Happy Loyalty Day

[Angelyne]

All hail the Dear Leader!

Loyalty Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

America was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring freedom to our Nation. Today, our citizens are grateful for our Founding Fathers and confident in the principles that lead us forward. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the blessings of freedom and remember our responsibility to continue our legacy of liberty.

Our Nation has never been united simply by blood, birth, or soil, but instead has always been united by the ideals that move us beyond our background and teach us what it means to be Americans. We believe deeply in freedom and self-government, values embodied in our cherished documents and defended by our troops over the course of generations. Our citizens hold the truths of our founding close to their hearts and demonstrate their loyalty in countless ways. We are inspired by the patriotic service of the men and women who wear our Nation's uniform with honor and decency. The military spouses and families who stand by their loved ones represent the best of the American spirit, and we are profoundly grateful for their sacrifice. Our country is strengthened by the millions of volunteers who show deep compassion toward their neighbors in need. All citizens can express their loyalty to the United States by flying the flag, participating in our democracy, and learning more about our country's grand story of courage and simple dream of dignity.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day." This Loyalty Day, and throughout the year, I ask all Americans to join me in reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2007, as Loyalty Day. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in this national observance and to display the flag of the United States on Loyalty Day as a symbol of pride in our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/04/20070430-3.html

"Loyalty Day"? Could this sound anymore fascist?

Just replace the words "United States of America" with "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" and George Bush with "Kim Jong-il" and it would sound exactly like a DPRK press release.

[Fermented Yeast Paste]

Fascist != Propagandist.

And Loyalty Day has been around officially since the 1950s. Not that I really care about this or give a crap what Bush has to say, though.

[Decade]

You all are avoiding the real question about this


WILL I GET THE DAY OFF FROM WORK FOR A NATIONAL HOLIDAY FOR NOW ON OR NOT??

[Angelyne]

And Loyalty Day has been around officially since the 1950s. Not that I really care about this or give a crap what Bush has to say, though.

So you're comfortable celebrating a holiday that was created at the height of McCarthyism and Cold War paranoia? Personally, I'd prefer to forget that dark chapter of American history. Considering the historical context of this holiday and the fact that we already have several patriotic holidays, this holiday should fall into disuse.

But really, quote where I specifically blamed Bush for this abomination of a holiday. I wouldn't be comfortable with this holiday or the language of that proclamation no matter who was in charge.

[Fermented Yeast Paste]

So you're comfortable celebrating a holiday that was created at the height of McCarthyism and Cold War paranoia? Personally, I'd prefer to forget that dark chapter of American history. Considering the historical context of this holiday and the fact that we already have several patriotic holidays, this holiday should fall into disuse.

But really, quote where I specifically blamed Bush for this abomination of a holiday. I wouldn't be comfortable with this holiday or the language of that proclamation no matter who was in charge.
Actually no, I just said that I don't care about it. How does that mean I'm comfortable celebrating it? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/Ph4t3/Emot/confused-1.gif

I didn't say that you blamed Bush for this, I was just stating that it's not exactly anything new worth upset about. Then I said that I didn't care what Bush had to say about.

As far as I can see, it already sort of has fallen into disuse. Nobody I know celebrates or is even aware of this holiday.

[ミュー]

Anyone want American expats to celebrate disloyalty day by pissing on the Embassy??

[japanat]

I'll observe Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans' Day. I don't need some piss-ant, rah-rah "Loyalty Day" to prove I'm a 'good American'. What a crock of Junior High School psycho-babble!

[羽之助]

God save our gracious Queen~

oh, wait. Never mind.

[akitaka]

You all are avoiding the real question about this


WILL I GET THE DAY OFF FROM WORK FOR A NATIONAL HOLIDAY FOR NOW ON OR NOT??
Happy loyalty day! Now get back to work...for your country!

[Roxie]

Loyalty Day?
Are there going to be any sales?

Please. I think my near 13 years in public school (couting kindergarten) of having to say the pledge everday and in combo with Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, President's Day, and Veterans' Day is enough.

[Mechs]

HAPPY LOYALTY DAY!!!

Just replace the words "United States of America" with "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" and George Bush with "Kim Jong-il" and it would sound exactly like a DPRK press release.

Better include Congress too somehow then :blank:.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day."

Making a holiday is not a one man show.

[羽之助]

Loyalty Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the Eternal President of the Democratic People's Unified Republic of America

The DPURA was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring revolution to our Nation. Today, our citizens are grateful for our Founding Fathers and confident in the principles that lead us forward. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the blessings of revolution and remember our responsibility to continue our expanding of the cultural revolution.

The Supreme People's Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day." This Loyalty Day, and throughout the year, I order all Americans to reaffirm our unquestioning allegiance to the Nation and the Party.

Better?
十文字

[Jay]

Much.

Thank fuck I'm Australian.

[Buckwheat]

Hah like anyone in congress actually reads the laws they vote on.

[Eddie Echoplex]

This is one of the few times I'm grateful that I'm Mexican.

[Mechs]

Such negative reactions.....

[japanat]

It just seems like such a useless "holiday". We have the Fourth of July to celebrate the founding of our country. Various holidays like Presidents' Day and Martin Luther King, Jr day to honor some people who have had a profound effect upon our country. Veterans' Day to celebrate those who have served in the armed forces to protect the country and its citizens; and Memorial Day to honor those who paid the ultimate price of their lives for us. Also, don't forget Flag Day, others that I've forgotten at this moment.

To me, this holiday feels like an attempt to brand those who do not agree with current foreign policy as disloyal. As George W. said, "You're either with us, or against us." Yet one of the most difficult things a 'loyal' American could do would be to stand against policies they disagreed with, and attempt to legally influence people on a wide enough scale to change American law and culture. Think of civil rights, women's rights, the truly universal right to vote, among others.

I'm not anti-loyalty (I have several friends who are career military, and considered a military career myself), just anti-enforced loyalty. Seems too Soviet/Sandanista/Nazi/nationalistic, too knee-jerk, too lacking of thought for me.

[Plekto]

http://www.themodernword.com/eco/eco_blackshirt.html

We're closer than you think.

Fascism actually has only a little to do with socialism. But of course, our leaders told us that it socialism=communism=USSR/China=bad and we believed it for half a century almost.

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:2Og0P1NoZHcJ:korotonomedya.googlepa ges.com/umbertoeco-ur-fascism.pdf+ur-fascism&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us
The original article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism
The reality is that it commonly takes the form of a very ultra-conservative and NOT socialistic design. Sure, there is a projected image of "The State", but the reality is that beyond that fake veneer, internally it functions as a typical old-school authoritarian system. Big power, control of the media, the military and major economic sectors all falling in line to promote the constant, never-ending war with "The Enemy"...

You wonder why our leaders are constantly looking for another country to invade? Because after almost reaching a level of normalcy(as much as is possible in a typical government), the same people still wanted power. They needed a target - *any target* to continue the system that the Cold War had set up. Now, with a never-ending war on terrorism, they are now free to be the thugs they want to be once more. And this is beautiful when you think about it in a cynical way. 50,100,200 years... It makes no difference... this is the *perpetual New Cold War*, because short of a one-world government, there will always be terrorists and enemies of the state and so on.

At least until we get nuked into the Stone Age for our hubris. Maybe not now, but in 50 or 100 years if we keep this up, it'll happen. And it's why Fascism is such a bad thing. Because when it finally falls apart, everything hits rock bottom. After WWII, Half of Germany almost starved to death during the first year. It was apalling, in fact, and only through Herculean efforts did they manage to survive.

Me? I don't want to see this ever happen or have my son have to witness it. So, yeah... the idea of bringing back "Loyalty Day" sends up a definite warning sign that they would-be Fascists are at it again.

[Mechs]

I'm not anti-loyalty (I have several friends who are career military, and considered a military career myself), just anti-enforced loyalty. Seems too Soviet/Sandanista/Nazi/nationalistic, too knee-jerk, too lacking of thought for me.

But, you're not forced to celebrate this holiday. I understand what you mean, but I really don't think anybody is going to force you to celebrate loyalty day. It's not like the CIA or FBI is going to show up to your apartment/house and take you away for not celebrating it.

I don't really think anybody will celebrate the day and it will be mostly forgot about, and die a quiet death once the law expires.

[stsparky]

Again? These buttheads never left. In the 50s - it was Communists, in the 60s - it was the youth culture, in the 70s - half of America was on Nixon's enemy list, in the 80s - Reagan attacked the middle class and the poor; etc. They've draped themselves in either/both Religion or Politics to better control those they view at sheep. It's amazing most folks have forgotten how tight Ted Haggard (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ted_Haggard&redirect=no) and Mark Foley (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mark_Foley&redirect=no) were with the Decider (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_W._Bush&redirect=no).

[Plekto]

True. Just by the late 90s, it was getting hard for them to survive. I mean, the Cold War was finished over a decade earlier and the country was decidedly liberal in its slant. They needed to keep the whole thing going - and 9/11 was a perfect opportunity that they exploited towards their goals.

Now we have a New Cold War - which probably will still be going in some fashion 30 or 40 years from now.

[Mechs]

True. Just by the late 90s, it was getting hard for them to survive. I mean, the Cold War was finished over a decade earlier and the country was decidedly liberal in its slant. They needed to keep the whole thing going - and 9/11 was a perfect opportunity that they exploited towards their goals.

Now we have a New Cold War - which probably will still be going in some fashion 30 or 40 years from now.

"New Cold War"......now how did you ever come to that conclusion?

[Jetsetlemming]

Does it have to be loyalty to the gubment? How bout just loyalty in general? :D
EVERBODY HAPPY NOW! EVERYBODY DANCE!

[Plekto]

"New Cold War"......now how did you ever come to that conclusion?

Having lived through part of the original Cold Car myself, the US vs Them mentality, black ops budgets, huge military spending, invading any place we felt was a supporter of Communism(except for China)... It's all the same now - just a different name and target.

Was:Communism
Now:Terrorists

Was:USSR and China and Cuba
Now:Any country we wish.


In effect, it's a Cold War without the defined enemy - so there's no potential for an end in the next decade or two - or possibly ever. Only if we reign in these elements of our government and remove them from power will we ever stand a chance to NOT be at war with some supporter of terrorism. Oh - sorry - terrorism means not supporting the U.S.'s interests fully. Look at the flak Thailand is taking now over wanting to do an endrun around our pharmaceutical companies. HEaven help you if you do something as suicidal as kicking our oil companies out (Venezuela is going to get mauled in a few years at this rate) or try to kick our military bases out...