Happy Birthday U.S. of A.

It's an odd year.  I'm not sure about it being one of our oddest years but it's gotta be up there.  First of all there is the tweeter-in-chief.  I mean who would have thought we'd be there?  Mr. Obama was such a correct person and now?  Well, there is also our quiet VP:  he's hardly a superstar.  The congress seems to have the same problems it has had for years; except now it's the Republican party not managing things.  Doesn't it make you proud to be a citizen?

I have to say there are some things going on that I agree with.  We certainly need to invest in our infrastructure!  Anyone who has traveled the U.S. knows that the roads need work.  Then there would be things like our airspace, our train system, public buildings.  I know government people can manage to waste money by the ton but there is plenty that needs to be brought into the new century.

Of course it would be really most excellent to invest in our people.  Obamacare was a pretty good start but certainly it could improved upon.  Education is something that isn't even being discussed.  First, what happened to the great American institution of high school?  Here in Nevada the graduation percentage is disgusting.  Technical schools would be great but I get the impression they are dying all over.  College is a good option for some people but it's not for everyone.  Too many 'liberals' think college should be for everyone; that's just stupid.  Dumb down college so people who aren't interested in it can graduate and you end up with non-educated people.

Following along that line, the quality of the basic research we get from our colleges would certainly be improved if we were to add a bit more money to the mix.  NASA research had lots of unusual spinoffs as did the Vietnam war.  I am not calling for a new war but why exactly is Elon Musk the guy who is shooting rockets off into space?   Or why is Richard Branson the new 'inner space' cruise director?  Did the federal government lose sight of the future?   Well, yeah, I agree they have.  If they ever had it.

However, let's face it.  I think the U.S.A. is still a wonderful place to live.  I'm proud to be a citizen.  I'm proud to have served in the armed services.  I know people all over the world feel the same love for their country and isn't that appropriate.  It's a wonderful world, we should all love our little part of it.  Happy Independence Day, U.S.A.

P.S.  Nothing on the legal marijuana front yet.  Don't hold your breath!