July 4, 1776 is a huge day in American history and it is definitely a day to remember. The entire world started to change that day. The United States was not just any country declaring its freedom, but it was and is today a country that is not afraid to stand firm for the cause of democracy, freedom, and human rights.

The price of freedom isn't free, but it is nice to know that 230 years ago, a small brave army stood behind the belief that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" even against the most powerful army in the world at that time.

Today, the roles are reversed and now the US is the most powerful military in the world, but the principles have not changed. The US still stands for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of all men whether it is in Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever duty calls. The United States is willing to answer the call even in the face of world opinion and anti-US propoganda.

That is why I am proud to be an American.

The Ringling Brothers Circus is about to go to trial over the treatment of it's elephants against the animal rights groups.  Evidently, they have been battling groups for years and years. It is interesting to see the circus that will be going on in the courtroom.  

The lawyers go back and forth making their opening remarks. Then they go around and around about the evidence in the case. They will try to raise the jurors with the high points of their argument and bring them to their knees with the sad treatment of the elephants or the sad impact it would have on the financial well being of the circus. The lawyers probably don't personally care about the case, but they will do anything if you throw them enough peanuts.

I am thinking that the circus in the courtroom could be more interesting than any circus put on by Ringling Brothers.

I am the first person to say that I don't like Albert Pujols, but I am also going to be one of the first to the first to say that I am tired of hearing about Barry Bonds because it is taking away from what a great start to the season Pujols has put up so far. Of course it is only the beginning of the season, but a lot of great starts lead to great seasons and for Pujols, great is his standard. This is the season where he can step out and prove to everyone that he is without a doubt the greatest hitter in baseball.

It isn't that I don't like Barry Bonds, but we all knew that him passing Babe Ruth on the home run list was coming. Once he decided to play this year, we all knew that passing Babe Ruth is only a matter of time. We also knew that he is not the most fan friendly or media friendly guy in the world. So shut up about Barry because with him there is nothing new, but give Pujols his due.

It is interesting to hear all the news stories and there is usually one underlying theme that connects them all, money. The next time you read a news article, try to trace the money trail first before you decide what is the point of the article. Just remember that there are lots of people that profit from illegal immigration, racism, and everything else you can imagine.

Before you take what appears to be a great deal, think about the long term effects. Just remember that money has no friends so if you sell someone else out today, then you will eventually be sold out yourself. You can see it happen very quickly in sports when you have a super talented young player who can skirt the rules when he is young and talented, but when he is no longer full of potential or he becomes average he is dropped like a bag of rocks while other less talented guys find a way to stay around and keep playing.

In the everyday world, but is harder to see that because it doesn't happen as quickly, but it does happen. Money does not have any friends so you should be careful about making deals for a quick benefit because in the long term you will be burned.

Remember money has no friends so don't give your money a chance to burn you later.