The Fourth of July

It is hard to believe that July is here already, and while many of us prepare to celebrate our independence, there will NOT be fireworks in some places like my home state of Colorado!  There cannot even be barbecues over charcoal grills due to the risk of potentially starting yet another fire! Many are now without homes and still others are suffering without power to keep their refrigerators or air conditioning going during one of the biggest heat waves ever, never mind that their computers are down as well!

We are challenged with unemployment and economic issues and the politics of the upcoming election are heating up our nation as well, dividing us into camps according to our beliefs: What is and what is not constitutional; what should and shouldn't be considered our individual rights in this great land; and who should and shouldn't be assimilated as citizens.  Serious debates will continue with the upcoming election being only four months from now.

Still amid all these difficulties, challenges, and divisiveness, I am reminded by this holiday that I live in the land of "the free and the brave" and wish to pay honor to all those that have fought for our independence and liberties.  We are still the greatest nation on earth and I am proud to be an American!