John Edwards Is Just SUCH A LOSER! (Mouthy Bawstonians Take Special Note)

Yes, he is just such a loser as George Washington was, my friends.

When the mouthy upstarts in Boston picked a fight they couldn't finish, George Washington saddled up and pulled their bacon out of the fire. http://etext.virginia.edu/washington/fitzpatrick/">Washington's letters to his brother - among his many surviving writings - carped endlessly (and accurately, even in the 1990s) about the general demeanor of the locals.

Like Edwards, George Washington inspired his troops to feats of practical - if inconceivable - heroics.

In May 1775, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_Fort_Ticonderoga">Ethan Allen effected the surprise capture of Fort Ticonderoga. The ammunition and big guns he captured in this surprise attack would be critical to lifting the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Boston">British blockade of Boston Harbor, and permit Washington to move on with the rest of the War.

In March 1776 (almost a full year later), these captured guns were silently moved into place on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortification_of_Dorchester_Heights">Dorchester Heights, with a commanding view of the Harbor. Contemporary accounts of the stealth operation marveled that the intermittent foggy weather and bright moon even seemed to cooperate, to light their way when needed, and then to hide their nighttime maneuvers when they risked exposure.

Oh, weren't the well-financed, well-supplied, deeply entrenched Royalists surprised to awaken that fateful morn, and discover that a very grown-up operation had taken place overnight!

In Boston, to this day, they celebrate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evacuation_Day_%28Massachusetts%29">Evacuation Day on March 17th, which - as good fortune would have it - is also St. Patrick's Day. The courts are wide shut, and the pubs are wide open.

Tories in the tonier part of Cambridge - Brattle Street, or Tory Row - fled under the magnanimous and orderly evacuation permitted by General Washington, a true gentleman and grown-up.

Fittingly, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=brattle+street+tory+row+george+washington+headquarters">Washington used a Tory Row house for his new headquarters. I think it might have had an oval-shaped room, but that is probably lost to the mists of history.

On my way to and from classes, I enjoyed finding new markers, including the one on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_Common">Cambridge Common (too frequently overlooked) where Washington first mustered his men.

When mouthy upstarts and smug Royalist Tories are at loggerheads, an inspiring leader like George Washington - supplied with some big guns and new ammunition by loyal and daredevil followers - can make all the difference in the world.

And, boys and girls, in the Information Age, as in the Age of Enlightenment: scientia potentia est, et caveat elector (knowledge is power, and beware her voters, loosely translated from the Latin).

- Dave

P.S. On edit: As I see it, the grown-ups should continue to make common cause with the mouthy upstarts, and the mouthy upstarts should be grateful to have someone capable of giving practical effect to their little tea party.

This is one that I'll be able to share with my youngest son, he's studying this historical time, this week! He's been home sick, and yours will make a far greater read than his textbook could.

Sorry to hear he's sick. I love helping make history come alive for kids, and can rec some resources that are guaranteed to overcome short attention spans.

:toast:

- Dave

I think I could benefit from history presented in manner 'guaranteed to overcome short attention spans'(since I often multi-task).

thanks!

... so give me a little time to prep them, and I'll share.

- Dave

... can be found in this http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4254251&mesg_id=4254251">thread about tomorrow's Edwards fundraising drive. Show it some love, won't you?

- Dave

He's 12. I try like hell to take from the text and put it into my own words, so it isn't as dry. It does help, somewhat LOL.

On a side note: He's quite the little "anti-corp" fellow, and with his sketching talents has made some REALLY funny cartoons (ripping into Bush getting his friend rich), etc. As I clean up, once in while I come across sketches on napkins, that are FOREVER saved!

... first, I'm teary-eyed. What a GREAT parent your kids have.

:hug:

He's an anti-corporate type at 12? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I'm pretty sure I knew one of those once.

:think:

He might enjoy http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10634-2004Jun2.html">Washington's Western Adventure, in which the Founder got his capitalist litigious side on. Be sure to point out the illustrations, and let him know there is an incredibly good living in politically-aware/historically-accurate sketchings. (He would probably love the http://www.newseum.org/">Newseum, too, which has some great political graphics exhibits; if you're ever in DC, look me up, and I'll be happy to play tour guide.)

He might also enjoy reading and sinking his little anti-corporate mind into the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%26O_Canal">C&O Canal boondoggle, and many Founders' roles in it. Many early joint stock companies in America had prominent Founders involved, and the stories of how some went "off the rails" can really illustrate that a lot of patterns of human behavior don't really change that much.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton">Alexander Hamilton's involvement with the founding of the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_new_york">Bank of New York - and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_jefferson">Jefferson's impassioned statements against the banking system Hamilton proposed - are riveting tales, too: "I sincerely believe, with you, that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies; and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."

Hamilton is (by far) my favorite Founder, but Jefferson raised some great points.

Have you been to Colonial Williamsburg with him?

- Dave

I've just expanded his "educational" folder heh!:toast:

I'll be certain to point out the illustrations... as a matter of fact, I've printed your post and he'll be reading it later. Kids LOVE when you talk about them (well, mine do anyway).

There were a few shows on that I just DVR'd relating to the Boston Massacre, and the periods that immediately follow..which is just what his class is covering this semester.




Haven't had the chance to take him to Colonial Williamsburg yet, but this would be a great year to do it.

Thanks for everything, as always!

"I'll be certain to point out the illustrations... as a matter of fact, I've printed your post and he'll be reading it later. Kids LOVE when you talk about them (well, mine do anyway)."

Yup. And being talked with (not to) like they're equally valid when they express opinions.

If you get this way, there are some worthwhile collections of wartime propaganda posters, too.

"There were a few shows on that I just DVR'd relating to the Boston Massacre, and the periods that immediately follow..which is just what his class is covering this semester."

PBS has a terrific series called http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/">Liberty!

The History Channel has a good one it re-runs frequently, too.

"Haven't had the chance to take him to Colonial Williamsburg yet, but this would be a great year to do it."

I know Williamsburg/surrounding area as well as my hometown, and my partner and I get down there as often as we can both find the time. There's GREAT outlet shopping too, for school clothes, etc., plus Busch Gardens, Jamestown, Yorktown, etc.

Twelve is a perfect age for it: young enough to participate in a lot of the interactive games (e.g., on the common lawn, they teach old fashioned games), yet old enough to fully grasp some of the more nuanced exhibits.

Here's to the next great political sketcher! Hope he feels better, too.

:toast:

- Dave

I checked to see if that was what I caught on DVR.. it wasn't (I dvr'd from history channel, I'm leary sometimes of it's accuracy so I'll watch it first). The Liberty site is great too... it even provides a good time line, which is useful.

Btw, he said thanks for the info!:thumbsup:

If/when you get ready to plan that trip to Colonial Williamsburg, let me know; I know some great money-saving and time-saving tips, to make the whole thing more memorable and enjoyable for the whole family.

Glad he enjoyed. Hope he feels better.

- Dave

:toast:

- Dave

if he's still on the ballot in April when we have the PA primary - I'll be voting for Edwards

if not - not sure who I will go with, might flip a coin, or not vote on primary candidates at all and just do the local stuff (if there's anything)

... let me be the first to say that I don't know who you pissed off to have the plagues visited upon you, but there ain't no way in hell I'm shaking your hand!

Another wreck?!?

If I were your neighbor, I'd be selling before the toads and locusts arrived.

Second, may I humbly urge you to vote for him regardless, to help him get to the 15% threshold that gives him delegates? Trust me. Even if there is a numerical victor, it may not be "over" before the convention, given what the superdelegates, regular delegates, and the rest of America may soon come to learn.

- Dave

Either way, it's not over in November anyway... this is a MOVEMENT, if I have anything to say about it!

:yourock:

... when captured guns and ammo from a while back might be brought to bear in a decisive (dare I say it?) "rout" of the adversary.

- Dave

Just got home - rental company gave me new car. got the additional info I needed from the guy that hit me, filled out some paperwork for rental car place,

The guy was driving a work vehicle - so it's up to the rental car company and his employer's insurance companies to fight it out

GOOD NEWS: my partner has been out of work since September. Today she gets a call from someone she knows, that person's sister is a manager for a small mall (converted from an old factory) - one of her tenants is expanding, took over another 3,000 feet of space and yesterday their office manager gave a two week notice.

My partner's connection called when we got back from car rental, telling her to e-mail resume to sister who will WALK it over to the tenant.

partner sent resume right away... Keeping fingers crossed

... at making the trains run on time, as I recall, right?

:toast: <-------------- to partners who have COO stamped on the soles of their feet

- Dave

... for small favors.

:hug:

You OK?

- Dave

psychically and emotionally I'm a wreak

but keeping my fingers/toes crossed for partner's possible job offer..

going to try to work on a toon later, after a couple of drinks or three or four.. It's a 'complicated' one graphically, probably won't be ready for a couple of days

brain and emotions may be frazzled, but humor and wit are intact

... fortified with grain alcohol.

:toast:

- Dave

one large drink to calm the nerves and another to toast good luck with interview

Gotta love small towns.

:bounce:

Good luck!!!

- Dave

... but since you're in "the right mindset" right about now, you should http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4260441&mesg_id=4260441">get out your poempen, and lay out some frustration.

- Dave

I was telling someone a couple of days ago about a database program I had to write when I was taking CoBOL years ago.

we had to create a program that collected information on inventory, allowing new items to be added/removed from the listing, shelf counts etc.

What we called the company, what it sold was up to us.

Once I had the program running correctly, I had to give it a name and come up with a "test run" of the program complete with items in inventory

It was late, I was getting punchy. I called the company Merry Marvin's MIRTH Market, it sold whoopee cushions, joy buzzers, rubber dog poo, fake ice cubes with flies in them...

when the assignment was graded and returned the instructor looked at me and said "Merry Marvin's Mirth Market???!!! Now that would never expected out of you."

I smirked and replied "still waters run deep"

I got an A

... is often the best! Sleep deprivation as humor-inducing tool is used in some of the finest writing establishments on the planet.

:toast:

- Dave

then that kind of explains the entire bush misadministration for the past 7+years

bush thinks the whole thing is one big joke

... around 10 each night?

Your idea was uninhibited genius - part of what the sleep deprivation exercises are intended to demonstrate to burgeoning comedy writers.

- Dave

his "pilly" - (pillow, that's what he calls it and won't go anywhere without it)

as for me - two-three Kahlua and creams, heavy on the Kahlua, have kicked in and it's time for me to go snuggle with my mooshkat

good night, take care and i luv ya!

:hug:

:loveya:

:pals:

- Dave

if he's on the ballot when I go to vote at the end of April - he's got mine

don't know how far ahead the state preps the machines for voting, so as long as he's in the race, he has my vote

:thumbsup:

- Dave

Wonderful post - thanks, Dave!

Duck, duck, "happy #5" - tag you're it!

- Dave

..and find much of your knowledge near encyclopedic, I'll add a small known tidbit on what has been called "the first overt act of the revolution".On the evening of Dec. 14, 1774 local patriots from the Portsmouth area of New Hampshire captured the (5 man) British garrison at Fort William and Mary, carrying away 16 cannon and nearly 100 barrels of gunpowder. For more complete info google "Fort Constitution". Originally constructed in 1631 the site is currently open to the public and a coast guard cutter is stationed there....

I love stuff like that! Thanks!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Philippi_(West_Virginia)">You might enjoy this.

- Dave

Thanks for today's history lesson!

... http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=warren+tavern+oldest">trust me on this one, and thank me later.

:toast:

BTW, my partner and I once lived on Bunker Hill. Or was that Breed's Hill?

; )

- Dave

I'm going to work the phones to dig up some more guns and ammunition... Anyone care to join me?

410 Market Street
Suite 400
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

... and jot down thoughts, observations, and woolgatherings.

Your stuff rocks!

- Dave

... I leave the house with, than the quality of the cloth I'm wearing. Sounds like you do, too.

; )

:toast:

- Dave

The only pens worth having.

... of a pen snob.

:toast:

- Dave

... and I hereby retroactively do so.

Shake Willy (TM). Some knights are perved.

I'm off for separate special operations later this afternoon, http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4250468&mesg_id=4250468">having accomplished my assigned mission yesterday.

- Dave

GW is a second cousin, 8 generations removed so I really like it!

Well, his writings - online and searchable - are a treat.

I love reading his "letting his wig down" letters to his brother, especially.

- Dave

a lot more relaxed and fun loving than most people know. My third great grandfather was in Pickets Charge - a few years after the Civil War, a Capt Bond from a NC Division published a booklet called Picket or Pettigrew (http://www.gdg.org/Research/Authored%20Items/bond.html) - my 3rd great granddaddy went through that with a pencil (Thank God it's in good condition and legible) and tore him a new one. Let's just say the language was very colorful! My family is old Virginia (Charlottesville and Richmond). Now his father was pretty neat too - he was James Monroe's secretary in his later years at Oak Hill (http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-55426753.html).

I did my family tree about eight years ago while I was in between jobs and it was addictive. The most interesting thing I discovered was how many first cousins married. That was a testament to the lack of travel and class distinctions. I also was greatly saddened by all the mothers and babies who died in childbirth. It wasn't unusual to see a man that had been married a few times and having about 10-12 children between all the wives. I highly recommend doing a family tree if possible - it is somewhat humbling to see all the generations that came before you.

:rofl:

"a lot more relaxed and fun loving than most people know."

Yup. With no need to embellish, the stories are fantastic, if you tap into them.

"My third great grandfather was in Pickets Charge - a few years after the Civil War, a Capt Bond from a NC Division published a booklet called Picket or Pettigrew (http://www.gdg.org/Research/Authored%20Items/bond.html ) - my 3rd great granddaddy went through that with a pencil (Thank God it's in good condition and legible) and tore him a new one. Let's just say the language was very colorful!"

What's remarkable to me, so often, is how lively even the most "common" person's use of language was back then. Frankly, I think the Internet came along at just the right time to spark a resurgence in this.

"My family is old Virginia (Charlottesville and Richmond)."

We're most likely related.

"Now his father was pretty neat too - he was James Monroe's secretary in his later years at Oak Hill (http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-55426753.html )."

That's a nice vantage point to history. The concept of a private secretary deserves a comeback.

"I did my family tree about eight years ago while I was in between jobs and it was addictive."

I signed up to do one as an independent project in school when I was 8. Been getting my fixes whenever I can ever since.

"The most interesting thing I discovered was how many first cousins married."

:rofl:

Yup, tell me about it. Once my family got to this side of the pond, they settled and stayed mostly in the area now marked by the tri-state region of VA, WV, and KY. Figuring out how you're related to a relative is like figuring out which backroad you're going to take.

"That was a testament to the lack of travel and class distinctions. I also was greatly saddened by all the mothers and babies who died in childbirth. It wasn't unusual to see a man that had been married a few times and having about 10-12 children between all the wives."

Have you accessed the Census reports for your family?

"I highly recommend doing a family tree if possible - it is somewhat humbling to see all the generations that came before you."

In volunteer work, I use the exponential illustration of generations to illustrate how - as the speartip of so many people - each of us is truly, truly unique, like a diamond tip.

- Dave

America will be the real loser.

... "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

- Dave

Put down the crack pipe.

For your http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=washington+civility">enjoyment. Written when he was just a lad.

- Dave

one term Senator to the Father of our Nation is the biggest insult.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10634-2004Jun2.html">If you want to go toe to toe with me on the history of George Washington, that's a debate I relish.

- Dave

The people have spoken on Edwards.

... there.

In order to live up to your screenname, you must have facts in service of truth.

- Dave

poverty line is working part time at a hedge fund.

fact: he will lose this election and go back to his 28,000 sq ft home and pair of SUV's.

Stay tuned.

:popcorn:

- Dave

That poster is one of the newly incarnated 2rth tellers.

2rth 2 powah d00d!

... are like sand merchants for a thirsty traveler. Slakey!

- Dave

... in the free marketplace of ideas.

You'd think the corporatist candidate in the race would show greater sensitivity, and maybe shed a few tears over the state of the free marketplace.

- Dave

are worthy of being summarily ignored by all thinking readers of DU.

I crack myself up sometimes.

... not a bad quality, even when mis-directed.

- Dave

... power is mesmerized when truth talks. How could it possibly ignore you?

- Dave

"9 Spit not into the fire, nor stoop low before it; neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon the fire, especially if there be meat before it."

... in Colonial Williamsburg. Kids love 'em.

- Dave

that I'm from Monmouth County, NJ, now in Florida. I lived about three miles from the actual battle site of The Battle of Monmouth. The Torys headed for what is now called Colts Neck, not far from Red Bank. Thanks for the history lesson, more info on Battle of Monmouth at www.welcometofreehold.com, just in case you need to look something up....

... and have been known to take meandering detours to find obscure battle sites. Monmouth automatically triggers Monmouth, NJ, or the Duke of Monmouth down the synaptic pathways, if that gives you any indication of how much I like that part of history.

: )

Whereabouts in Florida? My family and I often get down to New Smyrna.

- Dave

from Freehold (the County Seat). Molly Pitcher's well is still on the side of the road heading into Englishtown (Manalapan Township)... I'm in West Palm only for the weather, love Jersey but too expensive for a retiree like me to live. I'm off Flagler Drive and look over the intracoastal to Whitehall (home of Henry Flagler)...Love that history...

Oh, man! I am sooooooooooooo jealous. One of these days, man: me, the laptop (with wireless card), a good dog, my partner, the Golden Rolodex, enough booze to blow the boat to smithereenies if Yosemite Sam boards us. This is what I'd name her:



Molly Pitcher!!!

:thumbsup:

Henry Flagler: if you ever find yourself with a particularly generous scratch ticket payout, check out Nemacolin in the PA Poconos. The old planes and cars alone are worth the trip, but when you add in all the old robber baron art and stock certificates, and the food, it's a treat.

Some http://patrickj.smugmug.com/Vacation/2462">pictures.

When we get the Buccaneer Bunny shipshape and stumbleworthy, can we add you to the Golden Rolodex?

We'll bring the booze.

:toast:

- Dave

... but do provide the details by PM, so I can fill out the Rolodex card.

- Dave

that owned slaves?

in Colonial America and large portions of Europe at the time....your point is????

is beyond absurd.

It's easier to criticize than to formulate and defend your own thesis, I know, but do regale us.

- Dave

were either African American or Female they do not "resemble" either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton. And since all of the "Founders" believed that only landowners had the right to vote I don't think they at all resemble Senator Edwards in their attitude toward democracy.

... how quickly political correctness collapses under its own fallacies.

- Dave

is illustrating is illuminating.

:bounce: :bounce:

I enjoyed Southie, Dawchestuh, and Chawlstown quite a bit.

- Dave

Where, south of Boston? I have "in-laws" (or would, absent DOMA and the DLC's "leadership") in the area.

- Dave

deeply entrenched Royalists surprised to awaken that fateful morn, and discover that a very grown-up operation had taken place overnight!"

Love it!

Thanks for a brilliant and fascinating post, Dave.

... are missing some damn fine stories, man!"

:toast:

- Dave

He was chosen just a while after someone attempted to take Washington's life, stayed in for a little over 3 years, prob b.in Maryland was in Virginia when he joined up with Washington, formerly with Co.Daniel Morgan sharp shooters. He married Athaliza Carroll in Virginia and died in Wilkes Co.Georgia in abt 1795, terrible thing is we don't know where he is b. we do however know she is b. in Fayette/Spalding Co.Ga.. lived almost 50 years longer than he did...forgive me but I get excited when Washington is mentioned.

We're probably related back there somewhere along the way!

That could make a cool movie!

- Dave

As you will see my ancestor was Washington's Per.Guard, I am trying to get my grandson interested in history he is 11 years old, I will use the information you listed hear along with many things I have on my ancestor to make my grandson.

If a kid likes art, get 'em that way.

If a kid is mechanically-inclined, get 'em that way.

Etc., etc.

: )

- Dave