Delivered by a fugitive slave on July 5th 1852
Provided to YouTube by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July” · Ossie Davis A Voice Ringing O’er the Gale! The Oratory of Frederick Douglass Read by Ossie Davis
Abigail Adams Got It, John Did Not
“In the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” – – Abigail Adams, letter to husband John (March 31, 1776)
John’s response: “As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh.” (April 14, 1776)
Sunday Serendipity
I had never heard this Bruce Springsteen cover of the famous Woody Guthrie song; This Land is Your Land. He does a great job. Most versions of this song are a bit wimpy, but Bruce brings his tough working-class attitude.
We are living in “interesting times”, hopefully we will get through them. But it is time we stood up, to those who believe they have the right to impose their version of America by force and say ” expletive, you don’t own America. It belongs to us all. We all have a right to be at the table.”
That is what Woody did in his many versions of this song, and with Bruce’s grittiness it is perfect for today
Enjoy, Jack
How To Stop Trump 2024
“Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States”.
— 18 U.S. Code § 2383 – Rebellion or insurrection