Rant #1,705: Happy July 4

Today is July 1. We finally made it to the first full month of summer!

It has been warm in these parts. It hasn't hit 100 yet, but the summer is still young.

My allergies are bothering me, as I had an allergy attack yesterday on the very day I was supposed to get my allergy shots.

I went to the office, and they had a big sign on the door saying that they closed early.

Very nice of them to tell me that.

Anyway, on Monday, it will be July 4, Independence Day, and it will be a welcome day off for many, many people, myself and my wife included.

But it is not a day off for everyone--for instance, my son has to work.

So while not everyone is off, everybody can get into the spirit of the holiday, one where we celebrate our nation and what it stands for.

Here is what I wrote in Rant #769 on July 3, 2012, and I think it still holds true as we sashay over to Independence Day 2016:

"With all the baseball games and barbecues, I think we often lose sight of what the day actually means, as the birthday of the greatest country in the world.

Sure, we have problems, we aren't a perfect country, but is there a better place to live on earth?

I don't think so.

And on July 4, we celebrate those who are serving now, and those who have served in the past, all of whom have kept this country strong.

But we don't only celebrate service members. We celebrate all those who have brought our industrious nature to this country, all of those who have made a name for themselves here, and all of those who have contributed to make this country great.

That means all of us, every American can take a bow on July 4.

So on July 4, we celebrate the greatest country in the world. It's a coast to coast celebration, and I know you'll probably hear firecrackers either on the TV or in your own neighborhood during the holiday.

So, at least for one day, put aside your work mode, and enjoy the day."

I couldn't put it better than that, so I didn't, and thus, the slight rerun of what I said about the day four years ago.

So have a great holiday, have a frank or a burger on me, and I will speak to you again on Tuesday.

Everybody into the pool!