By this time on the morning of July 4 I have read and heard (via podcasts) many encomiums (encomia?) about America's greatness and promise on this anniversary. But yours tops them all in historical sweep, cultural breadth, and luminous prose. I come away reassured that we—the American hoi polloi—and our country are far greater than today's tendentious political noise, corruption, and general stupidity.
MY DAD - "America First was stupid the first time. I expect this will be no different."
ANDREW JACKSON - "I made two mistakes as president. I didn't shoot Henry Clay and I didn';t hang John C. Calhoun."
THE OLD COLONEL - "Boys, you're ever somewhere and nobody spika da English, just get out your Zippo and start setting dollar bills on fire. You'll have an interpreter for less than five bucks."
Wonderful job, my friend who I haven't met. For my music trivia quiz that I send weekly to a group of friends, this week I asked for songs reflecting the American experience. I chose "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66." Until I researched the song I never knew it was first recorded in 1947 by the Nat King Cole Trio, and treated as a "race record" by Billboard magazine. That reinforces it as American in my book (nevermind that the Rolling Stones covered it on an early album of the group.
Jay, sometimes you astonish me with the breadth and knowledge. Before I became a regular reader, I thought you were just another music critic. Boy, was I wrong!
Not to echo these comments, but…I echo these comments. Beautiful and inspiring message and prose!
Thank you so much, Jim.
Damn right
Bravo, Jay. Here's to the Republic—long may we keep it.
Best thing I have read in a long time.
Thank you, Mark.
By this time on the morning of July 4 I have read and heard (via podcasts) many encomiums (encomia?) about America's greatness and promise on this anniversary. But yours tops them all in historical sweep, cultural breadth, and luminous prose. I come away reassured that we—the American hoi polloi—and our country are far greater than today's tendentious political noise, corruption, and general stupidity.
Thank you, Craig.
QUOTING GREAT AMERICANS
MY DAD - "America First was stupid the first time. I expect this will be no different."
ANDREW JACKSON - "I made two mistakes as president. I didn't shoot Henry Clay and I didn';t hang John C. Calhoun."
THE OLD COLONEL - "Boys, you're ever somewhere and nobody spika da English, just get out your Zippo and start setting dollar bills on fire. You'll have an interpreter for less than five bucks."
Wonderfully stated. Happy 4th!
You too, Kevin!
Wonderful job, my friend who I haven't met. For my music trivia quiz that I send weekly to a group of friends, this week I asked for songs reflecting the American experience. I chose "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66." Until I researched the song I never knew it was first recorded in 1947 by the Nat King Cole Trio, and treated as a "race record" by Billboard magazine. That reinforces it as American in my book (nevermind that the Rolling Stones covered it on an early album of the group.
Thank you, TP!
Jay, sometimes you astonish me with the breadth and knowledge. Before I became a regular reader, I thought you were just another music critic. Boy, was I wrong!
Ha, thx.
Jay, this is simply astonishing writing.
I know you have a message, and that the purpose of the essay is not for you to promote yourself.
Some folks deliver a message with words, with notes, or through the words of others.
But this was an absolute joy to read, and I salute you for the effort.
I am a sixty-three-year-old Canadian who has been warned of the impending demise of the United States for as long as can be remembered.
And, yet, there She stands.
We won the lottery of geography, Brother, stacking up next to you folks.
Happy Independence Day!!
Thank you!