It's LOYALTY DAY citizens. Have you been LOYAL today?

[weemadando]

...report any citizens you suspect of disloyalty to your local Homeland Security Office. IT IS YOUR DUTY TO INFORM. IT KEEPS US ALL SAFE.

APRIL FOOLS! Wait, what do you mean it's not April 1st?

Presidential Proclamation -- Loyalty Day, 2013

LOYALTY DAY, 2013

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

In the centuries since America broke from an empire and claimed independence, our people have come together again and again to meet the challenges of a changing world. We have reinvented our cities with advances in science and reformed our markets with new understanding of the forces that guide them. We have fought for freedom in the theater of war and expanded its reach during times of peace. We have revamped and recovered and remade ourselves anew, mindful that when times change, so must we. But with every step forward, we have reaffirmed our faith in the ideals that inspired our founding. We have held fast to the principles at our country's core: service and citizenship; courage and the common good; liberty, equality, and justice for all.

This is our Nation's heritage, and it is what we remember on Loyalty Day. It is an occasion that asks something of us as a people: to rediscover those ageless truths our Founders held to be self-evident, and to renew them in our own time. We look back to Americans who did the same, from generation to generation -- citizens who strengthened our democracy, organizers who made it broader, service members who gave everything to protect it. These patriots and pioneers remind us that while our path to a more perfect Union is unending, with hope and hard work, we can move forward together.

Today, we rededicate ourselves to that enduring task. We do so knowing our journey is not complete until the promises of our founding documents are made real for every American, regardless of their station in life or the circumstances of their birth. Progress may come slow; the road may be long. But as loyal citizens of these United States, we have the power to set our country's course. Let us mark this day by pressing on in the march toward lasting freedom and true equality, grateful for the precious rights and responsibilities entrusted to each of us by our forebears.

In order to recognize the American spirit of loyalty and the sacrifices that so many have made for our Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 85-529 as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day." On this day, let us reaffirm our allegiance to the United States of America, our Constitution, and our founding values.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2013, as Loyalty Day. This Loyalty Day, I call upon all the people of the United States to join in support of this national observance, whether by displaying the flag of the United States or pledging allegiance to the Republic for which it stands.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

[Grumman]

Today, I have demonstrated my loyalty to the United States by criticising an attack on the Sixth Amendment and the right to counsel.

Somehow I don't think that's what Obama had in mind.

[Gandalf]

On this day, let us reaffirm our allegiance to the United States of America, our Constitution, and our founding values.

So... back to slavery and all of those other 18th century values?

[weemadando]

Also, I love that they chose May 1. Because fuck workers and recognition of Haymarket.

LOYALTY IS NOT JUST TO YOUR COUNTRY, BUT TO YOUR CORPORATION CITIZEN. WORK LONGER, TAKE LESS PAY, USE COMPANY SCRIP...

[Irbis]

LOYALTY IS NOT JUST TO YOUR COUNTRY, BUT TO YOUR CORPORATION CITIZEN. WORK LONGER, TAKE LESS PAY, USE COMPANY SCRIP...

You're talking about country that has flag copied from the one used by British company. Following these values should be found to be self evident, quid pro quo, and e pluribus unum!

[AniThyng]

I find it hilarious that people think this is something new, and better still unique to Obama, when every single american president for the past half century release the SAME text every 1st May. I've found Clinton's, Bush jr's and obama's 2012 one just from google.

More than two centuries ago, our Nation's founders, with clear vision and courageous hearts, fashioned a new form of government for our new country. They created a government that honors human dignity and protects individual rights—a democracy strong enough to withstand external threats, secure enough to allow dissent from within, and responsive enough to help our citizens achieve their dreams. In doing so, America's founders created a Nation that inspired loyalty from its citizens and gave hope to oppressed peoples around the world.

Since then, generations of Americans have reaffirmed their loyalty and devotion to our country. During times of war, Americans have fought and died to defend our liberty and promote the ideals of democracy. In times of peace, we have strived to preserve the rights secured for us in the Constitution and to ensure that every American enjoys the full protection of those rights. And throughout the decades, Americans have strived to build upon the "more perfect Union" envisioned by our country's founders.

On Loyalty Day, as we formally acknowledge our faith in America and in this great democracy, let us rededicate ourselves to the continuing quest for a more perfect union. Let us have the courage not only to recognize our differences, but also to build on the dreams we share and on the values we hold in common. Let us reaffirm our belief in freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity for all of our people. And let us show to all the world that our diversity is a source of lasting strength and renewal.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day" to remind us of the many blessings we enjoy as citizens of this great land.

Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1998, as Loyalty Day. I urge all Americans to recognize the heritage of American freedom, to honor the memory of those who have served and sacrificed in defense of that freedom, and to express our loyalty to our Nation through appropriate patriotic programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag of the United States in support of this national observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-second.


WILLIAM J. CLINTON

[Aaron MkII]

I find it hilarious that people think this is something new, and better still unique to Obama, when every single american president for the past half century release the SAME text every 1st May. I've found Clinton's, Bush jr's and obama's 2012 one just from google.

More than two centuries ago, our Nation's founders, with clear vision and courageous hearts, fashioned a new form of government for our new country. They created a government that honors human dignity and protects individual rights—a democracy strong enough to withstand external threats, secure enough to allow dissent from within, and responsive enough to help our citizens achieve their dreams. In doing so, America's founders created a Nation that inspired loyalty from its citizens and gave hope to oppressed peoples around the world.

Since then, generations of Americans have reaffirmed their loyalty and devotion to our country. During times of war, Americans have fought and died to defend our liberty and promote the ideals of democracy. In times of peace, we have strived to preserve the rights secured for us in the Constitution and to ensure that every American enjoys the full protection of those rights. And throughout the decades, Americans have strived to build upon the "more perfect Union" envisioned by our country's founders.

On Loyalty Day, as we formally acknowledge our faith in America and in this great democracy, let us rededicate ourselves to the continuing quest for a more perfect union. Let us have the courage not only to recognize our differences, but also to build on the dreams we share and on the values we hold in common. Let us reaffirm our belief in freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity for all of our people. And let us show to all the world that our diversity is a source of lasting strength and renewal.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day" to remind us of the many blessings we enjoy as citizens of this great land.

Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 1998, as Loyalty Day. I urge all Americans to recognize the heritage of American freedom, to honor the memory of those who have served and sacrificed in defense of that freedom, and to express our loyalty to our Nation through appropriate patriotic programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also call upon Government officials to display the flag of the United States in support of this national observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-second.


WILLIAM J. CLINTON

Its still ridiculous.

[AniThyng]

Yeah well it's hilarious to read the comments from when Bush proclaimed it and the comments from when Obama proclaims it. One one hand it's a leftist-commie plot to stealth celebrate labour day, and on the other hand it's a rightist plot to further rah rah america.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-geige ... 47380.html I mean LOL, this was from Bush Jr's time.

TO be fair I had no idea Americans even called it loyalty day until today, so I don't blame anyone for thinking this was some new 2013 thing, but still, you'd think Internet!Americans would have a better memory?

[AniThyng]

http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic. ... oyalty+day

http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic. ... oyalty+day

Even on this very board! Oh that evil, evil BUSH. I mean really, I would have thought someone like, oh, Degan would know better.

[weemadando]

OK, let me get this straight, during the first Red Scare in the twenties they created Loyalty Day to replace May Day in case any Commies got too uppity and brazen or whatever. And as part of it, the President is "requested" to issue a proclamation about it.

So it's not new, but that doesn't make it any less crazy. And it certainly doesn't make it any less crazy that they haven't turfed it/chosen to not honour the "request" at some point.

[AniThyng]

OK, let me get this straight, during the first Red Scare in the twenties they created Loyalty Day to replace May Day in case any Commies got too uppity and brazen or whatever. And as part of it, the President is "requested" to issue a proclamation about it.

So it's not new, but that doesn't make it any less crazy. And it certainly doesn't make it any less crazy that they haven't turfed it/chosen to not honour the "request" at some point.

Indeed, but this doesn't excuse people, and I use this in the general sense, who think that this is something new Bush/Obama/<president> hatched up in <current year> as part of a nefarious plot to destroy the nation, that <previous president from the other party> would never have done..

[Losonti Tokash]

Literally no one cares, and posting a generic proclamation about how we should all remember our obligations to each other as some GODDAMN WEIRD AND CRAAAZY AMERICANS is hilarious.

[Dalton]

Presidential proclamations do not have the force of law unless it's authorized by congress. In other words it's non-binding masturbatory lip flap.

[TOSDOC]

I just realized I watched Django Unchained last night on Loyalty Day. I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now but it is definitely disconcerting.

[Zwinmar]

Is it sad? This is the first I have heard of that crap.

[Simon_Jester]

The presidential press release proclamation doesn't seem to penetrate into the mainstream media, which means it has almost exactly as much effect as if Obama had just muttered the same words while trying to remember where he left his keys in the middle of the night.

[Irbis]

I find it hilarious that people think this is something new, and better still unique to Obama, when every single american president for the past half century release the SAME text every 1st May.

It's not new, but I still find hilarious every time I read about it how USA tries to put its collective hands on its head and loudly sing LALALALALAICAN'THEARYA every time the world celebrates holiday based on US own history. But then again, it's probably the only first world country to carpet bomb striking workers with bombers and artillery, and who wants to be inconveniently reminded FRIDUMS are only for the rich?

[weemadando]

Why would anyone think this was the President doing it? It references the act of Congress that created it. Also, I didn't think it was new (had recollections of it in the Bush era), but I also didn't realise it was that old. I thought it was another Patriot Act era bit of nationalism. Still it's a day worth celebrating right?

[Flagg]

How dare you blaspheme on the national day of prayer?

[Dr. Trainwreck]

Literally no one cares, and posting a generic proclamation about how we should all remember our obligations to each other as some GODDAMN WEIRD AND CRAAAZY AMERICANS is hilarious.

This is called "Loyalty Day", and appears to have been instituted exactly to replace May Day. It was a nice bit of hysterical anticommunism from when it was in fashion, so seeing it keep going in this period is weird. Its uselessness and extreme nature might even be satirized from time to time, even if nobody really gives a shit.

[Col. Crackpot]

Presidential proclamations do not have the force of law unless it's authorized by congress. In other words it's non-binding masturbatory lip flap.

To be fair most of what comes out of Congress is also masturbatory lip flap.

[Dalton]

Things come out of Congress? That's where legislation goes to die.

[Col. Crackpot]

Not to derail the thread Ando, but aren't there holidays in Oz dedicated to mating your farm animals?

[Questor]

Also, we have our own labor day. It's actually OLDER than International Workers Day and even Haymarket (First federal Labor Day - 1894, Haymarket - 1896). The first May 1st demonstrations were in 1890. It wasn't established as a holiday until the International Socialist Conference in 1904.

[SirNitram]

Workers bad, America good! In good ol' 1920's style. Not quite as funny as 'Add 'under god' to pledge' and it'll keep away communies', like it's a fucking high fantasy talisman or charm.