Where are you from? 2007

[truoc444]

For some Texans, we still are.

it's not that we still are, it's that we could be again at any time I'm stuck in Utah right now, but as soon as i convince my wife i'm going back to my home of 25 years the good ol' Lone Star State.

[smolloy]

Just as a random historical fact, Texas and California are 2 of the only states in the US that were once their own sovereign nation. For some Texans, we still are.

I always thought that it was only Texas that was once a sovereign nation, but I looked it up and you're right!!! It looks like the Californian Republic lasted from its revolt against Mexico on June 14th 1846, til they decided to join the US on July 7th of the same year!

Does that set a record as the shortest lived "country" ever?

[cayalee]

Most UK people know they're in Europe, but don't think that way ... It's an island mentality perhaps?

lol, if it wasnt for the tories in the 80's we'd still be rule britannia, not battling with the french over farm subsidies.

[Thrillhouse]

Just as a random historical fact, Texas and California are 2 of the only states in the US that were once their own sovereign nation. For some Texans, we still are.

And for this reason, Texas is the only state in the US that is allowed to fly its flag at the same height as the Stars and Stripes. All other state flags must be flown below the US flag on government property.

[Redman]

Hmmm.... the Dutch owned a colony called Nieuw Amsterdam in the past. Then we swapped it with the English for Suriname and the place is now known as New York.

Historical facts.

I still wonder what would have happened if we had kept it ....

[fingal]

And for this reason, Texas is the only state in the US that is allowed to fly its flag at the same height as the Stars and Stripes. All other state flags must be flown below the US flag on government property.

Reminds me of a minor 'incident' many years ago when I still lived in the East Midlands of the UK. A local journalist suggested that boy scouts should parade around the village I lived in, and that they should salute the flag and sing patriotic songs.

I wrote to the paper (a local rag) and told him that if a flagpole was erected I would get an axe and chop it down. I meant it! And to my surprise the letter was published, along with a veiled threat from the journalist that 'I know who you are ... and where your dad works' etc.

I've mellowed a bit now, and I would probably not use an axe. Chainsaws are more efficient. In case you're wondering about my no doubt 'hard line' approach, the village is a central point for bigots and I just wanted to wake them all up.

[Redman]

... and I would probably not use an axe. Chainsaws are more efficient.

That's the spirit!

[Dapper Dan]

Thrillhouse, I wish the same was the case in South Carolina. From what I understand, the U.S. Government will not allow state flags to be flown over its institutions and buildings within the separate states. For instance, in South Carolina you won't see the state flag flown under the U.S. flag at a United States Post Office. If this is the case, I think it's only fitting that the states should be able to fly only their state flags over State institutions and buildings without the U.S. flag above it.

[techieMoe]

Reminds me of a minor 'incident' many years ago when I still lived in the East Midlands of the UK. A local journalist suggested that boy scouts should parade around the village I lived in, and that they should salute the flag and sing patriotic songs.

Apparently I missed something. What was your objection to a boy scout parade?

[fingal]

Apparently I missed something. What was your objection to a boy scout parade?

Not much ... I used to be a boy scout, but I don't like flag waving and saluting. I prefer thinking, and encouraging people to do likewise.

Well ... I grew up in an unusual place where attitudes are rather blinkered. Add to that a few hundred cultural objections to mindless patriotism and you've got my point of view.

I know that in the States things are different: you pledge allegiance etc. Over here there's no such thing.

There's nothing new about someone like me thinking this way ... 'Englishness' is a very complex thing which goes much deeper than boy scouts and national symbols.