Gas prices roar high. A semi-recession seems to be materializing.. Stories of poverty, war, crime filter through the airwaves.. Wrought with agony, America asks, are we still beautiful? Is the ragged flag still tattered and waving above us? Are we still proud.

Last night and through the rest of this weekend, millions of Americans will peacefully sit in grass with their family, some cold adult beverages, hot dogs, and all else that is Americana, and watch rockets red flares soar above them. Bombs will burst in the air.. Truth in the night that a flag is still there.

The rockets and red glare we see in 2008 will be streams of peace rather than hostility. After all, America is still pretty much the same as it's been for decades.

American pride transcends politics. But in a political year, a face-value look at the two candidates running for president should give pride. A veteran that was tortured for years and never gave up on one side, and an African-American who didn't give up against a political machine on another side. It's quite a choice. America, 2008, as so many things stay the same it's clear you have come very far.

A smattering of news stories this July 4th weekend aren't good. Major American companies losing major money, the cost of driving to your destination this holiday soaring, and something you put in your cold salad may just may you sick.. tomatoes or jalapenos, who knows.

But we've been here before. And much worse before, too.

The United States is a tremendously young country. However, youthful decisions are always a millions times more important than those made later in life. What we do now, how we handle trying times, will pinpoint our direction for a thousand years.

Hybrids or gas guzzlers? Pride or sorrow? Obama or McCain?

Ok, maybe the Obama McCain thing isn't as important as some others.

Our decisions in our life will effect our children..children's children.. And who knows what else. The butterfly effect's ripple around the world starts in every American heart and soul.

Is America's heart and soul proud this year ? Or are the fireworks just another event coupled with that mystery meat hot dog?

Your answer will for tell the future.

In 1865 the ragged flag was almost torn in half, saw a president get shot, and watched decades more of racial intolerance and hate crimes that continues in some ways still today. In 1941, the ragged flag watched America be attacked by another country..it withstood the attack and watched America rally around it.. In 1973, it watched a president tear the Constitution into pieces. It bounced back. In 1993, it watched an American building be attacked withstand the barrage. In 2001, it saw the same building fall. And through tears, that feeling of pride in the tattered flag roared on.

And in 2008, it watches America feel some doubt, some scorn, some anger, and some fear. It saw this all before.

And like before, it will fly above as a reminder of sacrifices of brave men and women through history.. those men and women still watching from beyond.. watching what our actions will be in years to come.

The flag looks pretty old for a young country. As long as America still looks at it with awe, it will be there for centuries to come.

...As the rockets flare above us with American pride....