July 4

July 4^th should be a time of celebration. Instead it has become a time of vigilance and national soul searching. We have done a poor job of protecting ourselves against COVID. We have been forced to confront the festering problems of racism and inequality. We suffer under failed leadership, incompetence and deception at the highest levels of government.

The Constitution is under assault. Freedom of the press becomes fake news. The right to bear arms becomes: You want a weapon, you get it, no problem. Freedom of speech becomes hate. Freedom of action comes with no consequences and no responsibilities. The right to vote is compromised as much by lazy citizens as by legal restrictions.

This July 4^th is not only a time to chill and grill but a time to strengthen our will.