Let Freedom Reign

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
Erma Bombeck

Once again, I quote one of my favorites, Erma Bombeck, who always seemed to capture the essence of many things in a few short words. As I celebrated our Independence Day last week, I was reminded just how fortunate we are to live in this country. Yes, it is easy to open the paper each day and read about real estate misfortunes, watch the limping stock market, or painfully fill up our tanks at the gas station. But, are we willing to accept all of this as dowry to our freedom?  I believe we are. I know that personally, I am thankful for the freedom of speech, the freedom to make choices, and the freedom to walk the streets without fear. Much of this I take for granted. Thankfully, I have this day to remind myself otherwise.

I hope that all of you had an opportunity to take the long weekend to enjoy and rejuvenate yourselves as we prepare to head into the second half of the year.