July 4th in DC used to be a raucous party in the mid/late 70s and early 80s. Hundreds of thousands of people crammed together on blankets listening to music. In 1976, I recall wading across the reflecting pool with a cooler. But a few years before my time (1970), it was the same ol America that Trump fantasizes about:
[...With a fully formed committee and numerous volunteers, the next step was booking entertainment – ideally a collection of acts that offered something for everyone. Along those lines, the committee arranged performances and appearances from popular entertainers including The Centurymen Choir, US Army Band, actress Connie Stevens, the Young Americans, B.J. Thomas, Gail Renshaw (Miss USA), Pat Boone, Louis Armstrong, and a long list of others.
It wasn't long before a familiar chaos erupted on the National Mall. A reported 1,000 Yippies began to smoke marijuana openly, yelling anti-war chants, “smoke marijuana!” and “power to the people!” as they waved Yippie and Viet Cong flags. Some protestors overtook a pick-up truck and drove it into the Reflecting Pool. Both clothed and naked Yippies followed the truck, spending their smoke-in waist-deep in the water. Back on dry land, the day was marked with periodic clashes between protesters and police.
For the second day in a row, tear gas blew over part of the Honor America Day crowd, causing as one reporter put it, “a mad stampede of weeping hippies and Middle Americans.” 30 As he looked out onto the crowd and prepared to go on stage, Bob Hope reportedly remarked “It looks like Vietnam, doesn’t it?”
Adding to the chaos, the National Socialist White People’s Party held white-supremacist demonstrations throughout the weekend. 35 The Nazi organization held rallies on July 3rd at Lafeyette Park, July 4th on the National Mall, and July 5th at L’Enfant Square at 9th and Constitution NW. 36 On July 5th, Robert A. Lloyd spoke to a group of about two dozen white supremacists saying, “At the root of our domestic crisis is the racial crisis caused by the presence of two dangerous alien races, Blacks and Jews.”]
Rage Against the Machine co-founder and longtime activist Tom Morello has announced the “Power to the People” festival — described as a “celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action” — taking place Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, near Washington D.C.
The concert will feature Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen (in what is billed a “special guest” appearance), Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black (featuring Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma and Hugo Weiss), Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, Grandson, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, the Linda Lindas, and Tom Morello, alongside artwork and a DJ set by artist Shepard Fairey.
Breaking News: White House spokesperson announces Trump signs new Executive Order, "Since the Village People are the only band in our great Country that truley represents ALL our fellow Americans -- Cowboys, Indians, our Soldiers, the Police, Construction Workers, and even bad motorcycle people -- from here on out they will be the only band playing 250Fest. Without all the gay butt stuff, of course."
Freedom 250 is a White House organization launched by executive order to create Trump-driven alternatives to the events planned by the nonpartisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission, America250. The announced concert lineup was heavily tilted towards legacy acts like Morris Day and Vanilla Ice, and many of them share the same booking agent in Jeff Epstein of Universal Attractions. Epstein did not respond to repeat requests for comment.
Trump Administration Live Updates: President Said to Be Backing Off Plans for $1.8 Billion Fund After Backlash
What We’re Covering Today
Payout Fund: President Trump is backing off his plan for a $1.8 billion fund to pay people he says have been victimized by the federal government, according to two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The arrangement drew staunch opposition from many lawmakers, including prominent Republicans. Critics of the plan, which a judge temporarily blocked last week, said it amounted to a fund to pay supporters who have faced federal investigations and convictions. Read more ›
F.B.I.: Former F.B.I. officials are starting a group to help embattled bureau employees grapple with the Trump administration’s efforts to rapidly reshape its agency. The group is made up of former Justice Department employees who offer legal, mental health and job search services to current agency employees. Read more ›
U.S. Military: Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, recently blocked the promotions of at least seven Navy officers who had been selected by a board of senior admirals to rise to one-star admiral rank. His actions appeared to violate promotion system rules and disproportionally affected women and minority officers. Read more ›
National Intelligence: President Trump announced on Tuesday that he was naming Bill Pulte, a home-building heir who runs the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to be the acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. The move is almost certain to draw criticism as Mr. Pulte has no known experience for a national security role.
Possibly the last announced performer remaining, (and with Trump's cancellation who knows?), is a white man named ICE. This incredibly patriotic person, often a performer at Mar A Lago, just told Brianna Keillar on CNN that he doesn't vote. Some patriotic American. Can't find a way to honor the sacrifice of those who gave all.
It's more than just bands canceling now. A few states have decided not to participate in the Great American State Fair the concerts were to be a part of.
President Donald Trump has billed the “Great American State Fair” as a patriotic World’s Fair featuring pavilions created by every US state and territory – but several US states will not participate.
Officials from Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and North Carolina told CNN they declined an invitation from the Trump administration to showcase their states at the giant fairgrounds being built on the National Mall. Pennsylvania has yet to decide whether it will participate.
My sister lives basically in DC and she wanted to go down to the museums today but canceled because the city is overrun with red hats for the Idiocracy Fight Club at the White House. She was happy that they are getting the worst of DC summer weather today and thunderstorms tonight so we can all cross our fingers for a little Devine intervention.
According to a post I read 25 minutes ago, Trump's event and the entire National Mall is under evacuation orders due to severe storms.
MAGAs waited hours in 100+ degree heat.
Reported by Harry J. Sisson's Instagram account 10 minutes ago: Total chaos has ensued at the event.... because Trump posted to social urging everyone to stay to hear his speech. Now, people are literally sprinting back to the event despite secret service telling them to stay out.
I have to say the asshole's attempt to get things focused on himself and his events MASSIVELY failed. I saw lots of actual CELEBRATIONS and best of all UNITY and JOY on PBS, NBC and CNN and other networks. The asshole's big speech was a mere small footnote to what turned out to be a unifying celebration and a focus on reclaiming our constitution and highlighting its ideals. His attempt to put his mark on our country's 250th celebration was a failure - bigly. Hide the ketchup today. And his name was largely kept out of 99% of the coverage I saw. The short march by the masked white boys yesterday stained his message even more. That was a big WTF moment for a lot of actual patriots. The Reuters pic of the black woman on the train is a classic.
Yeah yeah, we're still fucked up and we haven't reached our ideals, but this turned out to be a great holiday and a massive repudiation of the asshole. IMNSHO. YMMV..
Watching Trump live on French television. He is over-the-top crazy touting his perceived achievements and the golden age U.S. economy, and his long list of grievances. This guy is lying. We are in great danger, my friends, with this guy guiding the ship of state.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
Sad
Sad that anyone wants to play there.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
lol Bret Michaels he just
lol Bret Michaels he just played at the chicken bbq downtown for like 200 people
gonna make you sweat
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
No Kid Rock or Ted Nugent? No
No Kid Rock or Ted Nugent? No spot taken.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D.
I thought this was a joke
I thought this was a joke until I looked it up. For reals.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skyjunk
How much did they have to pay
How much did they have to pay Trump to perform?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 5lb. Blocks of Cheese
i mean they got vanilla ice
i mean they got vanilla ice and milli vanilli, on the same day!
v. ice played here at a party for a pool company downtown, i saw him signing autographs.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
July 4th in DC used to be a
July 4th in DC used to be a raucous party in the mid/late 70s and early 80s. Hundreds of thousands of people crammed together on blankets listening to music. In 1976, I recall wading across the reflecting pool with a cooler. But a few years before my time (1970), it was the same ol America that Trump fantasizes about:
[...With a fully formed committee and numerous volunteers, the next step was booking entertainment – ideally a collection of acts that offered something for everyone. Along those lines, the committee arranged performances and appearances from popular entertainers including The Centurymen Choir, US Army Band, actress Connie Stevens, the Young Americans, B.J. Thomas, Gail Renshaw (Miss USA), Pat Boone, Louis Armstrong, and a long list of others.
It wasn't long before a familiar chaos erupted on the National Mall. A reported 1,000 Yippies began to smoke marijuana openly, yelling anti-war chants, “smoke marijuana!” and “power to the people!” as they waved Yippie and Viet Cong flags. Some protestors overtook a pick-up truck and drove it into the Reflecting Pool. Both clothed and naked Yippies followed the truck, spending their smoke-in waist-deep in the water. Back on dry land, the day was marked with periodic clashes between protesters and police.
For the second day in a row, tear gas blew over part of the Honor America Day crowd, causing as one reporter put it, “a mad stampede of weeping hippies and Middle Americans.” 30 As he looked out onto the crowd and prepared to go on stage, Bob Hope reportedly remarked “It looks like Vietnam, doesn’t it?”
Adding to the chaos, the National Socialist White People’s Party held white-supremacist demonstrations throughout the weekend. 35 The Nazi organization held rallies on July 3rd at Lafeyette Park, July 4th on the National Mall, and July 5th at L’Enfant Square at 9th and Constitution NW. 36 On July 5th, Robert A. Lloyd spoke to a group of about two dozen white supremacists saying, “At the root of our domestic crisis is the racial crisis caused by the presence of two dangerous alien races, Blacks and Jews.”]
Same as it ever was
https://blogs.weta.org/2025/03/13/1970-july-4th-holiday-turned-culture-c...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Roarshock
The more things change the
The more things change the more they stay the same.
There are a lot of ignorant racists in the United States. and that's a damn shame.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
I don't think any of those
I don't think any of those performers have any relevance whatsoever in this current century. None.
well, maybe flo rida
but still
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
> July 4th in DC used to be a
> July 4th in DC used to be a raucous party in the mid/late 70s and early 80s
I went to a couple of smoke-ins at Lafayette Park in the early 80s. Good times were had. Power in numbers.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: The Sound of Steam and Caffeine
Haha
Haha
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: The Sound of Steam and Caffeine
Young MC out too
Young MC out too
https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/young-mc-will-not-perform-fre...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
Two slots open up. Kid Rock
Two slots open up. Kid Rock and Ted Nugent gotta be waiting for the call.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Only one of Milli Vanilli,
Only one of Milli Vanilli, Milli is still living.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sun so hot, clouds so low
Maga Vanilli
Maga Vanilli
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Roarshock
MAGA cult melting down over
MAGA cult melting down over the announcement of this event.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/bruce-springsteen-foo-fighters-dave-130920711.html
Rage Against the Machine co-founder and longtime activist Tom Morello has announced the “Power to the People” festival — described as a “celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action” — taking place Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, near Washington D.C.
The concert will feature Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen (in what is billed a “special guest” appearance), Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black (featuring Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma and Hugo Weiss), Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, Grandson, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, the Linda Lindas, and Tom Morello, alongside artwork and a DJ set by artist Shepard Fairey.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Most folks don't know it was
Most folks don't know it was actually Flea who laid the groove on Young MC's hits.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Roarshock
Bruce Springsteen Announces
Bruce Springsteen Announces Festival to Protest President Trump’s ‘Ship of Fools’ Administration
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/bruce-springsteen-announces-festival-protest-220609234.html
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
Martina McBride and The
Martina McBride and The Commodores are out now too.
https://apnews.com/article/freedom-250-milli-vanilli-young-mc-bb9c58cb68...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
donald trump presents - an
donald trump presents - an evening with vanilla ice
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Zzzzzz
>>>>Martina McBride and The
>>>>Martina McBride and The Commodores are out now too.
Tic Tac Doh!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Brett bows out too...
Nice they made a bingo card for us
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
That graphic needs a reboot.
That graphic needs a reboot.
https://wjla.com/news/local/nearly-all-musical-acts-drop-out-freedom-250...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
lulz.
lulz.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
"Freedom 250 starring Kid
"Freedom 250 starring Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, and that stolen Lee Greenwood song again"
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
Musical acts back out of
Musical acts back out of performing at Trump-affiliated concert series
Morris Day, Young MC and others balk at appearing at US’s 250th anniversary events organized by administration
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/28/trump-concert-series-mus...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sun so hot, clouds so low
It's all a set up for niQi
It's all a set up for niQi Magaj. ... she will save the day!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
Breaking News: White House
Breaking News: White House spokesperson announces Trump signs new Executive Order, "Since the Village People are the only band in our great Country that truley represents ALL our fellow Americans -- Cowboys, Indians, our Soldiers, the Police, Construction Workers, and even bad motorcycle people -- from here on out they will be the only band playing 250Fest. Without all the gay butt stuff, of course."
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: The Sound of Steam and Caffeine
Turns out 47 is available to
Turns out 47 is available to cover those empty slots...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
"It will be a wild and
"It will be a wild and beautiful celebration."
More Trump wilding in public spaces. This should turn out well. Insurrection II: The Return.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
You just can't make this shit
You just can't make this shit up.
From CNN.....
Freedom 250 is a White House organization launched by executive order to create Trump-driven alternatives to the events planned by the nonpartisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission, America250. The announced concert lineup was heavily tilted towards legacy acts like Morris Day and Vanilla Ice, and many of them share the same booking agent in Jeff Epstein of Universal Attractions. Epstein did not respond to repeat requests for comment.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
> Jeff Epstein of Universal
> Jeff Epstein of Universal
AttractionsDistractionslol. Fixed that for you?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D.
The latest meltdowns over the
The latest meltdowns over the 250 performers and other petty shit shows that there's is a light at the end of tunnel.
Of course you are going to have the cultists who will continue to drink the Kool-Aid, but most Americans are quickly getting tired of this BS.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
>the cultists who will
>the cultists who will continue to drink the Kool-Aid
I always thought of that crowd as more of the Faygo type.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
(No subject)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
^^^^ so tiring.
^^^^ so tiring.
in any other country, he'd be gone
would love to listen in on the meetings of his staff (with him not present)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee
Soooo.....
Soooo.....
They kicked the annual Smithsonian Festival Of American Folklife off the.Mall to have a MAGA rally?
Meanwhile, Austin's got Willie with the family and friends.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
"It will be a wild and
"It will be a wild and beautiful celebration."
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: The Sound of Steam and Caffeine
...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
Trump Administration Live
Trump Administration Live Updates: President Said to Be Backing Off Plans for $1.8 Billion Fund After Backlash
What We’re Covering Today
Payout Fund: President Trump is backing off his plan for a $1.8 billion fund to pay people he says have been victimized by the federal government, according to two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The arrangement drew staunch opposition from many lawmakers, including prominent Republicans. Critics of the plan, which a judge temporarily blocked last week, said it amounted to a fund to pay supporters who have faced federal investigations and convictions. Read more ›
F.B.I.: Former F.B.I. officials are starting a group to help embattled bureau employees grapple with the Trump administration’s efforts to rapidly reshape its agency. The group is made up of former Justice Department employees who offer legal, mental health and job search services to current agency employees. Read more ›
U.S. Military: Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, recently blocked the promotions of at least seven Navy officers who had been selected by a board of senior admirals to rise to one-star admiral rank. His actions appeared to violate promotion system rules and disproportionally affected women and minority officers. Read more ›
Gift link > https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/06/01/us/trump-news?unlocked_article_c...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
only the best.....
only the best.....
National Intelligence: President Trump announced on Tuesday that he was naming Bill Pulte, a home-building heir who runs the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to be the acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. The move is almost certain to draw criticism as Mr. Pulte has no known experience for a national security role.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Quarantined recoverer
haha i was looking for this
haha i was looking for this thread
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Quarantined recoverer
haha i was looking for this
haha i was looking for this thread
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
Possibly the last announced
Possibly the last announced performer remaining, (and with Trump's cancellation who knows?), is a white man named ICE. This incredibly patriotic person, often a performer at Mar A Lago, just told Brianna Keillar on CNN that he doesn't vote. Some patriotic American. Can't find a way to honor the sacrifice of those who gave all.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
It's more than just bands
It's more than just bands canceling now. A few states have decided not to participate in the Great American State Fair the concerts were to be a part of.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
My sister lives basically in
My sister lives basically in DC and she wanted to go down to the museums today but canceled because the city is overrun with red hats for the Idiocracy Fight Club at the White House. She was happy that they are getting the worst of DC summer weather today and thunderstorms tonight so we can all cross our fingers for a little Devine intervention.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: GoneGoodbye
I'm thinking of soaking my
I'm thinking of soaking my fireworks on the 4th as
THERE IS NOTHING TO CELEBRATE HERE!
Removal or an obit is about the only thing that would make me celebrate at this point.
Sad.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
>>>we can all cross our
>>>we can all cross our fingers for a little Devine intervention.
Let's hope Andy Devine comes through! "Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6a3fck0NBI
I hope it pours on them.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Seems such a debacle so far..
Seems such a debacle so far.... finally cancelled for the rest of Friday citing weather despite being a rain or shine event
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: intentionally blank
Trump Hastily Gets Kash Patel
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Zzzzzz
This just in:
This just in:
The audience has dropped out of the Great Fair lineup
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
^^^ well played!
^^^ well played!
According to a post I read 25 minutes ago, Trump's event and the entire National Mall is under evacuation orders due to severe storms.
MAGAs waited hours in 100+ degree heat.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
Due to a shortage of
Due to a shortage of independence, July 4 has been moved to November 5
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
^^^ Applause
^^^ Applause
Now let's see if Trump goes on with his speech and causes a lightning strike or broadcasts it from indoors.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD
A well placed lightning bolt
A well placed lightning bolt could be nice.......
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
Reported by Harry J. Sisson's
Reported by Harry J. Sisson's Instagram account 10 minutes ago: Total chaos has ensued at the event.... because Trump posted to social urging everyone to stay to hear his speech. Now, people are literally sprinting back to the event despite secret service telling them to stay out.
Are we shocked?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane
The videos of the scene there
The videos of the scene there last night are hilarious. What a cluster... it turned out exactly as predicted
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
I have to say the asshole's
I have to say the asshole's attempt to get things focused on himself and his events MASSIVELY failed. I saw lots of actual CELEBRATIONS and best of all UNITY and JOY on PBS, NBC and CNN and other networks. The asshole's big speech was a mere small footnote to what turned out to be a unifying celebration and a focus on reclaiming our constitution and highlighting its ideals. His attempt to put his mark on our country's 250th celebration was a failure - bigly. Hide the ketchup today. And his name was largely kept out of 99% of the coverage I saw. The short march by the masked white boys yesterday stained his message even more. That was a big WTF moment for a lot of actual patriots. The Reuters pic of the black woman on the train is a classic.
Yeah yeah, we're still fucked up and we haven't reached our ideals, but this turned out to be a great holiday and a massive repudiation of the asshole. IMNSHO. YMMV..
Keep hope alive!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha
https://www.thebulwark.com/p
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/americas-250th-survived-trumps-sabotage-jul...
"The president tried to make the event all about himself. He failed. And for that, the country succeeded."
Article by Willaim Kristol.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Roarshock
Watching Trump live on French
Watching Trump live on French television. He is over-the-top crazy touting his perceived achievements and the golden age U.S. economy, and his long list of grievances. This guy is lying. We are in great danger, my friends, with this guy guiding the ship of state.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ
^^^ not to mention his
^^^ not to mention his bashing of Spain -- ordering his people to "stop trade immediately" on a live camera?
Undiplomatic and embarrassing.
... and during the World Cup! Hope he has to present the cup to Spain!