How different would our country be if we had lost the war in 1776? How much do our children understand the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? The Declaration of Independence is such an important piece of our history. It’s why we’re all Americans. Regardless of how we feel about whatever is going on, we have the right to stand up and voice our opinion about what goes on. Our fore-fathers allowed us certain rights; use them, but don’t abuse them. What would Washington or Jefferson or Franklin say if they were alive today? Americans seem to use to the Declaration of Independence to their own advantage at times, when it’s convenient for them. So while we’re enjoying a hot dog and a fireworks show this Sunday, spend some time with your kids and take a look at the documents that make our country the greatest in the world. Have a great 4th of July!!!

Most people associate summer with the Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Actually, summer begins on the 21st. But if this is the case, where has summer gone? Most of it so far has been spent under an umbrella or at the ballpark. Being at the ballpark isn’t a bad thing, but the umbrella bit we all could do without. It’s just a few days until the Marion County Fair and July 4th, the un-official middle of summer. I say we should extend summer out as far as possible. Have summer start on the Memorial Day weekend and run through September past Labor Day. I remember being a kid and thinking that summer seemed so long sometimes…I just wish I could think that way now. Everything seems so rushed and you never feel like you got to enjoy anything. If you have vacation to use this summer, USE IT!!! Don’t waste it away because of work. Work will always be there, but those vacations are here and gone before you know it. Enjoy the summer.