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Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight’
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
We celebrate our freedom on July 4th. We honor the words of both National Anthem and The Declaration of Independence and keep them close to our hearts. They are the guidelines by which we live, by which we enjoy the freedoms of the best country in the world…..
How proud I am to be an American. How grateful I am to the men and women who now serve in the armed forces and hold high those who have given their lives so that I can live the life I have. A life of Freedom.
A freedom, to come and go as I please. A freedom to choose who I feel would best guide our great country. AND most of all the freedom to worship as I see fit.
We are a fortunate people. There are billions of people today living under the thumb of those that believe diversity isn’t something to be tolerated. As Americans we know that diversity is and will always be who we are. That diversity is what makes us great.
We have proven that ‘the experiment’ our forefathers tried, has worked. We are strong and will always defend the liberties they have afforded us.
I am proud to be an American. I thank those who are here for me and those who have come before me to allow me to live in this great country.
Happy Independence Day!
Who is there for me…?
To pick me up when I have fallen,
To mend my heart when it is broken,
To feed me when I am hungry, and guide me when I am lost?
May the great Eagle catch me in his loving and strong wings when I have fallen.
May the soft wind that carries the bird song, heal my broken heart.
May the black earth that binds us all feed me, and may the Great Owl, with his wisdom, speak to the Spirits of those before me, to help me find my way.
You may think I walk this earth alone…but the Spirits of many are only waiting…Silently standing beside me..
I need only to ask and quietly listen….
“Bye, Bye Miss American Pie”
Boston Globe, June 9, 2010, page A9: “Copyright enforcement jeopardizing live music in small venues”
The Scenario; Sunday morning there’s a knock at my door. “Yes, how may I help you?”
A burly man in a cheap polyester suit, that looked as though it was purchased at Sears decades ago, stands before me. “Good morning, I understand you had a get together here yesterday, is that true?”
“Ah, yes, it was a birthday party for my great grandson, he turned one.”
“Am I to believe you had 18 people here, excluding the infant?
“Why yes, how did you…what is this all about and who are you?”
“Here is my business card. I represent the PRO, performance rights organizations, which collect royalties for songwriters and other copyrighting infringements.”
“So, what does that have to do with us?”
“Well, I have information, oh by the way this is documented, that you sang “Happy Birthday, Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star, Itzy, Bitzy Spider and that your brother the Minister, blessed the child quoting from a Gideon Bible.”
“Wait, what are you talking about…infringements? And how in hell do you know what happens in my home?”
“We have our sources, is this information correct? Please answer the questions; I would prefer not to call the local authorities.”
“Yes, yes we did have a party and we sang a few children’s songs. And yes, my brother blessed our great grandson. So, what’s the big deal?”
“Well then you are in violation of section 12, lines 22 through 31 of the newly established laws protecting copyrights. Here is your violation ticket stating the fines that you owe. If the amount is not paid within 30 days, you will be notified of a court date. If you chose to fight this in the courts I guarantee you will lose. The law is the law. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Looking down at the piece of paper the aged woman was flabbergasted.
Songs sung Citizens Fines Total
“Happy Birthday” 18 $1.00 $18.00
“Itzy Bitzy Spider” 3 $1.00 $3.00
“Twinkle, Twinkle” 5 $1.00 $5.00
Readings from Bible 16 $1.00 $16.00
Total fine for the above infractions: $42.00
The truth; the songs above do have copyrights to them and singing them would actually violate the law. Books written about religion have a copyrights, so actually any quote from them is in violation, as are quotes from any of the great American poets, etc.
This organization, The PRO even attacked and threatened a law suit against the Girl Scouts for the campfire songs they sing. There has to be a cut off somewhere…
“Bye, bye miss American pie…took the Chevy to the levy and the levy was dry.
And good ole boys are eating cookies and pie, singing this is the day that I die”
Alright, I had to change the words, copyright and all.
But, you get the message. The street performer, the church choirs, the individual at an open mic, these are all in danger of no longer performing for our pleasure, or theirs.
Oh oh, there is a knock on the door! Quick hide the Boy Scouts!
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