People watch a fireworks display in Newark, N.J. on June 30, 2015. (AP)

July Fourth Reflections

The Editorial Board – USA Today

As Americans celebrate the Fourth of July weekend at beaches, picnics and parades, it’s worth pausing to honor the people who put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms or keep us safe.

People like the U.S. troops on convoy duty Tuesday in Afghanistan, who were attacked by a suicide car bomber. Or the U.S. forces in Iraq assisting in the battle against Islamic State terrorists. Or, at home, the hotshots battling this summer’s Western wildfires.

At a time when the news is often full of what’s wrong with America, these heroes remind us what’s right.

Digitally-animated red, white and blue fireworks debuted in New York’s Times Square on June 29, 2015 for Toshiba and TDK’s annual tribute to Independence Day.This Fourth of July America has lots to celebrate

This Fourth of July America Has Lots to Celebrate

Ann McFeatters – Newsday

Wow! Is President Obama on a roll or what!

Even without knowing the latest news, you can tell something is up by the glowering super conservatives and the grinning ultra-liberals….

And, now, relations with Cuba! … For the first time since 1961 Cuba will have a U.S. embassy.

In rapid succession, we have seen the Supreme Court rule in favor of same-sex marriage equality, supported by Obama, and uphold the legality of Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act.

One hundred and fifty years after the Civil War, the Confederate battle flag, symbolic of racism and rebellion against the United States, is finally ceasing to be flown over public buildings….

Obama is not a great president…. But it is not true that the country is not improving; we are. It is not true that our promise has been tarnished; we remain the hope of the world.