July 5, 2020

I need to "live-blog" my reading of Trump's 4th of July speech.

Here's the transcript from what was called the “Salute to America” at the White House yesterday.

As I said in the previous post, I think Trump went big introducing a strong campaign theme this weekend, setting himself up in opposition to the protesters who've been ripping down statues, and I looked at Biden's 4th-of-July speech — speechlet — and judged it to be smack dab in the middle of a continuum that runs from Trump to the statue topplers.

Yesterday, I "live-blogged" my reading of Trump's July 3rd speech — the Mount Rushmore speech, so now I feel that I need to live-blog my reading of Trump's 4th-of-July speech. Blogging is a strange compulsion, where I don't really have to do a damned thing I don't want to do. That's what's so compelling about it, paradoxically.

I'm reading the full text as I write, but I'm not quoting every word of it. Unlike the Mount Rushmore speech, I did watch some of this one.
Thanks to the courage of those patriots on July 4th, 1776, the American Republic stands today as the greatest, most exceptional, and most virtuous nation in the history of the world. Our workers, our factories have revolutionized industries and lifted millions into prosperity. Our artists, architects, and engineers have inspired the globe with transcendent works of beauty. American heroes defeated the Nazis, dethroned the fascists, toppled the communists, saved American values, upheld American principles, and chased down the terrorists to the very ends of the earth.
American exceptionalism. America is great. A fantastic treasure that must be preserved. Noted.
We are now in the process of defeating the radical left, the Marxists, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters, and people who, in many instances, have absolutely no clue what they are doing.
Oh, I thought he would say we are now being threatened by the radical left who want to take this all away. But he introduces this cast of characters — America's antagonists — as in the process of getting defeated. And he further minimizes them by saying that a lot of them don't even know what they're doing. They're clueless dummies, following along.
All Americans living today are the heirs of this magnificent legacy. We are the descendants of the most daring and courageous people ever to walk on the face of the Earth. We inherit their towering confidence, unwavering enthusiasm, their unbridled ambition, and their unrelenting optimism....
I suspect that's his opinion of himself too — towering confidence, unwavering enthusiasm... unbridled ambition... unrelenting optimism.
That is why we pay tribute to generations of American heroes whose names have etched on our monuments and memorials and in the pages of history and in the hearts of a very grateful people. We will never allow an angry mob to tear down our statues, erase our history, indoctrinate our children, or trample on our freedoms. We will safeguard our values, traditions, customs, and beliefs. We will teach our children to cherish and adore their country so that they can build its future. 
That's the theme, stated positively, but with the nugget of negativity: There's an "angry mob." We have so much good, and we must protect it from those bad people over there.
Together we will fight for the American dream, and we will defend, protect, and preserve American way of life, which began in 1492 when Columbus discovered America....
There really was no need to bring up Columbus. He's a divisive figure, and he wasn't an American. We don't really need to feel accountable for what he did. Why throw him in to this discussion as if we should take pride in him? (Did you see that the city of Columbus, Ohio took down its statue of Columbus?)
Never forget, we are one family and one nation.... We are American. We are from the USA.... No matter our race, color, religion, or creed, we are one America, and we put America first. We will not allow anyone to divide our citizens by race or background. 
So he doesn't want to be divisive, but look at those bad people over there — They are divisive.
We will not allow them to foment hate, discord, and distrust. We will hold fast and true to the sacred loyalties that link us all as neighbors, as Americans, and as patriots. In every age, there have always been those who seek to lie about the past in order to gain power in the present. 
There are rival stories of America — America the Beautiful and America the Ugly. Both are propaganda, and the propagandists accuse each other of lying.
Those that are lying about our history, those who want us to be ashamed of who we are are not interested in justice or in healing. Their goal is demolition....
Some of those who are doing the shaming want to fix things, don't they? Look at Joe Biden's speech (in the previous post). He's saying there's "systemic racism" and we have "a chance to rip the roots" of it out. Will Trump say that Biden's goal is demolition? Maybe Trump will portray Biden as one of the followers who have absolutely no clue what they are doing. I don't know that Biden has any goal. He served so long in government, so he must be responsible for nurturing and growing "the roots of systemic racism." I have a hard time believing he has any idea of how to fix anything, but it's equally hard to see him as bent on destruction.
Let me also say a word to those in the media who falsely and consistently label their opponents as racists, who condemn patriotic citizens who offer a clear and truthful defense of American unity. That’s what our people are doing. 
Our people? He's saying "our people" are for unity, but in saying "our people," he's visualizing one side against another. It's a paradox: The Advocates of Unity versus The Advocates of Divisiveness. Ironically, both sides use this paradox and both think they are the The Advocates of Unity and the other side are The Advocates of Divisiveness. I guess they're all ready to be one big happy family as long as their opponents disarm and go home and shut up.
We want a clear and faithful defense of American history, and we want unity. When you level these false charges, you not only slander me....
Ugh! Now, he's talking about his own personal critics?! That doesn't belong in the 4th-of-July speech.
... you not only slander the American people, but you slander generations of heroes who gave their lives for America. You slander people much braver and more principle than you. You’re slandering the young men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima and those who perished fighting for freedom in the Civil War. You slander them. You are dishonoring their great legacy and their memory by insisting that they fought for racism and they fought for oppression.
So he's got all the heroes on his side. Criticize him and you're criticizing all the soldiers who've died fighting for America. You see how this argument is supposed to work? Trump presents himself as the embodiment of the ideal of America, and if you don't like it, because you'd like to focus on what's wrong with America, then you are attacking everyone who ever fought for America.

And if you say America is a system of white supremacy, you're saying the soldiers fought for white supremacy.
They didn’t fight for those things. They fought for the exact opposite. We will not let the legacy of these heroes be tarnished by you. The more you lie, the more you slander, the more you try to demean and divide, the more we will work hard to tell the truth, and we will win. The more you lie and demean and collude, the more credibility you lose. We want to bring the country together, and a free and open media will make this task a very easy one. Our country will be united after all
Has there ever been so much dividing and unifying all mixed up like that?
What do we all want? We want a strong military, great education, housing, low taxes, law and order. We want safety. We want equal justice. We want religious liberty. We want faith, and family, and living in great communities, and happy communities and safe communities, and we want great jobs, and we want to be respected by the rest of the world, not taken advantage of by the rest of the world, which has gone on for decade after decade. We should all want the same thing. How can it be any different than those things? 
He's got the best things on his list of things everyone should want. How can it be any different than those things?
The more bitter you become, the more we will appeal to love and patriotism, and the more we will rise above your hate to build a better future for every child in our great country.
That's his version of when they go low, we go high. When they hate, we love. Good idea. See if you can do more of that. I'm up for the love. But people who hate Donald Trump are never going to accept his love — or even believe that it's anything like real love.
To celebrate America’s majestic inheritance, yesterday I signed an executive order to create a brand new monument to our most beloved icons, the national Garden of American Heroes will be a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans who have ever lived. 
Oh, no. He's serious about that... at least as a proposal... as a kind of trap to see who'll be against it. Well, I am against it. I heard that live yesterday, and I said out loud, "I don't want my tax money paying for that, and I don't wanted a government propaganda theme park." Can't the government just do government things and leave the artwork to the people? And why would this place be "vast"? Who wants to walk around in a vast sculpture park?
We will honor extraordinary citizens from every community, and from every place and from every part of our nation. Great men and great women, people that we can look up to forever. 
And we can argue forever about who does or doesn't belong in this outdoor hall of fame.
Families will be able to walk among the statues of titans, and we have already selected the first 30 legacies and 30 legends, and why don’t we start with a man who’s been very unfairly treated, who twos years ago, three years ago, especially five or six years ago people would have said “It’s impossible to even attempt to try and disturb his incredible legacy and success?” George Washington.
I think we should learn history and debate about it. Take on these formidable characters and argue about them. The idea that if we made a big statue, it would end the debate... well, that's obviously wrong. But, yeah, maybe there are lots of "families" who'll travel to "walk among the statues of titans." Come on. I don't want to pay for this. It's a ludicrous fantasy. I'm utterly positive the statutes that would be made under these circumstances would be really awful art.
Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Dolley Madison, the great Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Clara Barton, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Henry Clay, Susan B. Anthony, Booker T Washington, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who are looking down...
How does he know they're looking down? Maybe some of them are looking up.
... and you’re going to see some planes like you have never seen before, because we build them better than anybody in the world. The greatest air force, the greatest fighters, the greatest everything. You’re going to be seeing something. I just wonder what Orville and Wilbur would have been thinking if they ever got to see that, but they’re looking, they’re checking it out right now along with us. Amelia Earhart. A great, great athlete, no matter where he went he was the best athlete, Jackie Robinson. George S. Patton. General Patton, he didn’t know how to lose. He didn’t know how to lose. General Douglas MacArthur, Audie Murphy, the great Billy Graham. An incredible man, respected by everybody, Martin Luther King. President Ronald Reagan, Christa McAuliffe, and Antonin Scalia.
Are you picturing yourself and your family walking through this vast sculpture park? Having an exalted time worshipping your human idols? Is your God smiling upon you?
So those are just a few of the people we’ll be naming, and things are subject to change, but once we make that decision, those great names are going to be up there and they’re never coming down. 
This is like the Catholic church deciding who the saints are. I'm so opposed — not to the Catholics, they can do their thing — I'm so opposed to the government undertaking this offensive project. Let us all decide which historical figures — if any — we want to idolize. We don't need to agree on whether, say, Antonin Scalia is one of our religion-of-patriotism saints.
They have just been an incredible group, and we are going to do this in a very democratic way, frankly.
Oh, really? We have to participate in picking our idols? Could you please just leave me alone about all these things that are not the business of government? Back off!
We’re going to take names and suggestions....
I'm going to take names.
... we’re going to have committees....
Can we have a vast national sculpture park honoring all the great committees in history? I suggest something in a style about like this:

  
.... and we’re going to pick the greatest people that this country has ever known, the most respected people, the people that helped us the most and the people that we can look up to and that our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren can look up to into the future and they can say “Isn’t America just a tremendous place?” So, thank you. That’ll be very exciting.
Imagine all the children dragged to Trump's sculpture park. They're not all going to be saying "Isn’t America just a tremendous place?" You can't control their reaction. Many of them are going to be saying Isn’t America just a ridiculous place? (and much worse). They're not all going to find it "very exciting." Many of those children and grandchildren are going to be saying I'm tired. Can we sit down? I don't care who these people were! Can we go to Disney World? Where are the rides?
The patriots who built our country were not villains, they were heroes whose courageous deeds improved the earth beyond measure. The beauty and the glory of our constitutional system is that it gives us the tools to fight injustice, to heal division and to continue the work of our founding fathers by expanding and growing the blessings of America....
That, I agree with. Back off on the vast sculpture park, and talk about the proper role of government. It's not foisting bad art on us. I hate the destruction of statues that has been going on, but no way do I want new statues, especially a lot of new statues all at once, slapped together and put up during a big political dispute. Trump is turning me against statues, and I was for them!
Here this evening are a number of heroes who risked their own lives to uphold these values and to keep our communities and our country safe.... We will honor the amazing men and women of the United States military.... Whenever our way of life has been threatened, our ancestors have responded with the same resounding answer as those first patriots who fought for independence. We are Americans, and we never back down.... Next year will be one of the greatest years we’ve ever had....
Next year... as opposed to this year... the famously awful year, 2020. Whether it will be Trump doing the honors of haranguing us on the next 4th, God only knows.

89 comments:

Joe Smith said...

The sculpture park idea seems seriously half-baked. I think there are other things to worry about first. Maybe protect the ones that are already standing...

Ralph L said...

There really was no need to bring up Columbus. He's a divisive figure

The anti-Columbians need to be called out. If opening the New World was a bad thing, why are you still here annoying us?

The Cracker Emcee Refulgent said...

“That's the theme, stated positively, but with the nugget of negativity: There's an "angry mob." We have so much good, and we must protect it from those bad people over there.”

That “angry mob” hasn’t exactly gone unnoticed by Middle America. In fact, it is very much on their minds. Smart of Trump to mention it, foolish of Biden’s ventriloquists to ignore it.

It’s obvious that the most effective political speeches are the ones that tick the greatest number of boxes on the anxiety lists of the greatest number of voters. Burning and looting and public safety? CHECK! Systemic racism? Um...check...I guess...

Sebastian said...

"our statues"

Great speech in general, and it's good to counter by calling for more statues, but not all statues are "ours." Some were just pandering to Lost Cause nostalgia. There's something to be said for not giving an inch, but giving a few inches might help.

Thanks for fisking.

rcocean said...

If only men voted, the speech would've been just about protecting our heritage from a radical mob. But women don't like fighting and be divisive. So, Trump had to put in all the blather about "unifying" and "uplift" and trotting out a ridiculous list of American Giants we can all glorify.

But that's what you have to do to win the white women vote. Why Democrats can get by with being angry and divisive and still win the Soccer Moms is known only to them.

Anyway, its good that the Democrats have decided to throw off the mask and become the "We hate America and love Antifa" party. To counter-act that, look for the MSM to give us more "Trump is a Russian Spy" stories.

Dude1394 said...

I would love to wander around in a statue garden. I love walking the rotunda and seeing statues of people I don't normally see pictures of.

The idea of more statues is obviously to replace the statues the marxist democrats are destroying.

Krumhorn said...

Maybe the statues that were torn down in Madison can be fished out of the lake and placed in Trump’s garden of statues...,where they will be protected.

- Krumhorn

rhhardin said...

Fewer statues, more flags. Get a national Christo.

Jersey Fled said...

There's an "angry mob." We have so much good, and we must protect it from those bad people over there.

Exactly.

rhhardin said...

If Trump isn't doing zingers I don't pay attention. His talent in pubic remarks lies in the Don Rickles direction.

rhhardin said...

A national mall statue of Don Rickles would be good.

Two-eyed Jack said...

Perhaps the sculpture garden will be some kind of trap, irresistible to iconoclasts, where they can be caught in the act and sent to prison for long sentences.

Perhaps it will be like the Hirshhorn sculpture garden, a strange assemblage of metal monsters.

Perhaps it will be a sort of Disney Valhalla.

Who knows? A committee will decide.

khematite said...

Talk about reinventing the wheel:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_of_Fame_for_Great_Americans

Leland said...

There really was no need to bring up Columbus. He's a divisive figure, and he wasn't an American... as if we should take pride in him? (Did you see that the city of Columbus, Ohio took down its statue of Columbus?)

Tell all that to the folks wanting to make the District of Columbia into a state.

jeremyabrams said...

I'm already dreaming of visiting the Monument Park in my final years and walking among the honored great. Future democrat administrations will place figures in the park that republicans disagree with, and that's just fine - Whitman would smile. Please waste my money on this.

Greater debt just hamstrings the government from enacting further government programs. It places a limit on government irresponsibility. Yes, we'll pay with a wave of inflation, but my goal is liberty, not wealth.

DavidD said...

“...smack dab in the middle of a continuum that runs from Trump to the statue topplers.”

So now PDJT’s position is the extreme right. I like it.

Birkel said...

Sebastian,
You are wrong about giving an inch IN THIS ENVIRONMENT because the current moment is a push for absolute power of, by, and for the Leftist Collectivists.

The time to give inches is not during an active conflict, unless you wish to draw the enemy out to expose their flank.

Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...

The left generate angry mobs. when the boys and girls can pry themselves away from the D&D sessions.

Birkel said...

Joe Smith,

The point of introducing the idea of a statuary park is to negotiate beyond the sale. Trump knows the majority of Americans are against the Leftist policy options. He knows Americans disprefer what Leftists are offering. So he is asking americans not only to reject what they have already rejected, but also to accept a policy preference they did not know they wanted.

That's the sort of buy-in that produces "crawl over broken glass" voters.

Drago said...

Joe Smith: "The sculpture park idea seems seriously half-baked. I think there are other things to worry about first. Maybe protect the ones that are already standing..."

Trump can only protect statues on Federal property, obviously, so your complaint sort of dies right there.

However, by launching the idea of adding statues of heroes on Federal property that the left despises will drive them into further insanity.

And remember, just yesterday, a sitting democrat/marxist United States Senator that only LLR's could adore called Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson literal "traitors".

No, Trump is on solid political messaging ground here.

wild chicken said...

Great speech but the crowd...should have been prepped to avoid the rally chanting. It really distracted from what he was saying and its seriousness.

Though what he said would have been mundane if Reagan had said it.

IMHO anyway.

Mr Wibble said...

Great speech in general, and it's good to counter by calling for more statues, but not all statues are "ours." Some were just pandering to Lost Cause nostalgia. There's something to be said for not giving an inch, but giving a few inches might help.

No, it wouldn't, because this isn't about some "offensive" Confederate statues. It's about power.

Also, when the Union decided to reintegrate the South, rather than what has been historically done to conquered nations, namely enslavement, exile, or extermination, they adopted those southerners as a part of our national identity and culture. You can't tell millions of people, "you're part of our nation now, but give up everything about your identity because it's all evil and has to go. If you resist we'll kill your men and burn your cities to ash in a bloody war" and expect to be the good guy.

Freder Frederson said...

Columbus never set foot on the land that is now the U.S. and had zero to do with the founding of this country.

Ralph L said...

but not all statues are "ours."

Everyone gets a statue (made in China) honoring his/her/its ancestors, along with the participation trophy.

Considering the chances of disease, death, or dismemberment in The War, it's amazing so many on both sides answered their countries' call. Isn't that bravery and sacrifice worth remembering? Would any cause get that response now? Invasion by a hostile power?

Dave Begley said...

Ann:

1. As a persuasive speech, another masterpiece by Trump. He not only wants to fire up his voters, he wants to bring in Dems and independents who are feed up with the rioting and radicalism of today's Democrat party.

2. You wrote, "I'm so opposed to the government undertaking this offensive project. Let us all decide which historical figures — if any — we want to idolize. We don't need to agree on whether, say, Antonin Scalia is one of our religion-of-patriotism saints."

As a person who is an artist and takes a keen interest in the arts, I've very surprised with your strong opposition to Trump's proposal. The art won't be bad just because the government paid for it. And, frankly, it takes a large and rich organization to pay for something like that. The cost of Trump's National Garden is peanuts compared to the daily waste and graft in government. Close the Dept of Education to pay for it. That Dept never educated a soul.

3. Heroic statues are a model for people today. They inspire.

One of the best things the late Fr. John P. Schlegel, S.J. did at Creighton was to commission a giant and beautiful sculpture of St. Ignatius Loyola in the center of the Creighton campus. It is absolutely great. It is a model for students. The inscription reads, "Soldier. Scholar. Saint." All true.

4. Creighton grad Joe Ricketts is a billionaire. He built the Cloisters on the Platte with his own money. He commissioned a sculpture garden Stations of the Cross. It is really something to see.

PJ said...

When you level these false charges, you not only slander me....

Ugh! Now, he's talking about his own personal critics?! That doesn't belong in the 4th-of-July speech.


There's a more charitable, and I would argue more faithful-to-text, way to read Trump's reference to himself there. "These false charges" refers back tho the charges leveled by the media at the media's "opponents," i.e., "our people," not at Trump personally. Trump calls attention to the immediate motive of the slanderers, which I believe he identifies correctly, and says that the slanders strike way beyond the target.

I'm with you on the sculpture garden, though. I hope that's just the builder's instinctive response to the recent destruction and that better ideas will emerge.

Michael said...

I believe Lenin's term for clueless dummies is useful idiots - those well-intentioned people who provide a screen and a shield behind which the hard men can do their work.

robother said...

".We've got to get ourselves back to the Garden..."

Darkisland said...

Ann said

I suspect that's his opinion of himself too — towering confidence, unwavering enthusiasm... unbridled ambition... unrelenting optimism.

I think a lot of people, supporters and opponents alike, have a similar opinion of him. Some of us think these are good characteristics in a president, others may think them bad. I think only a fool would deny he has them.

I think some might argue about who he has them for. For himself? Some of his antagonists might say so. Others, probably most, would say that he has them on behalf of the USA.

Count me among the ones who thinks he has them for the country and that these are VERY GOOD THINGS for a president to have.

I just donated $100 to his re-election. I don't think I have ever donated to a presidential campaign before in my life. I didn't even donate to myself when I ran for Prez in 88. And damn near no political campaigns. I think donating to politicians only encourages them to continue politicking. That's a bad thing in most pols. I'm happy to encourage PDJT.

Thanks Ann. I'd been on the fence about donating. You getting me thinking about those 4 characteristics pushed me over the edge.

I'll donate money to his 2024 campaign too.

John Henry

Professional Lady said...

So the European discovery of the Americas had zero to do with the founding of this country? Nice to know.

hstad said...

Maybe, just maybe, even the L.A. Region is finally seeing and reacting to all of our Leaders' Lies and choking controls. This was an awesome display of law breaking and against over regulation that I've seen in some decades. Thank you independent thinkers - don't listen to people like Mayor "Yoga Pants" Garcetti and Governor (keep my winery open) Newsom anymore - they're all liars and power hungry.

https://disrn.com/news/los-angeles-residents-defy-mayors-fireworks-ban-light-up-sky-on-4th-of-july

doctrev said...

Good God, an actual teenage girl would have just said "nah fam" and found something else to do. A too-long riff from a sixtysomething lawprof feminist is just pathetic, when it comes to horticulture. I don't condone people want to trade $20 for a slice of pizza and $200 for the price of admission, because the profit accrues to a pack of rootless pedophiles, but I spend less space moaning about it.

Darkisland said...

BTW:

I donated using my MASTERcard.

Suck it, BLM Inc.

John Henry

Nichevo said...


Freder Frederson said...
Columbus never set foot on the land that is now the U.S. and had zero to do with the founding of this country.



Why don't you go back to Ireland? Is it being arrested you're afraid of, or kneecapped?

Richard Dolan said...

The sculpture park is a big construction project and Trump likes building things. But I agree that this is one infrastructure project we can do without.

boatbuilder said...

"It will cost money!" "Somebody will have to decide what statues go into it!"

How do you feel about The Smithsonian? The National Portrait Gallery? Our National Parks? Our National Monuments? Somebody has to decide what is worthy and what isn't. Get over it (or take the principled position that perhaps we should cut way back on all of that, which I might be on board with).

I agree with the commenter above who says that Trump is negotiating past the sale. He can't just be "against" the destruction--that is static and zero-sum. Trump says--these bastards are trashing your history. I will fight them and go one better.

mccullough said...

Americans who have learned what the Pre-Columbian world was like have no problem with Columbus or Cortez.



Sebastian said...

Mr: "No, it wouldn't, because this isn't about some "offensive" Confederate statues. It's about power."

True. But there is still a segment of persuadable nice women. Whether and how to reach them has to be part of the power calculation on the right.

CWJ said...

"Columbus never set foot on the land that is now the U.S. and had zero to do with the founding of this country."

Freder, neither did Amerigo Vespucci.

Darkisland said...

To counter Freder, Columbus did actually set foot on land that is now the US. Columbus did come to Puerto Rico. Not for long, a day or so IIRC, but he did land here. (Allegedly. There are some deniers)

And to keep on the statue theme: We have the world's most butt-ugly and historically inaccurate statue to prove it! Take that you dogfaced pony soldier deniers.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/dd/f9/23ddf9106d32670087c2ff85a89fbace.jpg

So we celebrate "Dia Descubramiento" (Discovery Day)on November 19

It used to be a big deal, all businesses shut, parades, pompous govt speeches. "The whole load" as Sleepy Joe might say.

So one year, in the 70s, because Columbus was Italian, the governor invited the Italian consul to take part in the official ceremonies. The Spanish consul would be the primary honored guest but the Italian would be on the stage among the other honored guests.

It almost kicked off an international incident. The Spanish consul refused to appear on the same stage with the Italian. Yes, Columbus was Italian but he was working for Spain at the time. The Italians had nothing to do with it!!! He wasn't about to let that sneaky Italian bastard claim part of the credit.

The Italian consul, once invited, refused to accept the unvitation and a bruhaha lasting several days ensued.

It was all quite amusing.

I have no recollection of how it came out.

John Henry

Darkisland said...

People keep using the phrase "Never give an inch."

The correct phrase is "Never give a inch."

John Henry

Readering said...

Maybe if in October folks are still pulling down statues in large numbers but no longer dying in large numbers from Covid Trump has a chance. But that's not how things are looking from here.

Michael K said...

Trump can only protect statues on Federal property, obviously, so your complaint sort of dies right there.

However, by launching the idea of adding statues of heroes on Federal property that the left despises will drive them into further insanity.


I would be in favor of including the Confederate statues of those like Lee. It is history, something that is no longer taught. You should see the videos of conservatives asking random 20 somethings about who we fought the Revolutionary War against and who were our allies in WWII. They are dummies.

MayBee said...

I've seen the "people were just following others" theme on this very board. It's boogaloo boys running this operation, and the rest of the people, including the black people, don't know what they are doing.

Isn't that right?

Tyrone Slothrop said...

My brother is an accomplished sculptor in bronze with an extensive and varied portfolio. His most recent works were life-sized statues of the pioneers of surfing for a park in Dana Point CA. To boot, Bro is a right wingnut like myself and a supporter of DJT. I've started an email campaign directed at all the acronyms associated with the National Garden of Heroes, trying to put his name forward. Wish me luck.

goddessoftheclassroom said...

Mr. Wibble, THANK YOU for stating this. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Robert E. Lee were honored NOT because they were pro-slavery but because of their characteristics worth emulating.

As a matter of fact, Gen Jackson held a Sunday School to teach blacks to read. A judge, a Karen prototype, pointed out that teaching blacks to read was illegal. Gen Jackson basically said, "Go ahead and arrest me."

Gen. Lee did much to reconcile the South to returning to the Union. His example went far to healing the breach.

Drago said...

Freder Frederson: "Columbus never set foot on the land that is now the U.S. and had zero to do with the founding of this country."

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Yeah, the Field Marshall wrote that. Just now.

Yeah, Columbus hitting the shores of Caribbean islands on 3 separate voyages didn't really lead to much of anything at all in the America's, did it?

Yancey Ward said...

No, Freder, Columbus only found North America on his journey- a discovery that wasn't lost to time like the Vikings' was.

Caligula said...

Columbus as a symbol of America always seemed a bit off.

He did, after all, sail for "their most Catholic majesties," the King and Queen of Spain. Yet the United States arose out of British colonialism, and not Spanish colonialism. And the two colonialisms were obviously quite different in their values as well as in their relations with indigines.

Overall it's not clear that Columbus treated natives any worse than many of the indigines treated their "fellow" indigenes after conquering them (nor any better). That the effects were calamatous to the indigenes seems to have been due more to European diseases and the inability of the natives to effectively defend themselves in the presence of European technologies than to any uniquely malevolent intents of the Europeans.

At a minimum, today seems a time that tolerates 'kinder and gentler' far better than did the fifteenth century- in Europe, Asia, the Americas or anywhere else. How, then, can we judge anyone of that time by the standards of today?

Do these Justice Warriors truly believe indigenous Americans would have treated Europeans any better than they were treated, had it been they who had the technology (and the advantage in acquired disease immunities) and not Europeans?

The Columbian Exchange happened, and was it not inevitable that isolation between the Americas and the Eurasian continents could not endure? What alternate scenarios to those who loathe Columbus offer as to how it might have ended differently- perhaps no one would have crossed the Atlantic until a sensitive 21st century anthropologist gently inserted him- or herself onto the other continent?

Roy Lofquist said...

Ann said "I suspect that's his opinion of himself too — towering confidence, unwavering enthusiasm... unbridled ambition... unrelenting optimism."

Dizzy Dean said "It's not bragging if you can do it."

mikee said...

Way back in college I read a scifi novel, maybe by Heinlein, maybe not, I don't recall, about a guy whose job was to inspect cities for the planetary government and recommend actions to keep things running well. As a series of increasingly destructive events involving larger and larger mobs unfolds, fueled by ill defined anger over social issues from the economy to racial tension to government overreach, the guy has to figure out what the root cause of the problems really is.

At one point he threatens to remove the covering from a statue horrifying in its effect on the viewer, powerfully evocative of the past wrongs suffered and inflicted between people. Just the threat causes a mob to regain their minds and stop their misbehavior.

I wish I remembered more about the story, I recall it was pretty good.

Kate said...

I still like the Garden idea. There's a reality show feel about it that I like. It's so Trump. Fun, yuge, ridiculous, impractical, optimistic. It's the opposite of covid.

Bilwick said...

When asked where he stood on the statue-toppling, Biden replied, "Pony soldier, chicken and waffles, vootie. Wait, what?" Confused reporters translated his gibberish into something more coherent and praised him for being a unifier.

effinayright said...

I see that Freder has come here to get his fair share of abuse.

And gotten it.

Sprezzatura said...

“I just donated $100 to his re-election.“

Be prepared for a lot of asks re DJT wanting more dough.

All I ever gave them was some dough for the troops during the fundraiser that DJT had because he wouldn’t join one of the R primary debates because Kelly was bleeding (or whatever it was that was the excuse for DJT not attending that debate). Additionally, I bought a little MAGA hat Christmas ornament (which turned out to be made of metal almost as thin as tinfoil (though it does have some (very little) gold plating).

Anywho, they still hit me up daily or almost daily or sometimes more than one time a day.

The oddest enticement was a letter-sized pic of Melania that they sent me. You probably need to donate a lot of money before they send you a statue of her. And, as DJT knows (especially after she (as FLOTUS) leveraged him into the recent prenup changes), the real thing is definitely cost some serious dough.

Anywho, I only gave a little to DJT (and nothing was a straight donation to him) but his folks won’t stop hitting me up.

Ann Althouse said...

There's an extra Lucille Ball statue out there. Ship that out there to the Garden of American Heroes. I'm sure Lucille Ball belongs there.

What do you think -- should there be a Desi Arnaz statue? How about William Frawley?

doctrev said...

I Love Lucy was a fine show, but it's not as historically significant as being a Confederate general or Founding Father. You'd have to be truly vapid to believe otherwise, much less claim that Lucille Ball or anyone in her orbit belongs in a celebration of America's greatest heroes.

Jim at said...

So the European discovery of the Americas had zero to do with the founding of this country? Nice to know.

I know, right?

I want a divorce from the likes of Freder. I've had enough.

Birkel said...

Lucille Ball, yes.
Desi Arnaz, no.

That was easy.

Birkel said...

Lucille Ball, yes.
Desi Arnaz, no.

That was easy.

Birkel said...

Lucille Ball, yes.
Desi Arnaz, no.

That was easy.

Michael K said...

Readering said...
Maybe if in October folks are still pulling down statues in large numbers but no longer dying in large numbers from Covid Trump has a chance. But that's not how things are looking from here.


Bubbles are not healthy places to exist. The virus spreads more easily there. Since death rates have dropped precipitously, you need to get out more.

They were grossly inflated anyway, including that guy in Seattle who died of a gunshot wound but was counted as Covid because his test was positive.

Professional Lady said...

I Love Lucy. Statue in the garden would be great.

wild chicken said...

His talent in pubic remarks


Heh

Rosalyn C. said...

I don't know where the park would be located, which is a huge issue -- but I think it's a genius idea. At the very least it gets us thinking and discussing something of value, learning about these people who have contributed to the nation and the world.

Next, there are so many extremely talented sculptors in the US who have been trained in traditional realism and techniques. They are ready and able -- and this would be a great time to support their careers and reaffirm the value art has for our society and culture.

As an out of the box idea: why not do this digitally? What about having some inspiring locales in natural landscapes where you can activate your phone or tablet and get images and information about American heroes and icons?

wild chicken said...

His talent in pubic remarks


Heh.

Meade said...

My then-girlfriend in a garden of heroes in a park named Eden. (Please don't tell the fools and losers from anti-fa.)

Joe Smith said...

If it's about being able to protect the statues because they are on federal land, then how about moving all of the statues that have been torn down to the new 'garden.' It could kind of be like the Island of Misfit Toys.

Somebody (maybe here) made a great point that might bear repeating. If a municipality, state, etc. doesn't want a confederate statue, then vote to take it down and transfer it to a battlefield to keep it in context. Of course, it would be nice if it was done in a respectful manner and not with chains and (dreaded nooses) in the middle of a riot.

NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...

wholelottasplainin' said...

I see that Freder has come here to get his fair share of abuse.

Sometimes I think that's the main motivation for the Althouse trolls.

NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...

Ann Althouse said...

What do you think -- should there be a Desi Arnaz statue?

There ought to be one in Hollywood! Desi was one of the pioneers of television syndication. Anyone getting residuals would have to line up in front of it to get their checks.

hstad said...

Blogger Freder Frederson said...
Columbus never set foot on the land that is now the U.S. and had zero to do with the founding of this country. 7/5/20, 11:50 AM

Wow, another erasing of history through a lens so narrow it astounds me that you got an education?

"...The Voyages of Christopher Columbus opened the New World. Italian navigator and explorer Giovanni Caboto (known in English as John Cabot) is credited with the discovery of continental North America on June 24, 1497, under the commission of Henry VII of England..." - Wiki. I guess in your eyes Columbus only played a minor role or in your words "zero...."

cubanbob said...

Althouse is upset regarding spending taxpayers monies on a new federal statutory park for government artworks. I agree. Let's abolish government funding for the arts starting with the NEA, NPR, PBS and government required artwork for public buildings.

Rory said...

It seems they kept both Lucy statues. They're in the same park, and last October both were vandalized with magic marker.

Darkisland said...

Adss,

I didn't give a real email address. It will work and I'll get the email.

But it's a disposable address.

If it gets bad I will just kill it.

John Henry

Michael K said...

Maybe if in October folks are still pulling down statues in large numbers but no longer dying in large numbers from Covid Trump has a chance.

Bad news for readering and ARM,

Sorry but the end of the world has been postponed.

cubanbob said...

Readering said...
Maybe if in October folks are still pulling down statues in large numbers but no longer dying in large numbers from Covid Trump has a chance. But that's not how things are looking from here."

Do tell us how The Smartest Woman Ever would have handled Covid had she not been dumb enough to lose to Trump.

Churchy LaFemme: said...

I would love to wander around in a statue garden. I love walking the rotunda and seeing statues of people I don't normally see pictures of.

Brookgreen Gardens is open, and having a very nice evening light installation as well.

John Marzan said...

A "Biden" presidency will be like the "Mueller" investigation. A senile white male figurehead with lunatic leftists running the show.

Churchy LaFemme: said...

Just you & I & Nature in the Garden Misty Wet With Rain.

Danno said...

Let us all decide which historical figures — if any — we want to idolize.

If Trump says tearing down statues was a good move to prevent idolatry, the libtards would put every last one of them back in place. Too funny!

Clyde said...

A lot of the Leftists are useful idiots. They’ve had their heads stuffed full of anti-American stupidity. Some of them are bad people, but all of them have bad ideas. Take the case of the two women hit by the car on I-5 in Seattle. Some Leftist idiot told them that the best way to protest was to walk on the highway and inconvenience people. Some black guy from Ethiopia decided he didn’t want to play that game, and now one of them is dead and the other was in critical condition, last I heard. All because some Leftist asshole sold them a bum steer. I’m sure the Leftists were disappointed that the driver was a black guy. Doesn’t fit the narrative and they can’t use the women as martyrs to the cause.

Ken B said...

He'll build the park right after he builds the wall.

Am I the only one who thinks this is Althouse's “How Trump lost me” post? Biden lies about “good people” and waffles on violence and cannot finish a paragraph, but ... statues!

CWJ said...

Ken B,

You make a possible point. I'll reserve judgement until 1) Biden is actually nominated, and 2) Althouse lays out her how Trump lost me reason. If these jibe, I'll give you all the credit.

Kevin said...

I don't want to pay for this.

Wait until you see the Dem’s cost of removing “systemic racism”.

You’ll beg for the statue garden.

Nichevo said...

doctrev said...
I Love Lucy was a fine show, but it's not as historically significant as being a Confederate general or Founding Father. You'd have to be truly vapid to believe otherwise, much less claim that Lucille Ball or anyone in her orbit belongs in a celebration of America's greatest heroes.



Spoiler alert: Ann is truly vapid.

John henry said...

Ken B

He's built 225 or 250 miles of wall so far and is building more as you grouse.

That's 30' high wall not e strands of barb wire.

And he's gotten that done in the face of lots of opposition

John Henry

Michael K said...

Ann is a 60s hippie and doing the best she can.

ken in tx said...

It looks like some people here are not familiar with the Lucy Statue scandal. It was ugly.

A great look at the possible alternative to Columbus discovering the new world can be found in Orson Scott Card's “Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus". It's thought provoking fiction.

Drago said...

adSs: "Anywho, I only gave a little to DJT (and nothing was a straight donation to him) but his folks won’t stop hitting me up."

Lefty proclaims himself shocked SHOCKED that political fundraisers try different tactics to get previous donors to donate again.

Later Tonight: adSs is stunned to discover that TV shows are actually funded by advertising revenue and subscription fees.