Happy INDEPENDENCE Day. And a bit of ranting.

Tonight as I consumed way too much grilled meats, potato chips and the occasional adult beverage I couldn't help but wonder how many people really stop and ponder the reason we gather. On a day where we come together with family and friends to eat, drink and be merry, there is an obvious reason, that so many people seem to choose to ignore. At work I wished almost all my customers a happy INDEPENDENCE day and almost with out fail the response was "and a happy fourth to you as well." Even those who were around long enough to hear me wish a happy independence day to others still replied with happy fourth. People almost seemed ashamed to say "Happy Independence Day."
What has happened to us that celebrating being proud of the greatest country ever formed, is now frowned upon, or brings forth feelings of shame and embarrassment. Sure, we may have strayed from the original founding principles, and by strayed I mean lead astray by power hungry politicians, but even with the never ending quest for political correctness we are still the best country to live in. I hope we can regain some sanity and steer this ship back to safe harbors, but it is a big ship and will take some time to turn her about.
My hope and prayer today is that you and your family have a wonderful time together and if you couldn't be together you at least got to call them and tell your family you love them. While you spend time with family and friends please wish them a happy Independence Day from the From The Ground Up family and spend time discussing and reflecting on what it is we are celebrating today. Shoot off the fire works and remember that 241 years ago an amazing social and political experiment began and runs still today. May those fireworks remind you of the battles our forefathers witnessed and struggled through, and all that these men of valor suffered through to give us the right to stand together as proud Americans. As Francis Scott Key penned "O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there." Tonight we eat and drink and blow stuff up in peace because a few brave men rose up against tyranny and gave their lives, family and riches to fight for what they believed in. In the mean time most the rest of the world lives under tyrannical rein, lives in a constant war zone, or is in constant fear that the next day could be the day they are caught by a terrorist attack. Live free, find a way to become more independent, and remember to live, love and grow, from the ground up.