Happy 4th of July!

Isn't it great that we live in a nation where people can have blogs? Isn't it great that we're allowed to speak our minds (brainfarts and all), exercise our rights (if not our thighs), and bask in the glow of freedom? My grandfather, father, father-in-law, brother and several brothers-in-law all served in the Navy (which, if you didn't know, stands for Never Again Volunteer Yourself) and sacrificed years of their lives and time away from their families to fight wars, run ships, and save soldier's lives. Why? So that the United States of America could be a nation for all citizents who seek freedom under its protection. All CITIZENS...

And here's where I'm going to get myself into a lot of trouble: I'm pretty sure that when those brave men were stuck in the belly of a submarine for six months, or saving wounded soldiers on the beaches of Vietnam, they weren't thinking about all those illegal immigrants who were enjoying the same freedoms as their families back home. Why is this country so blind to the fact that if they keep "doing what they're doing, they're going to keep getting what they're getting" as my Pastor would say? When is enough, enough? When our schools can't afford to stay open? When our healthcare system has gone to the dogs? When law-abiding citizens can't find jobs because it's cheaper to pay an illegal immigrant? Find me a President who'll shut down the borders and bring jobs back here, and you'll find me first in line at the poll.

This country was founded on freedoms other nations can only dream of having. However, they are freedoms intended for the citizens of this country. I love this country. I love living in my own house, going to my own church, and raising my daughter with my own values. So for that, I say, Thanks guys, for enduring months away from your families, horrible food, unimaginable stress, and crummy sleeping quarters. Perhaps Immigration and Naturalization Services should direct their clients away from the Welfare line and into the Armed Forces Recruiting center.

To all of my fellow American citizens, remember the women and men who have served and are currently serving in the Military. Now go eat your hot dogs, light off those fireworks, and have a good Fourth!