July 4th is much more than fireworks and cookouts - GUEST
OPINION  What is the Fourth of July? What does it mean? What's
its significance?  All of these questions will elicit different
responses. To some it's known as Independence Day. To others
it's a day to watch a parade, go on a picnic or to simply enjoy
oneself at an activity of the season.  Yes, it's all of the
aforementioned. Yet, it's much more than that.  It's the 237th
birthday of our Republic. It's the day to celebrate not only
having a good time, but it's an occasion to seriously reflect on
what makes this nation great. It's the recognition of the traits
that have allowed millions and still allow tens of millions to
want to come to these shores.  The United States of America
gives hope and opportunity unimagined in most countries. Of
course, there are shortcomings and this can be said of any human
being let alone a nation. After all, aren't we as nations just
an accumulation of the imperfections of individual humans?  So
what would one expect? If