July 4 has many different meanings. Some think of it as a day off from work. Others (see retail workers) see it as another day that they have to work when they should be at home with their families. Others see the 4th as a day to have friends and family over to enjoy some hamburgers and hot dogs. Still other see today as an opportunity to hit the lake and party.
There is a very small minority that actually appreciate and reflect on what this day means to our country. Talk about David vs Goliath. If you have never taken the time to read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, you should. They are fascinating documents written by talented and creative minds.
Some people criticize this day because the military gets too much "play" in the press. What is wrong with that? These people volunteer to protect us every second of every day. They are a big reason our country has remained free and a power.
Also, I get tired of the argument that if our Founding Fathers did today what they did in 1776, it would be considered treason. They created this country from an oppressive regime that offered no form of representation. They did what they had to do so that you would have the opportunity to live free.
Today, instead of having to start an armed revolution against the government, all you have to do is get involved and vote. If you don't like the policies and practices of the government, then you have to do something to make changes. Back a candidate, vote, volunteer, picket, or maybe ever run for an office.
Do nothing and you get exactly what you deserve.
good read on the 4th
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Now, something funny from our founding fathers......
On to SPORTS
Most seem to be in favor of the Avery signing, though I still have my doubts. But, this is obviously a Brett Hull signing and he knows a little bit about hockey. This team will be good next year, but the hockey might be even uglier that normal. Avery does have some skill and is only 28. If healthy, maybe he will add a little scoring punch to partially replace Hagman's goal totals.
JJT's view
TSN calls Avery "spirited"
From ESPN's Scott Burnside
Stars sign forward Sean Avery to four-year, $15.5 million deal
Not sure exactly what New York Rangers GM Glen Sather was thinking. He made little effort to keep Sean Avery in the fold as the forward waltzed off Broadway and into Dallas. Now, the Stars have another talented, gritty forward to help take some of the pressure off captain Brenden Morrow.
"I just thought it was a no-brainer to have him in our lineup," Avery's former teammate in Detroit and current Stars assistant GM Brett Hull said Wednesday after the deal was done. "He goes against the stream, which I kind of like. Kind of reminds me of me."
There are always two trains of thought when it comes to Avery. There's Avery the player, who can antagonize with the best of them, but also knows how to play the game. The Rangers were a much different team -- read better -- with Avery in the lineup than without him. Then, there's Avery the diva, whose penchant for the dramatic has been off-putting to both teammates and opponents in the past.
The Stars believe Avery the player is the most important part of this equation. Dallas upset the defending Cup champs from Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs and then preseason Cup favorite San Jose before dropping a six-game series to the Red Wings in the West finals. Does Avery make the Stars better than Detroit? No. Not with the Wings adding Hossa. But Avery ensures the Stars will have more grit and no complacency in the dressing room after a season of unexpected playoff success.
Free-agency grade: B+
Gilbert, when healthy, can play and make no mistake, he is still getting a brinks truck load of money
Gilbert Arenas gives up $16mil
Gilbert Arenas is accepting less money from the Washington Wizards, invoking an attitude far, far removed from the world of his working-class fans.
"What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can't do with $111 million?" he told The Washington Post.
The unpredictable three-time All-Star point guard, in vintage Agent Zero fashion, told the Post and the Washington Times on Thursday that he has agreed to re-sign for $111 million over six years, considerably less than the maximum deal he said the Wizards offered him when the free agency period began on Tuesday.
Arenas negotiated the deal from China, where is traveling as part of promotional tour for a shoe company, and did so without an agent.
"I'm basically giving back $16 million," Arenas told the Washington Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it."
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