Parrothead Jeff

Happy Independence Day everyone !!!

I have a few thoughts to share in the short time I have left on my lunch break (I volunteered to work).

I never really realized just how much more independence the average citizen has in Nevada than California until I moved here. It’s more than just the gambling. Nevada trusts its citizens more than California does. Out here you can have fireworks, machineguns, silencers, and any type of semi-auto firearm you want. It’s legal to carry a gun openly in public without a permit anywhere in the state except government buildings, courts, schools, and private property where the owner decides it’s not allowed.

I don’t see why California thinks it’s dangerous enough to talk on a hand held cellphone that it needs to be illegal, but reading, shaving, eating, and putting on makeup are illegal. I don’t have a hands-free device for my cellphone and I talk on it while driving. I still haven’t crashed because of it. Most people have a clue that way.

My last thought for the day doesn’t involve California vs. Nevada. I was walking out to my car thinking about how freaking hot it is out today. It’s supposed to get up to 111 degrees, hotter still on blacktop like parking lots. But I think I’ve got it pretty easy. I get to wear pants and a polo to work. I go from my air conditioned work to my air conditioned car to my air conditioned apartment.

Somewhere over in the middle east and even on bases like Nellis, Creech, and Barstow, are U.S. servicemen and women who don’t get those luxuries. They wear protective clothing, sometimes body armor, and they stand out in the sun. It’s hotter over in the middle east and out on the tarmac and streets than it probably is on my walk to my car at work.

These people who have volunteered to serve deserve our thanks and our recognition always, but especially so today. They stand ready to defend us even if it means giving their lives for us and for our freedom. Take a moment today while you’re cooking on the barbecue, watching TV, lighting fireworks, or out shooting and say a prayer for the troops - all of them from the men who fought with General Washington to those who serve today. Don’t forget the rest of the people you never think about either - the CIA, FBI, NRO, DIA, and the rest of the “three letter organizations” and all law enforcement officers who work on our behalf. They are the reason we continue to exist as the great nation we know as the United States of America and the reason we continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty every day. I’ll be saying a prayer for all of our allies as well - ironically including the British - who aid us in keeping the flame of freedom burning.

Happy Independence Day everyone :thumb: !!!