In one of my very favorite stories, Edward Everett Hale’s “The Man without a Country,” a young Army lieutenant named Philip Nolan stands condemned for treason during the Revolutionary War, having come under the influence of Aaron Burr. When the judge asks him if he wishes to say anything before sentence is passed, young Nolan defiantly exclaims, “Damn the United States! I wish I might never hear of the United States again!”
The stunned silence in the courtroom is palpable, pulsing. After a long pause, the judge soberly says to the angry lieutenant: “You have just pronounced your own sentence. You will never hear of the United States again. I sentence you to spend the rest of your life at sea, on one or another of this country’s naval vessels – under strict orders that no one will ever speak to you again about the country you have just cursed.”
And so it was. Philip Nolan was taken away and spent the next 40 years at sea, never hearing anything but an occasional slip of the tongue about America. The last few pages of the story, recounting Nolan’s dying hours in his small stateroom – now turned into a shrine to the country he foreswore – never fail to bring me to tears. And I find my own love for this dream, this miracle called America, refreshed and renewed. I know how blessed and unique we are.
Read the rest at
The president without a country by Pat Boone – June 06, 2009
I have a feeling the republicans who sold out will pay a steep price next November.Its one thing in a state like mine where the Republicans are considered comic relief,but when you can make a difference and still capitulate there are consequences.
Lil Buzz figured out how to put the Duplos together. He made this tower all by himself. I’m so impressed! When he was here, not too long ago, he was still hit-or-miss on getting the shapes into the shape sorter holes. More “jam it and hope for the best” than “match the shape to the hole.” Matching up the Duplos so they snap together is a big step! ::beamingGrammy::
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.””