On eve of its birthday, America loses an icon
As we slide out of a Tuesday and prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, that quintessential American holiday, we also say goodbye to a quintessential American in Andy Griffith. The 86-year-old actor and national icon died today at his home in North Carolina, the state of his birth and the inspiration for much of his career.
As Andy Taylor, the wise and kindly sheriff of Mayberry, Griffith and his cast captured something about small-town America that even back in the ’60s had begun to fade, a fact that made audiences treasure it all more. TV at the time was dominated by cornpone comedies such as “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Green Acres” and “Hee Haw,” but Griffith’s show treated its characters and the community they shared with a respect that other shows never even tried to attain.
Anybody who ever watched more than two or three episodes, for example, will smile at the following exchange among Sheriff Andy, his hapless and overeager deputy Barney Fife and the town drunk Otis Campbell:
Barney Fife: Andy, I’ve this one dead to rights! Otis was drunk. I even gave him a test. I drew a line on the sidewalk and told him to walk it. You know what he said?
Andy Taylor: What?
Barney Fife: He asked me what line. I’ve got this one right, Andy. Otis was drunk!
Andy Taylor: That right, Otis? Did you ask Deputy Fife what line?
Otis Campbell: Yeah; but I didn’t have my specs on and drunk or sober, I can’t see much without my specs.
Andy Taylor: Otis, three hours ago when Deputy Fife arrested you were you drunk?
Otis Campbell: I don’t know; I wasn’t wearin’ my glasses.
Happy Fourth of July everyone, and to serenade us into the holiday, here’s Andy himself, singing a tune you might recognize:
– Jay Bookman
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531 comments Add your comment
Thulsa Doom
July 4th, 2012
12:32 am
Doomy out too. Ya’ll have a happy and safe 4th of July.
Oscar
July 4th, 2012
12:36 am
Algorythms(is this something AL Gore invented)?
_________
No, Al introduced and sponsored the bill that allowed the federal money that funded the research of those that invented it.
Adam
July 4th, 2012
12:38 am
TANF on alcohol isn’t fraud. It’s abuse maybe, but not fraud. It’s not technically illegal to spend TANF money on legal items.
Of course keep bringing stories up like this, just like the good little conservative media wants you to, and it will surely become an issue. Yes… that’s the ticket…. pay no attention to what we are doing in other areas…. hehehehehe
Seriously though if you don’t like that you need to find the root of the problem. All you’re focused on are the symptoms.
ld
July 4th, 2012
1:03 am
From what I’ve read today about the “real” — not quite so patient — personality of Andy Griffith, I’m surprised he stayed in the role of Andy Taylor working w/Don Knots et al.for as long as he did.
Even as a child watching the Maybery folk, I never understood why someone smart enough to be a sheriff would put up w/the likes of Deputy Fife, Gover, Goober & Floyd +. How could anyone be around such people for more than a few minutes w/o wanting whack ‘em up side the head.
RIP Andy Griffith.
ld
July 4th, 2012
1:06 am
Jay
Thanks for the “Andy” music.
Adam
July 4th, 2012
1:17 am
Dobeedoobee dooooo
Staying up for the Higgs Boson announcement
Oscar
July 4th, 2012
1:26 am
d
July 4th, 2012
1:03 am
______
Being around characters like Barney is part of living in a small town. Every wonder about how the sherriff in Gunsmoke could stand all the characters. You get used to it and it makes life interesting and amusing.
Oscar
July 4th, 2012
1:28 am
Adam
________
I think I may have one of those in my closet. Glows in the dark sometimes. I will await to hear the outcome. Explanation of where matter comes from. Been waiting for that one.
Don’t Al Gore sponsor the bill that led to most of the funding for that program?
captguitarman
July 4th, 2012
2:09 am
He was a great and beloved actor, and admired and respected by all. But, in real life he was a big Dem/Lib, but one needs to understand that if you don’t have Dem/Lib bona fides in Hollywood or in th TV business, you don’t work . . . its just that simple. Freedom of thought and speech died out in LA a long, long time ago. But, ironically, Andy did his best work as a small town sheriff, promoting small town and true American values. He left it up to the people whose lives he protected to figure things out for themselves. And if he couldn’t help them, Aunt Bee, or Barney, or Gomer, or Floyd, or Goober could. The last place he sent them was to the government. I can’t think of one time where he counseled Otis about the government help he could get to solve his drinking problem, or telling Gomer and Goober to go apply for some government small business money to help their businesss. In his world, compassion was demonstrated by your own sacrifice of time, effort and money to help a neighbor. Not by sending them off to get help from the government, i.e. other people’s money, and then feeling all self rightious and sanctimonious and compassionate about it. The Any Griffith Show would last about 5 minutes on TV today because figuring things out for yourself is just not politically correct any more.
Z
July 4th, 2012
3:55 am
An Icon indeed, Andy Griffith will be greatly missed. Happy 4th to all.
Jay
July 4th, 2012
6:21 am
captguitarman, Sheriff Andy Taylor WAS the government.
Paid by tax dollars.
So when Oscar the drunk slept it off in the jail cell, he was getting government assistance, paid for by the people of Mayberry. When the Darlings came to Andy at the jail to ask for his help corraling Ernest T. Bass, they were going to the government to solve a problem they could not solve on their own.
Sheriff Andy’s girlfriend, Helen, was another government employee, a teacher — hiss hiss hiss!
These days, Barney Fife would have been laid off, the Sheriff Taylors and Helens of the world would be condemned by presidential candidates who we argue that we need fewer teachers and police officers, and their pensions would be under attack.
That is, if you insist on dissecting the show in these terms.
marko
July 4th, 2012
6:30 am
We all have fond memories of the Andy Griffin Show. In todays world, it’s to imagine how much we really enjoyed a program that was basically about the extraordinary lengths people were willing to go to to avoid hurting Barney’s feelings. If leaving the world a better place than it was when you entered it is a good measure of success, Andy was a very successful man.
God Bless Our Military
July 4th, 2012
6:35 am
and enjoy the holiday!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L_23XC3uCY
"No Time For Sergeants"
July 4th, 2012
6:44 am
This was one of Andy Griffith’s funniest movies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2fSw0ua5K0
stands for decibels
July 4th, 2012
7:11 am
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday USA,
Happy birthday to you.
[coda](And many more.)
TaxPayer
July 4th, 2012
7:33 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyooCErXdMI&feature=fvwrel
kayaker 71
July 4th, 2012
7:44 am
“When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invaribly the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them to absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
The Declaration of Independence is as alive as when it was written 236 years ago and speaks to continued abuses of power over the governed by those intent on dominating a society to mold it into their own image. Those who would take away our freedoms by lies and deceit, ignoring the very documents that our country was founded upon, are no better than a long list of other despots that have come and gone over the centuries. Let us hope and pray, on this Independence Day, that their reign is short lived and we can, in November, restore this country to it’s rightful place….. a country based on the consent of the governed.
TaxPayer
July 4th, 2012
7:46 am
kayaker has joined OWS!
stands for decibels
July 4th, 2012
7:52 am
kayaker has joined OWS!
indeed. “Consent of the governed.” Smash the plutocracy, Kayaker. You have nothing to lose but your chains.
Bosch
July 4th, 2012
7:56 am
I always liked that he smoked on the show….he was a cool one.
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL (our blogger pal, not the Apostle)!!!! I’ve always been jealous that your bday was like a national celebration and all! Hope you have a good one.
So, how much howling and head smashing did I miss last Thursday? John Roberts, who’d of thunk it? I spit my coffee out when I read he was the deciding vote. God Bless him.
Julia
July 4th, 2012
8:02 am
Good grief, even a simple tribute by Jay, to what many think is an American icon, devolves into an anti Obama slug fest. You people beat all I’ve ever seen.
butch
July 4th, 2012
8:09 am
one of a kind
..
July 4th, 2012
8:10 am
Kamchak—”Oh, and Jay — I had the opportunity to ask Andy whether or not he bragged that he would run you off the same as he did Luckovich and how that’s working out for him.”
Jay: “That sounds like our Andy, Kam.”
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
Rightwing Troll
July 4th, 2012
8:27 am
“Other than a foot-stomping hissy fit, I don’t see where anyone’s the worse”
Bruno sees differently, he left the blog because he and his girlfriend were in mortal danger..
barking frog
July 4th, 2012
8:28 am
..
“Great minds discuss ideas;
average minds discuss
events; small minds discuss
people.”
…
smaller minds make stuff
like this up.
godless heathen
July 4th, 2012
8:30 am
These days, Barney Fife would have been laid off, the Sheriff Taylors and Helens of the world would be condemned by presidential candidates who we argue that we need fewer teachers and police officers, and their pensions would be under attack.
These days Barney and Helen would be picketing to preserve their collective bargaining powers where they, under threat of strike, negotiate salary and benefits. (Sheriff is an elected position.) Salary and benefits that are not paid by the ones they negotiate with.
Happy Independence Day.
barking frog
July 4th, 2012
8:32 am
Happy Birthday USA !
Oscar
July 4th, 2012
8:35 am
“Now just simmer down, Barney, just simmer down.”
Happy and safe fourth to everyone.
Brosephus™
July 4th, 2012
8:39 am
Algorythms(is this something AL Gore invented)?
Nah, Algorythms was Al Gore’s band where he played the bass guitar backing up Bill Clinton on the Sax. That was Bill’s back up band when he was touring between 1992-2000.
—————————–
G’morning folks, and Happy Birthday America!!!
Happy Birthday Paul!!! Didn’t know you shared a b’day with one of my brothers.
To the poster @ 8:10
Are you not being small minded yourself by talking about others??? Makes for a good TV movie, “When Pot Met Kettle”.
Brosephus™
July 4th, 2012
8:41 am
These days Barney and Helen would be picketing to preserve their collective bargaining powers where they, under threat of strike, negotiate salary and benefits.
Maybe Helen, but not Barney. Law enforcement officers don’t strike.
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug...and liking it.
July 4th, 2012
8:46 am
Happy Fourth, all y’all…
If there was one thing I would change it would be this…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all PEOPLE are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
Yes, equal rights for ALL.
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug...and liking it.
July 4th, 2012
8:47 am
Bro’,
Barney might pull the bullet out of his pocket, though…
Tom Middleton
July 4th, 2012
8:56 am
Happy 4TH!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMG_NYMWKCI&feature=watch_response
Brosephus™
July 4th, 2012
8:56 am
Normal
That one bullet has kept world peace.
Finn McCool (The System Isn't Broken; It's Fixed ~ from an Occupy sign)
July 4th, 2012
9:04 am
No time for Sergeants:
Andy: Earnest, take off your glasses.
Earnest: Why?
Andy: I aim to bust you up some.
stevie ray
July 4th, 2012
9:07 am
My favorite was always Ernest T Bass…
Didn’t you hear? When Walmart opened it’s Mt Pilot location, Mayberry virtually shut down and is now a bankrupted golf resort on the market at fire sale price. Barney and Helen are living large with big fat government pensions and Barney can finally afford, and is allowed, to have more than one bullet in his pistol..
I’m getting weary of continually setting you folks straight.
wet wiccan
July 4th, 2012
9:07 am
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and doesn’t enter any hotdog eating contests!
Mick – If you check in later, I just wanted to thank you for all the nice things you said about my hometown while you were visiting there. Everybody is familiar with the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, but not many people have seen the *Keeper of the Plains* in Wichita, which IMO is way cooler
http://fineartamerica.com/images-medium/keeper-of-the-plains-jc-findley.jpg
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug...and liking it.
July 4th, 2012
9:07 am
Bro’,
You are so right!
—————
Now that DADT is repealed, I offer this to Scout and Del…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gymM-a9BRbU
Yeah, I know…but I couldn’t help it…
stevie ray
July 4th, 2012
9:10 am
Those of you who have SiriusXM can hear some terrific Andy Griffith stand up routines circa the late 50’s and early 60’s….I reckon that’s where he got his start and he was very, very talented…via Laugh channel 96.
stevie ray
July 4th, 2012
9:11 am
BRO,
What world peace are you referring to?
Finn McCool (The System Isn't Broken; It's Fixed ~ from an Occupy sign)
July 4th, 2012
9:11 am
One of Sheriff Taylor’s favorites:
“You get a line and I’ll get a pole, honey.
“You get a line and I’ll get a pole, babe.
“You get a line and I’ll get a pole,
“We’ll go down to the crawdad hole, honey, baby mine.”
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug...and liking it.
July 4th, 2012
9:13 am
…and…while I’m at it, I offer this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYLdPEcuqiA
Common Damn Sense isn't Very Common
July 4th, 2012
9:14 am
Andy died in Dare county NC, a beautiful place on the beach.
He will be missed.
RIP
Finn McCool (The System Isn't Broken; It's Fixed ~ from an Occupy sign)
July 4th, 2012
9:14 am
If you have Netflix you can watch all the episodes on your computer.
independent thinker
July 4th, 2012
9:16 am
John Roberts upheld Obamacare’s individual mandate and Andy Griffith supported Obamacare-what is happening to America?
Common Damn Sense isn't Very Common
July 4th, 2012
9:16 am
Too bad I missed the meltdown over on Kyles the other night.
Must have been a sight
Considering some of the wingnuts that he allows to post I can’t see why I doesn’t happen more often LOL
Common Damn Sense isn't Very Common
July 4th, 2012
9:18 am
Independant thinker
John Roberts upheld Obamacare’s individual mandate and Andy Griffith supported Obamacare-what is happening to America?
—————————————————————————–
Maybe America is sobering up to the reality that people need healthcare
independent thinker
July 4th, 2012
9:28 am
Common Damn Sense – Are you saying Republican give aways like EMTALA(free and unlimited emergency room and hospital care for all at the paying patient’s expense) under Reagan, Free Medicare Drugs under George W and RomneyCcare at the state level all of which have some element of socialism is not good enough? Isn’t that the American Way?
Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people
July 4th, 2012
9:32 am
“people beed healthcare”
People need a gym membership.
Happy bday America! (I did my tribute by climbing Mt Washington in NH yesterday)
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug...and liking it.
July 4th, 2012
9:36 am
Jay??!!,
What the hell? Gettysburg did happen. It was over today, 1863. Why the moderation???
Joseph
July 4th, 2012
9:38 am
Happy 4th everyone. Even for you America hating liberals…
Madison Rising -The Star Spangled Banner: http://youtu.be/c8C7i9kdEf8
JamVet
July 4th, 2012
9:44 am
wiccan, back at ya.
And thanks so much for that link!
I left southern Kansas in 1971, after having spent my entire left there up until that point in time but have never been back. But my roots are forever planted on those Great Plains as certainly as a cottonwood tree along the Arkansas (pronounced Ar- KANSAS not Ark- an -saw!) river.
I found this article and it really spoke to me.
The sculpture, commissioned by the city and private organizations to mark the United States Bicentennial, was erected in 1974. It has since become one of Wichita’s most recognized and beloved symbols.
It was a beautiful walk around river side, but agonizing one because of imagination. I looked at the statue of the keeper of the plains that “kept a watchful eye on the city” and wondered where could be the statue of griffins that could symbolize to protect the city. The kind of stern, soaring looking one with fluttering wings. This city seems somewhat different from usual other cities. Seems to be kind of out of time, away from the world, in some kind of insulated capsule from the rest of the country….
“Kind of out of time, away from the world.” How righteous is that?? And though true for the native Americans who once roamed freely there and for Wichita herself, it is for me that I love that sentiment…
Happy Birthday America! I love ya!
You’re a grand old flag,
You’re a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You’re the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev’ry heart beats true
‘neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there’s never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9NCvPTWTE0
Common Damn Sense isn't Very Common
July 4th, 2012
9:50 am
Jm -
People need a gym membership.
———————————————————————-
Maybe Congress needs to look at adding that to Obamacare
Common Damn Sense isn't Very Common
July 4th, 2012
9:51 am
Normal
You know Jay doesn’t liking hearing about the War of Northern Agression
Joe Hussein Mama
July 4th, 2012
9:52 am
Joseph — “Happy 4th everyone. Even for you America hating liberals…”
This disabled veteran says YOU’RE WELCOME, even if you are being a Richard about it.
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug...and liking it.
July 4th, 2012
9:54 am
Common Damn Sense isn’t Very Common
July 4th, 2012
9:51 am
Jay needs to get over it.
..
July 4th, 2012
9:55 am
Thanx for at least acknowledging the small mindedness of your cohorts, Bro.
Lord Help Us
July 4th, 2012
9:59 am
Well, the brisket is already rubbed and in the smoker…getting the ribs ready now.
Both will be ready around 4 and the LHU family, along with lots of neighbors (one that resembles Otis), will enjoy a feast and good times.
Hope everyone comes hungry!!
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
July 4th, 2012
10:00 am
Well, I couldn’t hardly finish a six-pack this a.m. before the Peachtree Race was over. I looked for people I might know. I saw a fellow on the ground and was kinda hoping it was Bruno, but I couldn’t tell. Then I looked as the runners went thru the Gay section of Buckhead to see if I could spot josef, thinking he might fall from a balcony or something. All I know is it’s always people from the real poor countries that win. I guess they’re use to running 20 miles just to get to a town, while our soft people can’t hardly go to their mailbox without collapsing.
Anyhow, a little later me and the missus and little Nathan Zell George are going hot dog hunting. That’s where you look for places that are giving out free hot dogs. The American Legion or the VFW are good places to start. I guess the free hot dogs will come to a end pretty soon once Washington figures out how to put a Moochers Tax on us people that are looking for a free ride. There’s always some windbag looking to spoil the fun.
Anyhow, enjoy this Day of Freedom while you still can. What with Obamacare kicking in we’re all going to be the slaves of guvmint. It’s just a shame. You can’t even watch somebody die from lack of medical care without being called heartless. Danged libruls!
Anyhow, happy 4th everybody.
Joe Hussein Mama
July 4th, 2012
10:03 am
R. Convert — “me and the missus and little Nathan Zell George are going hot dog hunting. That’s where you look for places that are giving out free hot dogs. The American Legion or the VFW are good places to start.”
You also might want to check the dumpster out behind Publix.
Oscar
July 4th, 2012
10:11 am
The essence of American Independence was that the people should be able to vote and elect their choice to govern for a limited amount of time, and would be able to vote them out of office if they wanted.
All the rest is window dressing, ad hoc, obit dictim and spitting in the wind.
wet wiccan
July 4th, 2012
10:19 am
AmVet – Have you never seen the Keeper before? He is magnificent. He stands at the confluence of the the big and little Arkansas rivers (and yes, it’s ar-KANSAS river!) in Riverside Park. There is also a really neat Indian Center there, a museum and community center. I don’t get back there very often since my parents passed away, but try to make the trip every 2-3 years. It has grown so much since I left there in 1979 that sometimes I get lost (haha) I am thinking of going there in late September, want to carpool?
Mayberry by Rascal Flatts
July 4th, 2012
10:24 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXw0RpWRZC4
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
July 4th, 2012
10:25 am
Jeremiah 18:7-10
“If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.”
Brosephus™
July 4th, 2012
10:26 am
What world peace are you referring to?
I don’t recall there being a WWIII yet, have you? That’s the one that was supposed to render Earth to being radioactive for a few thousand years.
Brosephus™
July 4th, 2012
10:28 am
.. @ 9:55
Everybody has a fit of small mindedness at times. The true mark of a man is whether he rises above it or stoops down to it. I could see your desire and/or want to call people out for that, but I would have just ignored it as opposed to appearing to do the same thing as you called them out for. That’s just me though.
WOBBLE Instructions
July 4th, 2012
10:28 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msxoXsnPljo&feature=related
the Darlings
July 4th, 2012
10:37 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnniyab94WY&feature=related
Soothsayer
July 4th, 2012
10:38 am
Now, see, this is what’s wrong with America. Dancin’ around like a bunch of heathens. The one in the white shorts is my favorite. Keep that yourself, though.
Finn McCool (The System Isn't Broken; It's Fixed ~ from an Occupy sign)
July 4th, 2012
10:38 am
http://images.alternet.org/images/managed/storyimages_1341274350_screenshot20120702at4.20.42pm.png
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
July 4th, 2012
10:41 am
BRO,
I was thinking world peace is a world with no wars…..anyhow, what exactly happened on Kyles blog for him to post the notice as such? Wish I hadn’t missed that one…
Oh the drama of it all! It’s just another bill we can’t afford…we should all be getting used to that…at least those of us who aren’t in denial…
Midori
July 4th, 2012
10:41 am
Andy died in Dare county NC, a beautiful place on the beach.
lots of history there as well.
The Lost Colony of Roanoke, which included Virginia Dare, the first child born in the new world.
Joe Hussein Mama
July 4th, 2012
10:43 am
0311 — ““If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.”
What page is that on in the Risk rulebook?
JamVet
July 4th, 2012
10:44 am
No, the truth be told, I never even knew it existed. That is how out of touch with Wichita that I have become, and Kansas in general, that I have become.
want to carpool?
That sure is tempting, wiccan. I’ll consider it as the summer goes along.
I’m not overly concerned about it, but part of me doesn’t want to die without seeing the old homestead one more time…
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Perth&state=KS
A dad
July 4th, 2012
10:46 am
No disrespect to Andy Griffith, and I mean that 100%, but he was an actor, and a wonderful one at that. On this day when we celebrate our country’s independence, an independence won by those who served, fought, bled and died in the service of our country, I think it more appropriate to again honor those in uniform this day, and most especially those whose homecomings come in a metal box covered with the American Flag. Those men and women are our real icons Jay.
In addition to Veteran’s Day, take this day to visit the Vietnam Memorial in DC, the International Cemetary in France (if you are so blessed) and other such sites to better understand the true nature of liberty. God bless.
Really
July 4th, 2012
10:48 am
“the first child born in the new world.”
Guess Indians just grew from the ground as opposed to being born
Really
July 4th, 2012
10:51 am
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801: Jeremiah 18:7-10
Are you saying God wants us to repeal Obamacare?
Thomas
July 4th, 2012
10:54 am
Here is to our wonderful veterans who allow all of free speech. Let’s all hope we treasure and not abuse our freedom of speech.
paulo977
July 4th, 2012
10:55 am
Thank you Andy for sharing your spirit
Joan Baez hankers for the past
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P8qbb2K5Qw&feature=fvst
JamVet
July 4th, 2012
11:00 am
Obviously, this is a day to celebrate America and all things red, white and blue. But in tribute to the Canadians who have fought and died along side of us for our shared heritages I offer my thanks.
A really great song and video by someone from north of the border. That she is the hottest woman I’ve ever seen in all of modern music, doesn’t hurt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpT-FW_G8-A
Concord Hymn
July 4th, 2012
11:01 am
Concord Hymn
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1837)
Sung at the completion of the Concord Battle Monument, April 19, 1837
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world,
The foe long since in silence slept,
Alike the Conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deed redeem,
When like our sires our sons are gone.
Spirit! who made those freemen dare
To die, or leave their children free,
Bid time and nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and Thee.
Mighty Righty
July 4th, 2012
11:13 am
Normal Free, Human Rights Thug…and liking it.
July 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
Agree. First thing I thought of when I hear the news of his demise was that movie. God bless you Andy where ever you are.
Joe Hussein Mama
July 4th, 2012
11:13 am
Are we doing poems today? I’ve got one, and some background. First, the story:
“Republican Rep. Joe Walsh of Illinois under fire after suggesting double-amputee Iraq veteran Tammy Duckworth not a ‘true hero’ (VIDEO)”
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/republican-rep-joe-walsh-illinois-fire-suggesting-double-amputee-iraq-veteran-tammy-duckworth-a-true-hero-video-article-1.1107706
Next, the poem (three of five stanzas):
“Yes, makin’ mock o’ uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an’ they’re starvation cheap.
An’ hustlin’ drunken soldiers when they’re goin’ large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin’ in full kit.
Then it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an` Tommy, ‘ow’s yer soul? ”
But it’s ” Thin red line of ‘eroes ” when the drums begin to roll
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it’s ” Thin red line of ‘eroes, ” when the drums begin to roll.
We aren’t no thin red ‘eroes, nor we aren’t no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An’ if sometimes our conduck isn’t all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don’t grow into plaster saints;
While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an` Tommy, fall be’ind,”
But it’s ” Please to walk in front, sir,” when there’s trouble in the wind
There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind,
O it’s ” Please to walk in front, sir,” when there’s trouble in the wind.
You talk o’ better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:
We’ll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an` Chuck him out, the brute! ”
But it’s ” Saviour of ‘is country ” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An ‘Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool – you bet that Tommy sees!”
–Rudyard Kipling
http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_tommy.htm
And a 2009 update of the poem, circulated on the internet:
“O then we’re just like ‘eroes from the army’s glorious past.
Yes, it’s “God go with you, Tommy,” when the trip might be your last.
They pays us skivvy wages, never mind we’re sitting ducks,
When clerks what’s pushing pens at ‘ome don’t know their flippin’ luck.
“Ah, yes” sez they “but think of all the travel to be ‘ad.”
Pull the other one. Does Cooks do ‘olidays in Baghdad?
It’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, know your place,”
But it’s “Tommy, take the front seat,” when there’s terrorists to chase
. An’ the town is full of maniacs who’d like you dead toot sweet.
Yes, it’s “Thank you, Mr Atkins,” when they find you in the street.
There’s s’pposed to be a covenant to treat us fair an’ square
But I ‘ad to buy me army boots, an’ me combats is threadbare.
An’ ‘alf the bloody ‘elicopters can’t get in the air,
An’ me pistol jammed when snipers fired. That’s why I’m laid up ‘ere.
Yes, it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, “We ‘ave to watch the pence”;
Bold as brass the P.M. sez, “We spare them no expense.
But I’ll tell you when they do us proud an’ pull out all the stops,
It’s when Tommy lands at Lyneham in a bloomin’ wooden box!. “
paulo977
July 4th, 2012
11:16 am
Jay
captguitarman, Sheriff Andy Taylor WAS the government.
Paid by tax dollars.
__________________________________
EXACTLY ……A lesson in Civics!!
Mick
July 4th, 2012
11:19 am
Ah yes…the fourth of july…ashcans, cherry bombs, m-80’s…americans love to explode things! we’re really good at that…hats off to the founding fathers and mothers, the real birthers of this nation…we’re still rockin it and squabbling about it, yet it edures…we really have something special here to celebrate…time for some nathans-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StDpLge_ITM&feature=related
Robyn
July 4th, 2012
11:24 am
Andy Griffith as well as Opie went from God-fearing country folk to ultra-leftist. Must be something in that Hollywood water.
..
July 4th, 2012
11:25 am
To ignore small mindedness is to let it prevail, Bro.
$3.6 million
In 2011, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($3.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in China
$663,071
Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2011. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $80,349 worth
Enjoy this Independence Day!
Mighty Righty
July 4th, 2012
11:26 am
Republican Rep. Joe Walsh of Illinois under fire after suggesting double-amputee Iraq veteran Tammy Duckworth not a ‘true hero’ (VIDEO)”
Much ado about nothing. Walsh said she was a hero. Previously he said all she wanted to talk about was her military experience which most veterans don’t want to talk about. That is a true statement. This is the media gtrying to create smoke when there is no fire. BTW, if Obama and the dems are so very concerned about our wounded vets, why in the h-ll don’t they do something to help them? Instead they have left it up to people like “Wounded Warrier” to do what they should do. Obama even wanted them to use their own private health insurance to pay for their combat injuries!
Mick
July 4th, 2012
11:26 am
robyn
Ain’t that america? As if they lost something, who’s to judge?
Disgusted
July 4th, 2012
11:27 am
Obviously, this is a day to celebrate America and all things red, white and blue. But in tribute to the Canadians who have fought and died along side of us for our shared heritages I offer my thanks.
Same here, Jam. Once, on a business trip, I went up on that hill above Montreal, where a pair of huge cemeteries lay. There were thousands and thousands of graves of Canadian WWII soldiers and sailors, many of them the veterans of Dieppe, a huge deception, if we’re to believe “Intrepid,” William Stephenson, the head of Britain’s WWII secret intelligence services. It’s far too easy to forget the huge sacrifices that Canada made in fighting for our common freedom.
Really
July 4th, 2012
11:29 am
“Previously he said all she wanted to talk about was her military experience which most veterans don’t want to talk about. That is a true statement.”
Guess you overlook the two conservative leaning ex Marines who post here on a regular basis, especially one of those two.
Mick
July 4th, 2012
11:31 am
mighty
As if bush & cheney, the masters of war of choice ever thought about 30k seriously wounded vets? Out of sight, out of mind…
Brosephus™
July 4th, 2012
11:34 am
Stevie Ray
I don’t know what happened at Kyle’s. I didn’t read his blog that day, and I’m glad that I didn’t. It makes me sick to my stomach at times to see grown people who act worse than my 3yr old.
As to the ACA, I don’t think it’s THE worst legislation to ever come from DC, so I don’t share the extensive pessimism that others have. I don’t like the bill, but I also know that there is a chance, even as slim as it currently seems, that something good can be molded from the legislation as it is now.
Don't Forget
July 4th, 2012
11:35 am
MR, “Obama even wanted them to use their own private health insurance to pay for their combat injuries!”
Mighty, why do you and other’s on the right think it’s OK to spread lies about the president? Is your own political viewpoint so weak that you have to resort to this kind of dishonesty to win? Do you have any integrity or honor whatsoever?
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/05/would-obama-have-soldiers-pay-for-own-war-injuries/
Joe Hussein Mama
July 4th, 2012
11:35 am
Righty — “Much ado about nothing. Walsh said she was a hero. Previously he said all she wanted to talk about was her military experience which most veterans don’t want to talk about.”
Tammy Duckworth has EARNED the right to talk about whatever the eff she wants to talk about, and deadbeat dad Joe Walsh isn’t fit to be on the same stage with her.
“That is a true statement.”
No, it’s not.
“This is the media gtrying to create smoke when there is no fire.”
No, this is a pure Rovian play. Here we have dirtbag Joe Walsh actually trying to use a disabled veteran’s status as fodder to make her a big a crapsack as he is.
“BTW, if Obama and the dems are so very concerned about our wounded vets, why in the h-ll don’t they do something to help them?”
If the GOP is so very concerned about our wounded vets, then why did they kick tens of thousands of Category 8 disabled vets — myself included — off the VAMC rolls during President Bush’s administration? And why’d they try to CUT VAMC funding in the middle of two wars?
You can spare me the outrage, Righty. I am VERY well informed on this issue, and I keep CLOSE track of who does what for — and TO — disabled and wounded veterans.
“Instead they have left it up to people like “Wounded Warrier” to do what they should do.”
I see. When private groups form to address a charitable need, that’s somehow the President’s *fault.* You should be ashamed of yourself.
“Obama even wanted them to use their own private health insurance to pay for their combat injuries!”
Here you are being dishonest again, though your dishonesty bears a crumb of truth. BOTH President Bush and President Obama called for what’s known as subrogation in order to defray the extreme medical costs associated with being in a war. The difference is that President Obama didn’t try to cut the VAMC’s funding or throw disabled veterans off the rolls the way the GOP did under President Bush.
Good thing for you I’m here to educate you today, Righty.
JamVet
July 4th, 2012
11:37 am
Righty, please don’t kiss that dead beat dad and cowardly, depraved POS’s ass. NOT on this day.
This land was made for you and me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaI5IRuS2aE
Mick
July 4th, 2012
11:44 am
As much as I did not like the previous president, I didn’t care to disparage him on national holidays…the hate for obama is so transparent that there is not one single day these haters can’t go without an insult…pithy and cowardly projection…
wet wiccan
July 4th, 2012
11:44 am
Mick -
I left a message for you at 9:07 (smile)
Joe Hussein Mama
July 4th, 2012
11:45 am
A short list of Congressman Joe Walsh’s crap-sackery:
Foreclosure and eviction in 2009
Sued for nonpayment by former campaign manager
Multiple Federal and state tax liens between 1980 and 2001
Sued by ex-wife over nonpayment of child support in 2011 (but lent his campaign $35K in 2010)
Walsh cited as reason IL Legislature proposed a bill to bar anyone owing $10K+ in back child support for running for office (Walsh allegedly owed $110K+)
Let car insurance lapse, April-July 2011
Ordered to court in child-support case, 2011
Caught on tape swearing at constituents, 2011
Advocated ’soft’ ethnic cleansing in Palestine, 2012
Said “Female, wounded veteran … ehhh” about Tammy Duckworth, 2012
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Walsh_(Illinois_politician)#Controversies
This guy’s a dirtbag of the highest order, and if he was on fire, I wouldn’t whiz on him to put him out.
TK
July 4th, 2012
11:47 am
I grew up in Atlanta in the 1980s and early 90s. My dad was a big baseball fan and I would watch with him. During rain delays, out came Andy, Opie, Aunt Bea and the rest. It was an iconic American show to use during a delay in an American game.
My dad has been gone since 2003 and every time someone I connect with him – Skip Cary, Ernie Johnson Sr, Furman Bisher, and now Andy – leaves us, the empty spot in my heart feels a little bigger.
Rest in peace Mr. Griffith – you’ve earned it