United States of America’s Independence Day 2008

United States of America's Independence Day 2008

As America celebrates the 232nd anniversary of her Independence Day, I contemplate what life would be like without all the conflicts in the world.

It's hard to believe we can put a man on the moon, but we can't figure out how to get along with each other. Will it take a global disaster to make people wake up and realize that we are all one race, the human race?

Although I'm an American citizen living in the Philippines, and Filipinos don't celebrate their 2nd Independence Day (July 4, 1946) like Americans celebrate their only Independence Day (July 4, 1776), I'm celebrating in the form of a new tradition. I'm watching the movie, Independence Day (1996). I've included my favorite clip below, but if you don't want to watch it, here are the lines:

Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind.

"Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom… Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution… but from annihilation.

We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!

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maurizio on 2008-07-04 at 5:18 pm (Reply)

Hi, two things:

1. That movie is seen from a lot of non-american people as the typical movie where americans believe to be the center of the world. I saw many people applaud jokingly when I saw it the first time in cinema. Anyway that's pretty typical for other countries too..just watch some Godzilla movie and wonder why it's always attacking Tokio?

2. Thing, more serious.. As weird as it sounds, one of the "accomplishment" of wars is feminism. During the 2nd world war a lot of women had to do what usually men did because all men where fighting and that lead to the emancipation of women.
Did I say it right?

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RT Cunningham | Untwisted Vortex | Philippines on 2008-07-05 at 12:03 am (Reply)

Yes, on both counts. Independence Day was made in the USA, so therefore it would be centered on the USA.

While the WWII is seen as contributing to the women's rights movement, it didn't directly cause it. Other factors were involved.
Pinnacle Trade Show Displays on 2008-07-06 at 11:50 am (Reply)

"believe"? What is there to believe? America is the center of the universe, right? Hey RT, Happy 4th! ~ Steve

xeldec on 2008-07-04 at 6:46 pm (Reply)

That's a great new tradition you are starting there. I've seen the movie and there are lots of good lines there for world unity. I guess the only way we'll see people coming together is if something like in the film happens in real life. It would probably be short-lived though. Hope you have a great 4th of July there in the Philippines.

My latest blog post: Happy 4th of July!

RT Cunningham | Untwisted Vortex | Philippines on 2008-07-05 at 12:03 am (Reply)

Hilarious. This post went to #4 on Google. Amazing.

Xeldec on 2008-07-05 at 3:02 am (Reply)

In my data center, if I put the whole title, this post is #2 just next to a wikipedia page. If I type in "America's Independence Day 2008", you're in the third position. You're getting some Google love.
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hari on 2008-07-05 at 12:55 am (Reply)

I also wonder why the "man on the moon" example is used so often to cite examples of backwardness in other areas of human life.

Jean from Koala Bears on 2008-07-05 at 7:00 pm (Reply)

I am not sure if there will ever be a day on earth that everyone is peaceful with one another. I think deep down inside, we all want peace, but I guess because we are all so different, some of us can't accept that, and thus arguments starts, etc… I don't know its tough world

Larry from Commercial Lighting on 2008-07-08 at 1:37 am (Reply)

One of the cheesiest yet highly watchable movies out. Mind you that combo is a rare find.

Pinnacle Trade Show Displays on 2008-07-08 at 8:24 am (Reply)

hi RT, I just finally got a chance to watch the video with the sound on (long story). I had seen the movie and had a vague memory of it being fun. Man, your clip gave me goose-bumps! It's the perfect clip for the 4th of July! I hope you post it again next year. Great selection! ~ Steve

Lars on 2008-07-09 at 12:36 am (Reply)

good point about how people sometimes do not get along until a disaster hits… it's a bit sad, its a reality that perplexes me… nevertheless, compassion and harmony amongst human kind that are brought forth by a disaster, i think is a wonder on its own…

xSS-ErrOr on 2008-07-28 at 2:53 pm (Reply)

An American Living in the Philippines

United States of America's Independence Day 2008