The Laughing Wolf

Happy Birthday

to Tammi. May it be a great one my friend, and the new year filled with joy, happiness, health, and prosperity.

LW

Thinking About The Unthinkable

Bou has up a short post on nuclear math, and links to a post by _jon of We Swear looking at what would happen if Iran (or other party) engaged in a nuclear strike on Tel Aviv. It is an article well worth reading, but it brings to mind some other thoughts that must be considered. This is simplified a bit, but is at least accurate -- I leave precision for the experts.

First up, for anyone truly interested in what happens, how it happens, and how to prepare for any form of nuclear event (or any other major disaster), allow me to highly recommend Pulling Through by Dean Ing. Dean is a master of practical preparedness, as well as a master of speculative fiction. Myself, well, I've been dabbling in thinking about the unthinkable since a high school science fair project that was the design of an ultimate shelter intended to survive a full-scale exchange and multiple near misses.

Second, I'm not going to sit here and bore you with math and other exercises because exactly what happens is extremely dependent on how it happens. The latter is the key, and is the point most often missed in many discussions.

To start with, it depends on what type of nuclear event takes place. Was it a fission bomb? Fusion? Dirty? A fission bomb splits apart the atom, and is what took out Hiroshima. A fusion bomb is commonly known as a hydrogen bomb, and instead of splitting it fuses, harnessing the same process that fuels our sun. A dirty bomb is using nuclear waste or other materials spread by some form of conventional explosive. For this post, we will ignore special effects and jacketed weapons.

A fission bomb, because it splits, creates radioactive isotopes both in itself and with surrounding materials. A fusion bomb is considered cleaner, but is far more powerful. A dirty bomb is indeed dirty, but with luck will only affect a relatively small area and is simply an area denial munition writ nasty.

The next factor to consider is where detonation occurs. Air bursts are going to be the cleanest events, since they don't send as much secondary material into the air. They will have the largest blast and damage radii. Ground bursts are going to do less area damage, but will put a large amount of secondary material (fallout) into the air. A hypothetical penetration round that detonates below ground but breaches the surface will do the least area damage, but will leave a very nasty area and put up the largest amount of fallout.

Terrain features do count. Valleys can contain blast effects, limit initial radiation, and contain thermal effects. Mountains are going to block things, and even cause interesting "bounces" in shock waves and create blast shadows. The type of soil, underlying bedrock, and amounts of water present will also impact everything from blast effects to fallout.

The effects of either a fission or fusion are four-fold. First comes a thermal wave, moving at or near the speed of light. This is followed by a blast/pressure wave, which is really two parts. The first is the outward burst, followed by a return blast of air as the effective vacuum at/near the center of the blast pulls the air back (look at footage from blast tests to see what I mean). What happens next is usually a firestorm, as all the debris ignites and turns into a literal storm. The final stage is fallout, which varies based on the factors discussed above.

This also brings up a pet peeve of mine: radiation. The fact is, we are surrounded by radiation all the time, in the form of radio waves, visible light, invisible light (infrared and ultraviolet), and all the other flavors of the electromagnetic spectrum. I used to have fun when I taught a science course at a small college by waving a "detector" around and calling out oh-my-gosh-we're-surrounded-by-radiation. That tended to get their attention and participation. Radiation is not the problem, for without it life is not possible. The problem is with ionizing radiation.

There are three basic types of ionizing radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma. Alpha particles can be blocked by a sheet of paper or the skin; beta particles need a bit more shielding, such as wood; and gamma are the truly nasty things, needing concrete, thick earth, or such to stop them. None of them are good for you if they enter your body, but gamma is -- of course -- the worst.

When a nuclear blast takes place, your radiation exposure (and survival) depend on a number of factors. If you are close to the blast, above ground, etc., well, you are most likely toast. The further away you are, the better your chances of avoiding LD50 or an outright fatal dose. Also, if you are shielded by earth, concrete, etc., even if close, you may well be golden. The trick then is to avoid fallout, and the good news is that depending on your distance away you may have anywhere from about 30 minutes (close to the blast) to several hours to prepare for the fallout if downwind of the blast.

There is, of course, a lot more and I may cover it in a longer post. The short version is try to get out of major fallout path, stay below ground, filter air, and if you go out wear heavy clothing and a broad-brimmed floppy hat. Some form of breath filter is a great idea, as are safety glasses. Lot more there, just not up to it today.

A strike on Tel Aviv? Well, there is just no accurate way to plot it ahead of time without knowing the size of the weapon, the type of the weapon, how high (or low) it detonates, co-ordinates of detonation, etc. The short version -- it will be bad, and not just in terms of damage and loss-of-life. Keep in mind that Israel is reported to have nuclear weapons, and if they get nuked, they are quite likely to return the favor, possibly in spades.

Nuclear winter? No, a discredited concept based on a faulty two-dimensional model. The effects of any single blast will be detectable world-wide, though actual damage/harm from such is likely to be quite low (or even effectively non-existent), though the more bombs/nastier the bombs, the greater the effects. The psychological effects are quite likely to be the worst, not only in terms of panic by people poisoned by years of misinformation on radiation and such, but also in stepping over a line we have avoided for more than half a century. The more things fly, the easier it will be for others to join in. That scares me the most.

LW

Capping Off The Trip

After getting back from the marathon drive, I had the pleasure of breakfast Monday morning with Contagion and Ktreva and their lovely children. It was a wonderful way to cap off the weekend, and -- again -- I hope we can repeat the event soon.

LW

A Long But Rewarding Trip

Sorry for the long silences, but life has been interesting. Work is keeping me very, very busy but the results should be worth all the sweat and pain -- some of it literal. That said, I found myself having to take a couple of days for a trip, a trip I did not want to make. Yes, I have wanted to go back South to visit friends and select blood-of-my-blood. Yes, I have wanted to see certain places and do some things. But, not for this reason. This trip was to say goodbye to some while there was time.

As Elisson points out, that visit comes to us all, sometimes unexpected, sometimes well known and planned for, and sometime a welcome relief. In this case, it was to visit some relatives and friends that might not be around for another visit, even were I to go back next week. And, to see some others who might get that unexpected visit.

I've dealt with both over the years. One year in high school was the year of funerals for me, something on the order of better than one a month. It was then that I truly began to say goodbye to people as if it was the end, something I share in common with Tammi and some others. It can be as simple as saying "I love you" to a bit more; or, it can be a cat's goodbye, quietly withdrawing and saying much without words.

Since then, I've gone to more funerals and sat at more bedsides than I care to consider right now. Of the two options, I've decided that I much prefer the "unexpected visit" as Elisson calls it, as it oft is the most merciful to the person involved. While knowing that departure is coming allows time to take care of things and say all that need be said, it also comes coupled with a lot of suffering on the part of the person making the departure. Not to mention a lot of emotional pain to those who care for them.

One thing I did was to try to add in as many "good" visits as I could. It was already a marathon trip, so why not make the most of it?

The first day saw me driving about 15 hours to get some items from some former property of mine, and then driving on over to the Greenville, SC area. That next day, Friday morning, found me meeting up with the wonderful Webers. David and Sharon are wonderful people, and it was great to get to see them and the kids again -- not to mention Meg and getting to meet some of the four-legged family members. They introduced me to a very nice Thai restaurant as well. Thank you all for such a wonderful visit, and David did share a bit about his new series of novels with me. More on that soon...

I then drove down to Atlanta, glad to be headed south and not caught up in the gridlock headed north, and met Mr. C and Kiltbaby (and Clara's boy) at Saigon Cafe. It was good to be back with what is a second family to me, and the food was delicious. We retired to Clara's house (Clara the cat being the true owner, just ask her), did a small amount of running around, and visited. Less than five hours in the car that day.

At 0530 Saturday morning, I got up and was on my way down to Macon for some visits. I had breakfast with a family friend, and got to visit with the lady I call my Stepmom. Two relatives I had hoped to visit were not in, but I do hope to catch them later. After a brief stop to pick up some food and some ribs to bring back (from Fresh Air, the best ribs I have had anywhere in the world), I went to a family reunion. I got to see the relative with cancer, who is doing far better than any of us could have hoped. I got to see a number of people I had not expected, which was good. I found out that my cousin the firefighter is now my cousin the RN and happily working trauma.

I then said goodbyes to all and went to say a final goodbye. Miss A, as I will call her, really got me interested in baking and over the years we have cheerfully had many discussions about cooking, baking, and more. As someone noted at the reunion, this is the family that cooks and she was good within the family. I had known that she had gone to a retirement community, but was unprepared for how far down she had gone. It reminded me strongly of her father and mother in their final years, and was bittersweet to say goodbye for what I feel will be the final time.

Then, it was back on the road for a much more pleasant meeting. Despite massive traffic jams from Macon all the way back up to Atlanta, I made it back just a few minutes late (had to get the ribs into the refrigerator at Clara's) to a blogmeet of sorts.

A few years ago, I made it to Helen for a couple of hours to meet Jim of the Great Hair, Acidman, and a few others. One of those others I met, briefly, was the Grouchy Old Cripple, who didn't remember the event. I still say it was because he (and others) fled screaming when Eric began yodelling the Loch Tay Boat Song. This time, I wanted to spend a bit of time with Denny, and he was kind enough to get a few others together. We met at a very nice restaurant (thanks SWMBO!) where I also got to finally meet Elisson and SWMBO, Zonker, and Dax Montana. It was a great evening, and I thank all of them for it. In fact, it was good enough that I was quite late getting "home" and still didn't want it to end. To be honest, I hope to have the chance for some one-on-one conversation with all of them soon. Good food, great conversations, and interesting discussions on who's was bigger and could hold more wine. Just Damn! It was a great time.

0530 saw me up again on Sunday, and after a good conversation with Mr. C, I set off north to have breakfast with Eric. I made it just a bit ahead of the original estimated time, and had a good time discussion on backstops and more with Eric. I also checked out his new wheels, and I must say I think they are him. It was also disconcerting to look around and agree with him that we were in the best shape of anyone there...

Back on the road and back to the lair about 1930 hours, for a bit over 12 hours on the road that day. My thanks to all who helped make this a much better trip. It was good to meet new people and friends, and to visit with established friends (for we are not old!).

Keep in mind that ultimate visitor, and make the most of all trips and visits before then. Live your life with passion and reason, say your goodbyes as if they be the last, and love with abandon. For one day each of us has that final visit, that final dance and kiss. I've danced with her a couple of times and hope that we simply continue to flirt for now, and urge you to the same. Make the most of life and love, for the day comes when the dance ends and the kiss is given, and the time to let people know what you think and what they mean is before.

LW

I'm Not Dead Yet... Take 3?

I am alive, just loads of work and four days of almost continuous driving that has resulted in some tales -- as soon as a certain tail unkinks and gets back to its normal furry glory. And feeling. Non-painful feeling.

LW

It Began Early, It Did

A sense of humor in life is mandatory, and a warped sense of humor is vital for surviving/dealing with/and/or recovering from some of the more interesting things we do in life. The Acidman was one of the first to get me to open up and share some of that which I normally keep hidden, at least on the blog. I think he recognized something in me, namely that I am much more a smartass than I care to admit. To keep skin and career intact, I tend to be dry, keep a straight face, and be very careful of the line. For example, I did refer to an ostensible superior one time as having their sense organ cluster firmly embedded in their ventral orifice, and got away with it because while some knew it was bad, they couldn't figure it out .

Given that there are not statute of limitations on this story, I figured I would share a little weapons-related humor with you. No, not the time I blew my sorry rear onto freshly cut saplings, the six- to eight-inch stumps of which did a credible imitation of punji stakes. Nor the time I slipped blanks into the gun of someone trying to impress the ladies with their marksmanship. No, this one is the time I was probably the most obnoxious with a weapon.

It was in high school, and I was a junior part of the rifle team. We had a teacher who was probably a very nice person, but a bit -- flighty I think is a good word. They tended to be a touch unfocused, and as such pulled some notable bloopers such as saying that there were B-52s (as opposed to B-17s) at Pearl Harbor. I suspect now that some of what went on was an act, but there were parts that were not. One day, this teacher began asking questions about firearms, marksmanship, and more.

It was then that my inner nature came out and in a very serious and straightfaced manner, began instructing them. I explained sight picture and more, and decided to see how far I could take things. I took it to the point that I was talking about pulling the small end into your shoulder, sighting through the rear peep, and carefully pushing the trigger -- and having them appear (at least) to start buying into it. When they finally worked through the logic, I got a look and a wagged finger. To this day, I wonder how much they were just playing along -- and I hope they really were. The alternative does not bear contemplation.

LW
who notes for the gentle souls out there that the weapon never did point at them, was unloaded, safed, and I may even have pulled the firing pin (another fun trick to pull on people)...

Congratulations Soggy Wolfie!

It is with great pleasure that I tell you all that Soggy Wolfie has earned her BSc. J. degree and has been accepted into a master course in England. Drop on over and congratulate her.

LW

Belated Happy Birthday

To Mr. P, the once and potentially future blogger. Many happy, healthy, and prosperous returns to you.

LW

Happy Birthday AWTM

For a wonderful and special person, here is a virtual gift for your birthday, and to make up for for that comment I made on airbrushing...

Many happy, healthy, and prosperous returns!

LW

Fill Up Early On Thursday

Early reports this morning show oil hitting new record highs, so go fill up before the gas prices jump again.

Also, take the time to read this and think a bit. It is worst case, but there is some powerful food for thought there.

It is a bit late, but if you are starting to think of rational preparedness, you can get a lot of good hints here.

LW
who would like to throw the trackback spamming bastards into the middle of the fighting...

A Toast Was Raised

In dealing with the death of someone well known, I often prefer to opt for enough not said. In some cases, however, a death is indeed a thing to be celebrated. The death of this pig is one such. It was a very modest toast late last night upon returning to the lair, but today I salute Russian security forces and all those involved in sending it to its dirt nap.

If you need to know why I celebrate, then read this, this, this, MOST ESPCIALLY THIS, and this.

Good job to all involved.

LW
crossposted at Blackfive

An Interesting Time At Quicklube

Since moving up to the wilds of NW Indiana, I've been using Quicklube to do oil changes and related service. I used to do it all myself, but between interesting engine design and the need to ensure proper disposal of the oil, I started letting others do it. Other than a tendency to try to pump up my tires when I didn't want it, I've had very good service from them. Until the other day.

I pulled in and requested an oil change and to be sure to check the level of the transmission fluid they changed the time before. Now, I watch the work because I used to do it and because I want to be sure things are done right. Hasn't been a problem before, but you never know and mistakes and accidents happen. Keeping them from becoming major problems means catching them early.

This time, I watch as the technician checks the air filter. Now in this Subaru, the way the air filter is done is a major PITA (and one of the reasons I think any car designer should have to work as a mechanic for a couple of years before designing), and it was being a PITA. As I watch, he manages to pull it out, but in so doing a nice strip of rubber gasket that is a part of the filter gets ripped off. I watch it happen. I am not happy. The technician tells me that the filter is slightly dirty, and that the strip is flapping, and offers to sell me a new one. I start to buy a one, as the strip is sort of needed. I say as much, upset, and that it will have to be replaced since the strip is torn. I then change my mind, as I am not going to pay someone for a part I feel they broke. He goes and talks to the manager, who does not come over and talk with me until the service is finished. He does not bring up the air filter, and when I do he offers to sell me one. He maintains that the strip could have been ripped previously. I disagree, and do express my unhappiness, though I never used any foul or inappropriate language. That said, it was clear that I was not happy. It was my impression that the manager did not care and was not going to make this right. So, I leave and I get a new air filter down the street. Upon reaching a computer (Friday), I fire off the following via the Quicklube WWW site.

Gentlemen,

I have just paid my last visit to Quicklube, which is a disappointment given the fairly good service I have had from the Lafayette location previously. When checking my vehicle, it was clear the technician was not familiar with the air/air-filter system on the Subaru Outback 4-door sedans. In removing the filter to check it, he managed to rip off some six inches of rubber gasket. He, and the manager, then offered to sell me a new one to replace the filter destroyed by the technician. Initially, I started to get a new one, since a new one truly is needed, but the attitude displayed -- including a complete indifference on the part of the manager to the fact that the filter was damaged/destroyed by the tech -- I decided not to. As I told the manager, if the tech didn't know what he was doing, he should not have been mucking around with the filter and assembly. While the manager did, finally, offer an apology, I really didn't feel the sincerity. What I felt, strongly, was much more of don't care, go away. So, I will. I will go away and buy a new air filter and replace the one your technician destroyed. I will go away and not patronize you again. I will go away and tell my friends and co-workers of the experience. I will go away and blog the experience so my readers can know of it as well. I just wanted to let you know why I was going away, tough given the attitude shown today, I don't think it matters to you.

Monday, I get the following:

Mr. Powers, I talked with Luke at the store and he agrees that we dropped the ball on this situation. He also stated that you have been a good customer and hates to loose your business. The tech who worked on your Subaru is relatively new and is still in training so I believe it is possible that we tore your air filter. We are NOT in business to rip people off and would like to replace your filter free of charge regardless if you choose to use Quicklube in the future. If you would like to have it replaced just stop in and Luke himself will take care of the work. Thanks for your Email and interest in Quicklube. -Kevin Davis

Now, I admit that I might should have been a bit more gracious, but I wrote back:

Sir,

It is too little, too late esp. since I think it was Luke who checked me out and copped some major attitude. I will not be back, especially as I have already had to purchase the new filter at my expense.

Blake

And I get back almost immediately the following very interesting missive:

Blake, I tried. In reviewing the video feed from the store it looks like you had the attitude more so than Luke! Some people you just can’t make happy. Please be careful about what you blog as it may result in legal action for slander. Remember there are 2 sides to every story.-Kevin

I just love the line Please be careful about what you blog as it may result in legal action for slander.

My response in e-mail is:

Sir,

As you choose, and I will be careful. Please also be aware that this e-mail exchange is a part of the record, and it is my intention to put it unedited into my post. I will be sure to send you the URL.

Blake

This is the first time in almost four years of writing about good and bad customer service, products, and such that a lawsuit has been brought up. Much less brought up before a post ever goes up. Especially as I was waiting for their response before posting...

So, let me be fair: I was not happy, and in point of fact got more and more upset with the events and attitude as I perceived them. I am still not happy, though I will admit that I might should have just accepted whatever was tossed my way and gotten on with things. It might have been something nice, possibly even very nice. But, I didn't. When I feel burned this way, I don't forget it and I won't go back. Your mileage may vary, and I note again that I have previously gotten pretty good service there. But, not this time. So, you are free to make up your own mind.

If they feel that my behavior and this post warrant rebuttal, they can post a reply here as a comment and on their own site if they want. It's not a problem, and it is the strength of the blogosphere. Both sides can post, and you/we the readers can judge. If they go legal, well, we will just have to see what happens. Anyone have the addy for the blogger legal defense fund and the EFF handy?

As for me, I plan to move on. As far as I am concerned, that message tells me all I need to know, and definitely won't be changing my mind so that I give them another chance.

LW

Update: Sent the following to Kevin:

Here is the URL:

http://laughingwolf.net/archives/002705.html

BTW, care to share the video tape from both the bay and the cash register? I would like to see it so that I can see about purchasing extra bandwidth so I can post it for download in the interest of fairness.

Blake

UPDATE II: Got this Tuesday morning, in response to the next-to-last e-mail:

Wow, you must enjoy playing games. Like I said, be careful this may cost you more in the end than you are willing to pay. I would think about how silly you are acting before you continue. -Kevin  

No response to the post or the final e-mail yet.

Meantime, this may get expanded to a full post soon, but for now allow me to recommend to all journalists (bloggers, specialty WWW sites, specialized journals, etc.) that you get a copy of the AP Stylebook and Libel Manual. The reporting of that organization may be execrable, but the style guide is good and the sections of libel and other legal issues truly is invaluable. It even provides an explanation of the difference between slander and libel for those ignorant in such matters. It can keep you from trouble, and a read can keep others from wasting their time and money in fruitless ventures.

For the record, I do not want anything from Quicklube. All I wanted at the time was for them to make things right, a thing that would have cost them less than $10.00. LW

You Say It's Your Birthday

It has come to my attention that a certain drunken blogger is having a birthday. Now, this one guy celebrates every day, so I figure he is going to have to do something special for this. My thoughts are...

that he might try this (with Bou, Tammi, and AWTM - and we won't mention Harvey in back)

Or, he is now old enough to qualify to join the senior rangers

Whatever he does, hope it is a happy, healthy, and prosperous (in all ways) new year for him. The wolves miss you bro (though they are working on their aim for your return).

LW

« ...howl's done

In Memory Of London

Remember, learn, prepare.

For me, this sums it up in memory of 9/11 and 7/7. The Gaelic is from my Clan, and means Fierce When Roused. So mote it be.

LW

Good Thoughts Needed

Christina and her family have lost their home to fire. The good news is that all, two and four-legged, are safe. Keep them in your thoughts in the days ahead.

LW

Phone Cards Needed For Angels

An e-mail from Patti Bader let me know that phone cards are needed for wounded soldiers in Germany.

Angels International is out of phone cards and needs them for the wounded outpatient soldiers at Kleber Kaserne and the inpatients at Landstuhl Army Medical Center.

Please send your cards to Soldiers Angels 3222 Falling Brook San Antonio Texas and he will consolidate and forward them to her.

or donate online
www.soldiersangels.org

or send direct to germany

21st TSC, Medical Transient Detachment
ATTN: Soldiers' Angels, Soldiers Angels
UNIT 23203
APO AE 09263

Please do all you can to help this worthy cause.

LW
crossposted at Blackfive

Jan Bussey Interview Is Up

Basil has the interview with Jan Bussey up. Go it out, and if you don't stop by her blog, you are missing adding a lot of beauty to your life.

LW

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men 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, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Happy Birthday America

LW