FREEDOM!

[vigil617]

Let everything else go today, brothers and sisters, and just breathe it in -- FREEDOM!

Here's Richie Havens' take on freedom, from his opening act at Woodstock. He improvised this on the spot after playing for three hours, going longer than planned as other acts were delayed getting to the venue.

In a later interview, he remembered being inspired by having been given "so much freedom, and we did everything we could with it." He was talking about the festival, but his words translate well to the gift we all have received and celebrate today.

Happy Fourth of July to all!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rynxqdNMry4[/ame]

 

[ladder13]

Take a deep breath

Most Americans know that owning a gun is an essential part of our freedom | Fox News

 

[6518John]

THANK YOU ladder13.

I just read the underlying study from which the article was drawn. One of the most fascinating, comprenhisive studies I have ever read--on any subject. Most fascinating, at least to me, is how the study draws out the diffference in gun ownership in urban verses rural settings. Virtually all the anti-gun sentiment we see in this country comes out of urban areas and thier elected officials.

I am certain that most anti-gun sentiment in this country comes from simple ignorance from those who have never been exposed to firearms much less shot them. I can't help but wonder if a positive experience--a mentor like one of us--taking them out shooting to a range or farm would turn this horrible trend around. I can say with certainty I have NEVER seen anyone step away from shooting K-22, Kit Gun, Nylon 66 or Browning SA-22 without an ear-to-ear smile on thier face. Those I have taken out shooting that were either ambivalent or negative about gun ownership always seem to walk away happy.

 

[soFlaNative]

Shame that all this preaching (for lack of a better term) is done to the choir.
Hard to spread the word when the prevailing attitude amongst gun owners
is to downplay their own interest or the fact we own guns.
If it comes up I'll engage but seems the subject of firearms rarely occurs
except among my close friends and family.

 

[Onomea]

Well, I just wanna say, 'bout ~45 years after, thank you, Mr. Richie Havens! Well done!

 

[ExcitableBoy]

Better yet, thank all the Vets that have made U.S. Freedom possible.

 

[pharmer]

Richie havens was a great musician. About anti-gunners; I have taken many "anti-gun, liberal, self defense loathing, big gov't" types to formal and informal shooting sessions. I would say maybe 3 or 4 total in almost 50 years, came away unchanged in their views. Most simply want to believe "someone else" will protect them. Joe