Do you know a hero?

When it comes to stuff like patriotism and national holidays to celebrate it, I don't have anything new to say or a different way to say it.

People who possess far more eloquence than I do have said it better than I ever could.

Independence Day is today.


You know... a day when so many people don't pause for even a second to think about what Independence Day really means, and instead celebrate the big three. Beer, fireworks, and a day off.

I'm not a drinker or into big, loud celebrations, so instead of beer and fireworks every July 4th, I take time to remember our soldiers and the freedom we take for granted here.

And despite the fact that we have a veritable carnival of thieving idiots and lying assholes in Washington D.C. who are doing little more than shitting on the little guy and wiping their collective ass with our Constitution, there are still people stationed all over the world who have pledged their lives to protect us. You. Me. Our families.

Stop a moment and ponder about any circumstance that would make you unhesitatingly offer your life to protect someone you don't even know.

I can't even imagine the idea.

Yet we have thousands and thousands of people in our military who have pledged to do exactly that if necessary.

I appreciate from the bottom of my heart the sacrifices other people have made and continue to make every day to keep my freedom.

My brother Jim serves, as have several members of my family. I have great pride in them, and great respect for them.

So if you know someone who has served or is serving, take time today and often to thank them.

And if you're serving, thank you. You are a hero.