Me and Uncle Sam: Born on the Fourth of July!

My birthday is July 4th, just like the United States of America.

Along with my father, step-father and uncles, I have served honorably with merit in the United States Military.

I love my country along with the ideas for which it was founded. I have studied American history along with all of the more important documents that define its structure and principles. I have a very clear understanding of the meaning of patriotism.

In recent times, patriotism seems to have been captured as their own by the conservative right and supporters of the present administration in our government. The meaning of partiotism and who is considered a patriot has been spun to only be applicable to those who agree with them. To question the policies and decisions of this administration causes one to feel that the very essence of one's patriotism is being questioned.

I recently saw a bumper sticker on a car that said "I Love My Country, I Just Don't Trust My Government!" Of course, I thought to myself, "RIGHT ON!"

Not trusting or respecting a government that is corrupt with politics, power or influence is as old as the hills. It is not a question of one's partiotism and it is not a question of one's political idealogy. To not respect and dis-trust individuals and groups who are not doing the job the way it is supposed to be done is very American!

I was born on the 4th of July and I am proud of that fact!

Happy Birthday to me! Happy birthday to the United States of America!

May we both have many more to come!