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Past presidents have used the 4th to swear in naturalized citizens it was never about them, can you imagine Trump swearing in immigrants. I don't expect this to be a unifying experience with Trump, should go as well as Nixon's celebration in 1970 that ended in a brawl with people tipping over light trucks into the pool.
Be honest, it's impossible for Trump to do anything unifying because the far left won't let it happen. They've spent the last 3 years fomenting hatred, they aren't stopping now. Trump could be the Dalai Lama and Buddha rolled into one, and they would still hate him. Hell, he could solve every perceived crisis currently facing humanity and Clinton's sycophants would still vilify him.
Pretend all you want, but the left's reaction to Trump's presidency has done far more harm to society than his actual presidency has.
I didn't want Trump for president, I didn't vote for him, and I really don't like him as a person. That being said, blaming him for not being a uniter in a society where his opposition has taken division to the levels of fine art is a bit hypocritical.
I'm not giving the Republicans a pass on divisiveness, for the record. The far right has their own share of issues to deal with. However, spending the 8 years of Obama's presidency griping about R divisiveness and obstructionism and then deciding to double down on it gives the Democrats a massive lead.
Well, this is certainly the same topic as in another thread with just a bit of a different approach and "tack" toward divisiveness. The real question that begs asking: Why and for what purpose does Trump (and his spokespeople and his agitators) desire to transform this long standing and highly successful Independence Day tradition( for all Americans ) into a partisan and political show of disunion?
My opinion remains the same for this thread as in the other because, freedom lovers, to borrow your phrase, phma, agree, this D.C. celebration should remain apolitical and one of unity, as it has been for more than 50 years.
Why, you may ask?
The National Mall has become a popular destination for tourists and Washingtonians alike to celebrate “A Capitol Fourth” the annual free concert and fireworks display at the West Lawn of the Capitol. Immediately preceding the fireworks it is tradition for the band to play Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannon fire. This very large celebration has been going on for more than 50 years. Presidents have not inserted themselves.
Fireworks on the Mall, which the National Park Service has orchestrated for more than half a century, draws hundreds of thousands of Americans annually and marks one of the highlights of the city’s tourist season. The event has been broadcast live on television since 1947 and since 1981 has been accompanied by a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol featuring high-profile musicians and a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. A "Capitol Fourth" as it has been called, forever, is a daylong 8 a.m. to 10 p.m wonderful event. I have been to more than 10... we always located the same spot under the same tree, most years, and picnicked and toured and celebrated the day. It has been a carefree, united, non-partisan and non-political event.
This year President Trump has effectively taken charge of our nation's premier Fourth of July celebration. He has demanded moving the gargantuan fireworks display from its usual spot on the Mall to be closer to the Potomac River and he's making plans to address the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He seems to think it is his party, never done before, and even sending out a silly tweet about saving the date. Ugh. It is not his! It existed before him and it will exist after him. It is not about him.
It is a celebration of our nation and not to be politicized. He has cast himself into a starring role where none is needed or wanted. Independence is the star. I have been to numerous Capitol Fourths and it definitely is a time for the people. No leader is required and presidents do not insert themselves.
The president’s take over and now starring role has the potential to turn what has long been a nonpartisan celebration of the nation’s founding into another version of a Trump campaign rally. Officials said it is unclear how much the changes may cost, but the plans have already raised alarms among city officials and some lawmakers about the potential impact of such major alterations to a time-honored and well-organized summer tradition. It truly is so well organized...I am always amazed at how it runs like an oiled machine.
In addition to adding an address by himself, he's changed the name to a "Salute to America,” and as mentioned shifted the fireworks a mile southwest of its usual location which was near the Washington Monument. The fireworks are stunning over the Washington Monument...truly breathtaking ...now?
This revised Independence Day celebration is two years of attempts by Trump to create a major patriotic event centered on him and his supporters, including failed efforts to mount a military parade modeled on the Bastille Day celebration in France.
The problem with Trump inserting himself with his changed plans to long held traditions and his thoughts that this is some new idea to celebrate America on the 4th? He is going to and already has polarized what has typically been a unifying event for Americans.
It’s not about any one president. It’s about how our nation came to be, because of a hardy band of brave men and women. It’s not about any one person, it’s about ‘We, the people.’
^^^ This is why Americans care.
It was bad enough that Mr. Trump sought to make the holiday about himself with plans to deliver a nationally televised address from the Lincoln Memorial, with planes and military arsenal surrounding himself. But now he plans to cordon off this area (considered by some to be one of the best spots to previously gather for the event) in front of the memorial and reserve it just for dignitaries and GOP donors and friends and family.
Nothing about reserved seating says, "We the people."
trump breaking EVERY single norm of how a president should behave... and HUNDREDS of Republicans in the Congress and Senate dont dare to speak against this.
Either, they really want a strong Dictator ruling their lives.. or they are frightened little boys and girls.
Either way...everything the Republican party has stood for the last 60 years.. are now just BS. They burned their credibility..
But with the next Democratic President, they will again moan, cry, protest and scream even if he or she does 1/10 similar things to how trump behaves.
and now... Military parade for trumpty dumpty. I wonder if he has gotten a uniform made for himself.
Then he can relive the dreams of his heroic Vietnam draft dodging.
Disliking Trump and his ridiculous wannabe dictator antics does not equate to hating the USA any more than you hating Obama equates to you hating the USA.
Having disdain for a 4th of July parade is hating the USA. I'm sure you were fine Obama celebrating Gay Pride by lighting up the White House with the rainbow colors. It's OK to celebrate that but not our contry's founding? That's hate.
Having disdain for a 4th of July parade is hating the USA. I'm sure you were fine Obama celebrating Gay Pride by lighting up the White House with the rainbow colors. It's OK to celebrate that but not our contry's founding? That's hate.
So because someone dislikes Trump they automatically hate America?
“HOLD THE DATE!” Trump tweeted. “We will be having one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C., on July 4th. It will be called “A Salute To America” and will be held at the Lincoln Memorial. Major fireworks display, entertainment and an address by your favorite President, me!”
Never mind how acerbic and brash President Trump can get sometimes. We just need to stop and pause and celebrate our great country and enjoy that day. He is only echoing what a lot of real Americans actually want. But today's left just doesn't want that happening. Today's left only wants to control and destroy us. That's the only real mission they have. They've been rejected by the American people and are going to continue to put off many Democrats who'd rather go to the center and not far left. The left thinks they're the majority and that they own everything. Well, they clearly don't.
In the meantime, the rest of us, including our President, will have a great Fourth!
"Well the other two guys I idolize get to show off their military toys in biggly yuge parades, why can't I"
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