call him),
THERE ARE NO MORALS". This is stating that all morals come only from GOD and if GOD is removed from the equation, that no morals will exist. BUT, since morals are taught, this cannot be true. Morals can exist even if religion is not part of the equation.
You are a religious person, and I do not condemn it, nor do I condemn any religion or the religionless. In my opinion, if your religion or lack of helps to make you a better person, then that is a good thing.
I also agree that religion (many types) in the past has played a large role in morality all over the world. There is no single one that did it all, but the different religions worked these out. But, it has always been a choice to embrace religion from most.
But I have to disagree with your comment "SO WITHOUT GOD (under whichever name you call him),
THERE ARE NO MORALS". This is stating that all morals come only from GOD and if GOD is removed from the equation, that no morals will exist. BUT, since morals are taught, this cannot be true. Morals can exist even if religion is not part of the equation.
This is going to be a long post, but you hit a nerve when you said "I don't remember where in any official document of the United States that it says which God." I would like to show you some quotes from documents that indicate to which God they were referring. This is just a sample of quotes, I would have you visit the site www.wallbuilders.com (under the Resources section, click on Historical Documents) for further information about the faith of our founding fathers.
For the sake of saving space, I have only taken excerpts from the following texts, but as you read, I am sure you will find that none of these quotes were taken out of context:
From the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence (of the United States of America):
"...WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions..."
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html
From George Washington's October 3, 1789 National Thanksgiving proclamation:
"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor..."
"...And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions..."
"...to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; ?and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=111
This is the text of Samuel Adams' February 28, 1795 proclamation, issued while he was Massachusetts Governor:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
By the Governor
A Proclamation
For a Day of PUBLIC FASTING, HUMILIATION and PRAYER
"THE supreme Ruler of the Universe, having been pleased, in the course of his Providence, to establish the Independence of the United States of America, and to cause them to assume their rank, amount the nations of the Earth, and bless them with Liberty, Peace and Plenty; we ought to be led by Religious feelings of Gratitude; and to walk before Him, in all Humility, according to his most Holy Law..."
"...That with true repentance and contrition of Heart, we may unitedly implore the forgiveness of our Sins, through the merits of Jesus Christ, and humbly supplicate our Heavenly Father, to grant us the aids of his Grace..."
"...And finally, that He would over-rule all the confusions that are in the Earth, of the speedy establishment of the Redeemer's Kingdom, which consisteth in Righteousness and Peace."
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=108
At the time of the Founders, it was a common practice for ministers to preach "election sermons," and it was also common for a clergyman to be invited to give a sermon before the newly-elected government officials. This 1790 election sermon by Rev. Daniel Foster was given before the Massachusetts Governor (John Hancock), Lieutenant-Governor (Samuel Adams), and both houses of Legislature. Rev. Foster admonished these elected officials using Proverbs 8:16 ("By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth"), and encouraged them to govern according to God's ways.
Here is the link to the text of this sermon:
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=77
Were the founders Christians, or just believers in some random god? Here is a list of quotes from our founding fathers:
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=140
Other quotes from founding fathers in regards to religion and Christianity:
[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
(Source: John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co. 1854), Vol. IX, p. 229, October 11, 1798.) http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=21
Quotes from John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States of America:
"The law given from Sinai was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code; it contained many statutes . . . of universal application-laws essential to the existence of men in society, and most of which have been enacted by every nation which ever professed any code of laws."
(Source: John Quincy Adams, Letters of John Quincy Adams, to His Son, on the Bible and Its Teachings (Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850), p. 61.)
"There are three points of doctrine the belief of which forms the foundation of all morality. The first is the existence of God; the second is the immortality of the human soul; and the third is a future state of rewards and punishments. Suppose it possible for a man to disbelieve either of these three articles of faith and that man will have no conscience, he will have no other law than that of the tiger or the shark. The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they never can make him wise, virtuous, or happy."
(Source: John Quincy Adams, Letters of John Quincy Adams to His Son on the Bible and Its Teachings (Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850), pp. 22-23.)
For the sake of saving space, I have only taken excerpts from the following texts, but as you read, I am sure you will find that none of these quotes were taken out of context:
From the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence (of the United States of America):
"...WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions..."
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html
From George Washington's October 3, 1789 National Thanksgiving proclamation:
"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor..."
"...And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions..."
"...to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; ?and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=111
This is the text of Samuel Adams' February 28, 1795 proclamation, issued while he was Massachusetts Governor:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
By the Governor
A Proclamation
For a Day of PUBLIC FASTING, HUMILIATION and PRAYER
"THE supreme Ruler of the Universe, having been pleased, in the course of his Providence, to establish the Independence of the United States of America, and to cause them to assume their rank, amount the nations of the Earth, and bless them with Liberty, Peace and Plenty; we ought to be led by Religious feelings of Gratitude; and to walk before Him, in all Humility, according to his most Holy Law..."
"...That with true repentance and contrition of Heart, we may unitedly implore the forgiveness of our Sins, through the merits of Jesus Christ, and humbly supplicate our Heavenly Father, to grant us the aids of his Grace..."
"...And finally, that He would over-rule all the confusions that are in the Earth, of the speedy establishment of the Redeemer's Kingdom, which consisteth in Righteousness and Peace."
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=108
At the time of the Founders, it was a common practice for ministers to preach "election sermons," and it was also common for a clergyman to be invited to give a sermon before the newly-elected government officials. This 1790 election sermon by Rev. Daniel Foster was given before the Massachusetts Governor (John Hancock), Lieutenant-Governor (Samuel Adams), and both houses of Legislature. Rev. Foster admonished these elected officials using Proverbs 8:16 ("By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth"), and encouraged them to govern according to God's ways.
Here is the link to the text of this sermon:
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=77
Were the founders Christians, or just believers in some random god? Here is a list of quotes from our founding fathers:
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=140
Other quotes from founding fathers in regards to religion and Christianity:
[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
(Source: John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co. 1854), Vol. IX, p. 229, October 11, 1798.) http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=21
Quotes from John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States of America:
"The law given from Sinai was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code; it contained many statutes . . . of universal application-laws essential to the existence of men in society, and most of which have been enacted by every nation which ever professed any code of laws."
(Source: John Quincy Adams, Letters of John Quincy Adams, to His Son, on the Bible and Its Teachings (Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850), p. 61.)
"There are three points of doctrine the belief of which forms the foundation of all morality. The first is the existence of God; the second is the immortality of the human soul; and the third is a future state of rewards and punishments. Suppose it possible for a man to disbelieve either of these three articles of faith and that man will have no conscience, he will have no other law than that of the tiger or the shark. The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they never can make him wise, virtuous, or happy."
(Source: John Quincy Adams, Letters of John Quincy Adams to His Son on the Bible and Its Teachings (Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850), pp. 22-23.)
Moral behavior is simply civil behavior, as opposed to instinctive (aboriginal, animal) behavior. All that is required for an individual to recognize his/her own best interest in civil behavior is to be able to see the consequences a year or more into the future.
All we need is a nation of individuals who can do that consistently, and we would have no further need for religion.
The fact that every human population of more than a few family units in recorded history (archeological records included) has been religious does, however suggest a competitive advantage.
Even the most hardened anti-social individuals recognize their own best interest in everyone else behaving civilly. Some carrot and stick enticements are clearly required, and regular reminders are probably useful as well.
All we need is a nation of individuals who can do that consistently, and we would have no further need for religion.
The fact that every human population of more than a few family units in recorded history (archeological records included) has been religious does, however suggest a competitive advantage.
Even the most hardened anti-social individuals recognize their own best interest in everyone else behaving civilly. Some carrot and stick enticements are clearly required, and regular reminders are probably useful as well.
>The only objections i am having is why patrotism and freedom for some Americans only apply to themself and for some nothing exist outside of usa.............
I imagine that it's pretty much the same frame of mind that prevents you from seeing things from the point of view of others.
We humans tend to be loyal to our respective homelands, despite their shortcomings. And it is often difficult for people to imagine what life is like outside their own surroundings. It's an old attitude among Americans: we don't care what the "outside" world does until it affects us. Our practice of "isolationism" in the late 19th- and early 20th-centuries is a good example. (Why isolationism? We were tired of fighting in Europe's useless wars.) But where did that lead us? Two horribly destructive world wars that we eventually got drug into... The attitude of many Americans seems to be that it is better to be a "bully" in the eyes of other nations in order to maintain our own security. We can't support our friends (like Israel) without drawing the wrath of their enemies. Even when we try to appease everyone, no one likes us. It doesn't seem to matter what we do...fight or flight...we still draw the ire and criticism of everyone else. It reminds me of a song:
http://www.papillonsartpalace.com/ranndy.htm
So you go and celebrate your "freedom" however you wish. We could really care less, unless you start aiming your fireworks at us.
(Oh, and the practice of using fireworks to celebrate important events goes WAY back...before anyone in Europe even KNEW there was an America. Blame the fireworks on those exceedingly clever Chinese alchemists!)
I imagine that it's pretty much the same frame of mind that prevents you from seeing things from the point of view of others.
We humans tend to be loyal to our respective homelands, despite their shortcomings. And it is often difficult for people to imagine what life is like outside their own surroundings. It's an old attitude among Americans: we don't care what the "outside" world does until it affects us. Our practice of "isolationism" in the late 19th- and early 20th-centuries is a good example. (Why isolationism? We were tired of fighting in Europe's useless wars.) But where did that lead us? Two horribly destructive world wars that we eventually got drug into... The attitude of many Americans seems to be that it is better to be a "bully" in the eyes of other nations in order to maintain our own security. We can't support our friends (like Israel) without drawing the wrath of their enemies. Even when we try to appease everyone, no one likes us. It doesn't seem to matter what we do...fight or flight...we still draw the ire and criticism of everyone else. It reminds me of a song:
http://www.papillonsartpalace.com/ranndy.htm
So you go and celebrate your "freedom" however you wish. We could really care less, unless you start aiming your fireworks at us.
(Oh, and the practice of using fireworks to celebrate important events goes WAY back...before anyone in Europe even KNEW there was an America. Blame the fireworks on those exceedingly clever Chinese alchemists!)
you state "American revolutionary forces"
This was 1814, The USA was a nation of 15 states at this time, the revolution was ~35 years past.
This was 1814, The USA was a nation of 15 states at this time, the revolution was ~35 years past.
My apologies for this error! I guess that's what I get for pretending that I actaully know something about history. I'll go back to fixing computers and stay quiet for a while.
if the star had exploded in a supernova after exhausting all it's nuclear fuel, then there would have been nothing left to form the pulsar with 
supernovas are caused by the starting of another stage of fusion, where the star is large enough for it to be a supernova. every star goes through stages of fusion, starting with hydrogen and moving up the periodic table. The Nova when they have reached the end of the common elements to fuse together, not from a lack of fuel, but because the fuel can't be fused any more in a stable reaction.
supernovas are caused by the starting of another stage of fusion, where the star is large enough for it to be a supernova. every star goes through stages of fusion, starting with hydrogen and moving up the periodic table. The Nova when they have reached the end of the common elements to fuse together, not from a lack of fuel, but because the fuel can't be fused any more in a stable reaction.
"The United States has just concluded celebrating its collective birthday"
Shouldn't collective only be applied to a plural? Thus,
The United States have just concluded celebrating their collective birthday
Or if "United States" is taken as singular, omit "collective".
But I'm no English major.
Shouldn't collective only be applied to a plural? Thus,
The United States have just concluded celebrating their collective birthday
Or if "United States" is taken as singular, omit "collective".
But I'm no English major.
>WHAT ARTIFACT SUGGESTS THAT NATIVE AMERICANS MAY HAVE ALSO DOCUMENTED THE CRAB NEBULA SUPERNOVA? Executive Summary
This report gives information about Smithville?s Woodhenge. This Woodhenge is an ancient astronomical calendar. The structure of Woodhenge is square with no corners or roof. It is made up of posts sticking up from the ground. The Steed-Kisker People that inhabited areas in and around the Kansas City area probably built Woodhenge somewhere around 800 A.D. It was discovered as a result of excavations being made when Smithville Lake was being constructed. Of the variety of artifacts that were found at the site only two are the most interesting. They are a carved stone smoking pipe and a large polished pebble with lines inscribed on it. After the lake was completely full of water and opened to the public an exact replica of Woodhenge was constructed near the original site. When studied it was found that the west and east sides line up to within two to two and one half degrees of true north where the North Star is. Astronomical events can be observed such as the two yearly solstices. Preservation of archaeological sites such as this is very important in order to understand everyone?s cultural heritages.
COPYRIGHT JANUARY 2004
Unfortunately TR's Msg Brd doesn't allow for the proper formatting to show up here.
This report gives information about Smithville?s Woodhenge. This Woodhenge is an ancient astronomical calendar. The structure of Woodhenge is square with no corners or roof. It is made up of posts sticking up from the ground. The Steed-Kisker People that inhabited areas in and around the Kansas City area probably built Woodhenge somewhere around 800 A.D. It was discovered as a result of excavations being made when Smithville Lake was being constructed. Of the variety of artifacts that were found at the site only two are the most interesting. They are a carved stone smoking pipe and a large polished pebble with lines inscribed on it. After the lake was completely full of water and opened to the public an exact replica of Woodhenge was constructed near the original site. When studied it was found that the west and east sides line up to within two to two and one half degrees of true north where the North Star is. Astronomical events can be observed such as the two yearly solstices. Preservation of archaeological sites such as this is very important in order to understand everyone?s cultural heritages.
COPYRIGHT JANUARY 2004
Unfortunately TR's Msg Brd doesn't allow for the proper formatting to show up here.
OK, here's a somewhat more pertinent quibble.
Now, I'm a Bit Twiddler by trade, no ethnologist or anthropologist, but I don't think the phrase "the Anasazi tribe" is correct. The term usually used is "Anasazi *peoples*". I'm not sure just what the technical distinction is, but as I understand it, "the Anasazi" are a pretty mysterious bunch, just a term for whoever the heck it was who lived in that area and left those artifacts. To call them a "tribe" attributes more structure and detail to thier society/societies than we know.
Unless you meant "any bunch of Indians is a tribe", which I'm sure you didn't.
- rob
Now, I'm a Bit Twiddler by trade, no ethnologist or anthropologist, but I don't think the phrase "the Anasazi tribe" is correct. The term usually used is "Anasazi *peoples*". I'm not sure just what the technical distinction is, but as I understand it, "the Anasazi" are a pretty mysterious bunch, just a term for whoever the heck it was who lived in that area and left those artifacts. To call them a "tribe" attributes more structure and detail to thier society/societies than we know.
Unless you meant "any bunch of Indians is a tribe", which I'm sure you didn't.
- rob
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