Pearl Harbor Attacked Dec. 7, 1941

At 7:55 A.M. a Japanese dive bomber bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun on its wings appeared out of the clouds above the island of Oahu.  A swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes followed, descending on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in a ferocious assault.  The surprise attack sank or severely damaged eight battleships, three destroyers, and several other ships plus 200 aircraft were destroyed.  A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to stop the attack.  Fortunately for the United States, all three Pacific fleet carriers were out at sea on training maneuvers.  These giant aircraft carriers would have their revenge against Japan six months later at the Battle of Midway, reversing the tide against the previously invincible Japanese navy in a spectacular victory.

The day after the attack President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress and declared, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."  After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan.  The Senate voted for war against Japan 82-0.  The House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1.  The sole dissenter, Rep. Jeannette Rankin of Montana, was a devout pacifist who had also cast dissenting vote against the U.S. entrance into World War 1.

On This Day In History - Nov. 18, 1883

At exactly noon on this day in 1883, American and Canadian railroads began using four continental time zones to end the confusion of dealing with thousands of local times.

The need for continental time zones stemmed directly from the problems of moving passengers and freight over the thousands of miles of rail line that covered North America by the 1880's.  Most towns in the U.S. had their own local time, generally based on "high noon", or the time when the sun was at its highest point in the sky.  The time differences were a scheduling nightmare.

Rather than turning to the federal governments of the United States and Canada to create a North American system of time zones, the powerful railroad companies took it upon themselves to create a new time code system.  The companies agreed to divide the continent into four time zones; the dividing lines adopted were very close to the ones we still use today.

Veterans Day

The temporary cessation of hostilities during "The Great War", World War I, ceased between the Allied Nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.  For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as Armistice Day.

On May 13, 1938 an Act was passed by the government making the 11th of November of each year a legal holiday - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated as "Armistice Day."  Armistice day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and Airmen in the Nation's history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organization, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place "Veterans."  With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became the day to honor American Veterans of all wars.

Today take the time to thank all your family members, friends, and co-workers who served in the Armed Forces of the United States.  My personal thanks go to my father, Ted Francis Sullins, who served in the South Pacific during World War II.

Nov. 10, 1775 - Birth of The United States Marine Corps

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "two battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy.  The resolution, drafted by future U.S. President John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775 is now observed as the birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Serving on land and at sea, the original U.S. Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations during the Revolutionary War.  The first Marine landing on a hostile shore occurred when a force of Marines under Captain Samuel Nicholas captured New Province Island in the Bahamas from the British in March 1776.  Nicholas was the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines and is celebrated as the first Marine commandant.

On This Day In History

On June 12, 1987 President Ronald Reagan made a speech in Germany telling Gorbachev to "Tear down this wall".  The wall being the Berlin Wall which violently divided Germany into two parts; East and West Germany . 

Two years later on November 9, 1989 at 06:53 pm a member of the new East German government was asked at a press conference when the new East German travel law comes into force.  He answered:  "Well, as far as I can see, ...straightaway, immediately."  Thousands of East Berliners went to the border crossings.  At Bornholmer Strasse the people demanded to open the border and at 10:30 pm the border was opened.  That moment meant the end of the Berlin Wall.  Soon other border crossing points opened the gates to the West.  In that night the deadly border was opened by East Germans peacefully.

James Wilson

"The best form of government which has ever been offered to the world," James Wilson called the U.S. Constitution, which he helped draft and later signed.  He also signed the Declaration of Independence and served as Associate Justice of the first U.S. Supreme Court.

Although born and educated in Scotland, Wilson became a leader of the patriots as a young Pennsylvania lawyer.  He studied law under John Dickinson in Philadelphia - and the two served in the Continental Congress together.  In 1774, before he was elected to Congress, Wilson wrote a carefully reasoned pamphlet, Considerations on ...the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament, which boldly concluded that Parliament had no authority over the Colonies.  In Congress he was one of three Pennsylvania members to vote for independence. -The Book of The Founding Fathers, Pg. 76,  By Vincent Wilson, Jr.

November 2, 2010

The most important thing you can do today...

Participate...
   Exercise Your Privilage...
        VOTE  VOTE   VOTE

Election Day - Why Tuesday?

For much of our history, America was predominantly an agrarian society.  Law makers took into account that November was perhaps the most convenient month because the fall harvest was in, and the majority of the nation's weather was still mild enough to permit travel over unimproved roads.

Since most residents of rural America had to travel a significant distance to the county seat in order to vote, Monday was not considered reasonable since many people would need to begin travel on Sunday.  This would have conflicted with church services and Sunday worship.

Why the first Tuesday after the first Monday?  Lawmakers wanted to prevent election day from falling on the first of November for two reasons.  First, November 1st is "All Saints Day", a holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics.  Second, most merchants were in the habit of doing their books from the preceding month on the 1st.  Apparently, Congress was worried that the economic success or failure of the previous month might prove an undue influence on the vote!

Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 2 - VOTE

"So many have given and risked their lives to protect our country's liberty and freedom.  Let us not allow that to be in vain because of lack of action." -Chris Campbell

"Every voter ought not merely to vote, but to vote under the inspiration of a high purpose to serve a nation." -Calvin Coolidge


Tuesday, November 2, Election Day,  is the opportunity for all  citizens to participate in determining the course of this nation.  Use this right and VOTE.....

Letter To National Write Your Congressman

"National Write Your Congressman is an organization that has helped my office immensely over the years.  I rely heavily on input from my constituents on the issues before Congress.  The hundreds of calls, faxes, emails, and stop-ins I receive help me understand how people feel about issues ranging from tax relief to the war on terror.  I take these contacts very seriously because this dialogue is an essential part of our democracy.

By providing the tools people need to communicate on a wide range of issues, your organization helps facilitate this process.  The background information you provide to your members is ideal for citizens looking for information that cuts through the rhetroic of politics and the media.  The sample ballots of opinion forms you provide for your members are an easy way to communicate with elected officials and an efficient way for us to respond.

National Write Your Congressman is a vital public service and one that greatly improves the input elected officials receive." -Congressman Joseph R. Pitts, 16th District, Pennsylvania

Voices In Democracy

"I am proud to support the efforts of National Write Your Congressman and the enthusiasm and interest of countless citizens who contact their elected officials to provide their voices in democracy.  I believe an active, involved citizenry makes our democracy strong.

As residents of the District of Columbia, you are taxpaying Americans who do not have full voting representation in the U.S. Congress.  I encourage D.C. Citizens to write their public officials to express their opinions and voice their concerns so that I may become your voice in Congress." -Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Columbia

Cuban Missile Crisis - This Day In History

Oct. 22, 1962 - In a televised speech of extraordinary gravity, President John F. Kennedy announces that U.S. spy planes have discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba.  These missile sites, under construction  but nearing completion, housed medium range missles capable of striking a number of major cities in the United States, including Washington, D.C.  Kennedy announced that he was ordering a naval "quarantine" of Cuba to prevent Soviet ships from transporting any more offensive weapons to the island and explained that the United States would not tolerate the existence of the missile sites currently in place.  The president made it clear that America would not stop short of military action to end what he called "clandestine, reckless, and provocative threat to world peace."

Constituent Liberty

"Every day of the year, thousands of individuals and businesses practice their freedom and liberty by communicating their views and concerns to public officials.  It is a cherished right, and one that should be celebrated and applauded, and through the efforts of National Write Your Congressman, it is being expanded." -Congressman Mike McIntyre, 7th District, North Carolina

Democratic Systems

"Thank you for contacting me about the importance of public involvement in policymaking.  As you know, our democracy thrives when citizens take an active role in the issues that affect our country.  National Write Your Congressman fosters communications between constituents and their elected representatives in Congress, providing a vital link that is essential for the health of our democratic systems.

Thank you for all of your important efforts to encourage civic activism." -Congressman Edward J. Markey, 7th District, Massachusetts

On This Day In History - Oct. 18, 1867

On October 18, 1867, the U.S. formally took possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million, or less that two cents an acre.  The Alaska purchase comprised 586,412 square miles, about twice the size of Texas, and was championed by William Henry Seward, the enthusiastic expansionist secretary of state under President Andrew Johnson.

Alaska became the 49th state on January 2, 1959.

The Right To Petition Our Government

"There is nothing more important to an elected official than direct communication with the people he or she represents.  This is the basic concept behind a successful representative democracy and enshrined in the First Amendment - the right to petition our government.  National Write Your Congressman is to be commended for their part in keeping this important democratic tradition alive."

The issues presented by National Write Your Congressman are clearly stated, concise, and balanced, allowing the individual to make an informed decision and make their position known to their representative." -Congressman John L. Mica, 7th District, Florida

Constituent Letters - An Invaluable Help

"I believe that constituent letters and phone calls are among the best and most important sources of information for me.  However, I must weigh all information that I acquire in Congressional hearings, agency briefings and any additional sources.  I do my best to represent our State, and you can help me do that better.  A well considered letter citing personal experience is often invaluable in helping me decide what is best for our citizens.  Nothing is more effective at bringing home a point." -Senator Max Baucus, Montana

Constituent Opinion - Write Your Congressman

"Speaking for myself, constituent opinions are a curcial component to my decision-making process as a Member of Congress.  I was elected to represent my constituents and their interests in Washington.  The only way I can do that effectively is if I hear directly from my constituents on what is important to them and why.

I receive these opinions in a variety of ways.  Often times, constituents will place calls, write letters, or send e-mails to my office after reading an article in the newspaper or hearing something about a proposal.  My staff records each of these opinions which I later read.  In addition, many people approach me at events in my district to chat with me about what they are thinking on a particular issue.  Both modes of communication are important.

I thank you and your organization for communicating the importance of constituent opinions.  Please let me know if I can help in this effort in any way." -Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, 1st District, Rhode Island

Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, specifically the Bahamas, occured on October 12, 1492.  Columbus Day first became an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906, and became a federal holiday in 1934.  However, people have celebrated Columbus' voyage since the colonial period.  In 1792, New York City and other U.S. cities celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the New World.  In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to celebrate Columbus Day on the 400 anniversary of the event.  During the four hundredth anniversary, in 1892, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism.  These patriotic rituals were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress.

Columbus Day is celebrated nationally the second Monday in October.

NWYC's Contribution To Democracy

"We in Congress are elected by our constituents to represent their views in the legislative process.  My role here in Washington D.C. is to represent the people of the 18th district of Texas.  I take my responsibility to my constituents very seriously.  For me to accomplish this goal I must know their opinions, thoughts and concerns on all the legislative issues.

The National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) program facilitates communication between my office and my constituents:  a communication that is fundamental to the well being of our government, our society, and our country.  I would like to thank the NWYC for its outstanding contribution to our democracy, and I applaud your efforts.  Thank you." -Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th District, Texas