Moore: Happy Fourth, Now Remember It’s Meaning
Russell Moore GoLocal MINDSETTER™
Moore: Happy Fourth, Now Remember It’s Meaning
I think that’s fabulous. Spending time with family and friends or watching cool parades is awesome.
But I hope everyone took a second to remember the spirit of the holiday, which is a celebration of freedom, self-government, and bravery.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTI cannot help but wonder sometimes whether our forefathers—the American colonists suffering under the yoke of a government that was as foreign as it was tyrannical—who took up arms and declared independence and fought to secure it with blood and, for many of them, their lives, would be disappointed with how so many Rhode Islanders take their self-governance for granted.
More than cookouts and parades
Today, we have scores of legislative seats that are going unopposed. Far too many Rhode Islanders who are intelligent, civic-minded, and care about the well-being of our state decide against getting involved with our government for a variety of reasons. Some feel as if their sacrifices (monetary, time away from family, etc.) wouldn’t be appreciated by their respective electorates. Others simply don’t have the time to devote to such a massive undertaking. Most depressingly, many feel as if they cannot improve what’s an inherently corrupt system of state and local government here.
That’s sad indeed. In my campaign operative days, I’ve campaigned for various politicians that I believed in. I’ve had more than one Rhode Islander tell me that people don’t get involved in politics to do what’s right for everyone, but instead only run to enrich themselves or their friends and family.
If that’s true, it’s up to Rhode Islanders to get involved. Instead of obsessing about whether the Celtics will land Kevin Durant this offseason, obsess about the way your local state representative votes on various issues. Instead of wondering whether Tom Brady’s four game suspension will be upheld, pay attention to how your local town or city council is going to spend your hard earned money. In other words, instead of paying attention to the trivial things like whatever’s going on in today’s version of “American Idol”, pay more attention to how those under your employ (your politicians) are handing your affairs.
Get involved!
Just two hundred years ago, the colonists were desperate for self-government—and Rhode Islanders, our forefathers, were the first to declare war on their British oppressors. Rhode Islanders burned a British government anti-smuggling ship called the “Gaspee” in an act of defiance over 1 year before the much-hyped Boston Tea Party. We’re descendants of people who cared about self-determination. We should value it more than we do.
Because our forefathers gave us the gift of self-governance, take the time to call your local elected officials and let them know how you feel about the pertinent issues facing our community. Let’s make sure that the government really reflects the interests of all Rhode Islanders instead of the strongest special interest groups.
We owe it to our ancestors. What’s more, we owe it to ourselves.
15 July 4th Experiences Every Rhode Islander Should Enjoy
Pre-Party by Celebrating the Burning of the Gaspee
Forget Brexit, Rhode Island had the original big break. And every year, our 4th of July actually unofficially starts sooner than most.
The parade might have happened already this year -- but if you've never been, you need to begin your Independence Day celebrating just a little earlier next year. The importance of the burning of the Gaspee is right there with (maybe a little ahead of) Bunker Hill and Lexington and Concord. At some point, if you can, hoist a cold one - whether it's Del’s or a Gansett -- in honor of the importance of the much celebrated West Bay civil disobedience a couple hundred years plus ago.
Rhode Island was the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain - the smallest state in the union showed their revolutionary side by setting fire to the Gaspee, a British customs schooner. Ours is the original Independence Day.
Stuffed Quahogs Are All-American - and More
Think about it - they have the collection of the work of shell fishing, coupled with Portuguese sausage and a legacy going back to the Narragansetts.
Here are a few of the best places to Quahog in Rhode Island - CLICK HERE
Nothing could be more of a Rhode Island original and the perfect appetizer for the 4th of July weekend. So get your "stuffie" on (unless you're allergic to any of the ingredients, then our condolences).
Made in America Really Started as Made in RI -- the American Industrial Revolution
Pawtucket is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
The Slater Mill, built in 1793 on the banks of the Blackstone River, was the first fully mechanized cotton-spinning mill in America.
Take a tour this weekend -- or at some point soon if you haven't, they do great ghost tours in the fall -- and remember all the Rhode Islanders who innovated and languished in the mill economy. It's part of the fabric of who we are today.
What's More Patriotic Than a Sandwich Called a Dynamite?
This is the sandwich that is the epitome of, "You know you're from Woonsocket when you know how to eat a dynamite sandwich."
The sandwich is king in the old French-Canadian town and available in all the best old diners around town. Consisting of ground beef, celery, onions, and green peppers, dynamite sandwiches may look like a Sloppy Joe to the untrained eye, but locals know it as so much more.
Don't forget to add the hot sauce. Ka-boom!
Visit a Rhode Island Veteran's Grave - or Say a Prayer
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives for America should not just be for Memorial Day - it should be a thought most everyday.
Certainly, as we celebrate America we should take a moment and pay remembrance to those who served and gave their lives.
Recognize We Can Vent - a Lot - and No One Can Stop Us
One of the great things about America (and we are especially good at it in Rhode Island) is we get to complain about any little, or big, thing - our President, the Governor, traffic, the weather, the media (some days especially the media) and anything else we can think of.
We have freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
In many countries around the world, those freedoms have far greater limitations. In some countries making certain comments get you jailed.
Remember Who Was Here First
In this day and age of the discussion and debate on immigration, most Rhode Islanders trace their roots back to being immigrants here, whether from hundreds of years ago or much more recently.
From Narragansett Beach, to the Wampanoag Trail, to Neutaconkanut Hill, there are constant reminders of those tribes here long before Rhode Island became Rhode Island.
Photo: Flickr/Joe Bar
Reflect on Roger Williams Legacy in Providence
The legacy of Rhode Island’s freedom starts in part with the teachings and leadership of Roger Williams set the tone for Rhode Island and the establishment of Providence.
In 1636, Williams left Salem and settled which Williams called “Providence.” He had purchased some land from members of the Massasoit tribe in what is now East Providence. “Williams, banished from Massachusetts for his beliefs, founded Providence in 1636. This colony served as a refuge where all could come to worship as their conscience dictated without interference from the state," says the National Park Service.
So take a ride over to South Main Street to the memorial, or the iconic statue overlooking the city at Prospect Park.
State Archives Exhibition Lets You Experience RI in 1776
So while you can't do it this weekend, think about doing it sometime soon during the week.
Students of history young and old can explore the exhibit which chronicles what were the emerging hostilities with Britain in the run-up to the Revolutionary War, the issuance of the Declaration of Independence, and Rhode Island’s response. Items include:
- A first Newport printing of the Declaration of Independence, sent by order of the General Assembly to Rhode Island towns.
- A letter from General George Washington to Governor Nicholas Cooke requesting arms for the Revolutionary Army.
- The July 19, 1776 Act officially naming our colony the “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
The Rhode Island State Archives, a division of the RI Department of State, is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 at 337 Westminster Street in downtown Providence. Validated parking is available adjacent to the building at InTown Parking.
Freedom of Religion
One thing Rhode Island has the U.S. ownership of is the birthplace of "Freedom of Religion" -- and one place to see the history of it is at Newport's Touro Synagogue, New England's first.
Each year, more than 30,000 visitors cross the synagogue threshold in Newport, R.I. to pray, to see its magnificent interior and to hear its remarkable story.
Bristol 4th of July Parade
It is the oldest and the best 4th of July Parade in America. What makes it better than all other parades is its true New England authenticity.
It is a Rhode Island experience not to be missed. If you don't know someone to join a porch party - or stay over - make a plan incorporating travel and parking time, and exhale once you see the red, white, and blue lines on the road. You're in for some festive fun.
If America is the World's Melting Pot, then Rhode Island Is...
Rhode Island is diversity on top of diversity. We have it all, or if not, or just about all of it. We are all immigrants and collectively are from most every corner of the world.
And we have the food to prove it. So enjoy it all this weekend. It is a three-day one, so do the burger, dogs, or tofu patties, but then visit Federal Hill or hit Los Andes for stuffed lobster paella.
Fireworks Just Feel American
This weekend's fireworks range from small towns like Sctuate on Sunday to the big displays like Providence on Monday night. Regardless where you live in the state, there are fireworks less than 15 minutes from your home. And if not - pack a bag.
Enjoy the display and wish America a Happy Birthday.
Volunteer or Give
It is a beautiful weekend, but one element that has always separated America from the rest of the world was as Alexis de Tocqueville wrote:
"I must say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend a faithful support to one another."
It is core to our American spirit. HERE ARE 50 WAYS TO GIVE
Fly the Flag Proudly
Fly the American flag, and add Rhode Island's flag just lower, and celebrate the birth of our nation and Rhode Island's legacy. Today, while our country is not and will not be perfect, it offers an amazing opportunity to so many to experience so much.
We should continue to strive to be the best state in the best country in the world.
