The Daily Dose/July 4, 1776
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.
By John Adams
Special Correspondent
USA! USA!: Oh, what a historic weekend in otherwise miserable Philadelphia. Two days ago, our Continental Congress declared our colonies “were, and of right ought to be, free and independent states”. Shedding British shackles will not be easy, but most good things aren’t, as I keep telling John Quincy.
Due Diligence: On to the Declaration! Yesterday, the Third, we bickered over the wording of our Declaration of American Independence, though by the end the day most of us were pleased with it, though Mr Jefferson sat quietly in the back, you could tell he was Fuming at the changes we made.
Alert The Town Crier: Today, in no Small part to my pestering, we approved the Declaration. We assembled in the Pennsylvania State House at our usual 9 am, and after dealing with some militia issues, we delved into the Committee of the Whole, and had the Declaration read and approved unanimously before Noon.
Ye Matter Dry and Technical: Our independence push began last month, when Mr Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution now bearing his name, declaring our colonies were now states. On June 11, four others and I were appointed to a committee to draft the Declaration.
FunFact: History may try to tell you that four us deferred to the pushy Mr Jefferson. Believe it not; he took charge from the beginning. I was – typically, I’m told – of a mind to resent this, but as the esteemed Mr Franklin pointed out, Mr Jefferson did seem to know what he was about here, though he professed Otherwise, and feigned Disinterest.
Passeth, Please, Ye Matter Dry And Technical: We presented our Declaration to Congress assembled on June 28. My lovely bride Abigail – at times as pushy as Mr Jefferson, and who’s been pestering me about this for years – will wonder why women weren’t mentioned. Plus, Jefferson owns slaves, so his line about all men being created equal is merely twaddle. In our defense, we 56 delegates are not Images on stained glass windows, merely men trying to make our new country work.
Ye Olde Bottom Lyne: A momentous week! I wrote Abigail that the 2nd would be the date living down the ages, but no one Listens to me, and July 4 will probably be our national Holiday. No matter. The Declaration, the infernal Jefferson, and our work here this week will be talked about Forever.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow is obliged to ask the tough question. Today’s Diary.
Tonite at the General Hospital Security Department (GHSD), we had a conversation with a co-worker we’ve never had before…Or with anyone, for that matter…
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On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it.
In 1802 – The United States Military Academy opens in West Point, New York. There were few standards back then, and cadets ranged in age from 10 to 37 and spent anywhere from six months to six years studying. Today, about 1,300 enter as freshmen each year, with about 1,000 graduating, The US Army has occupied the site continuously since the Revolution, and it is the oldest continuously operated Army post in the US.
In 1919 – Jack Dempsy wins the world heavyweight boxing title, defeating Jess Willard when Willard did not answer the bell for the fourth round. Dempsey would go on to defend the title five times before losing it to Gene Tunney in September 1946. For Willard, it was the second defense of the title he had won from Jack Johnson in 1915, and was his last title fight. In those days, title were sanctioned by the New York State Athletic Commission, Ring magazine, and the National Boxing Association, now the WBA.
Today – Ella Langley is at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the eleventh non-consecutive week with Choosin’ Texas. The mark establishes a new Billboard Hot 100 record for the most weeks at #1 by a country song, eclipsing the mark of ten weeks by Debby Boone’s You Light Up My Life, in 1977, which also peaked at #4 on Billboard’s country chart. The song is now in its 29th non-consecutive week at #1 on Billboard’s country chart – the 4th-biggest country song ever – and is the first #1 on either chart for Langley.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…
The Declaration of Independence
Answer To The Last Trivia Questions
Knowledge is power.
The major league record for games pitched in a career is 1,252, by Jesse Orozco, from 1979 to 2003.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
How many signers of the Declaration of Independence had sons or grandsons serve as president of the United States? – Answer next time!
