The inability to find common ground by well educated and entrusted individuals weakens our nation and weakens the public’s already dismal perception of politics and politicians of all stripes. Unfortunately, we’re all drawn into taking sides and that’s what this is truly about. Which side wins? There are truly some members of Congress and some within the White House who see this debate in it’s purest form of fiscal responsible actions, but for the most part, it’s sorrowfully about sides, victory, and elections.

The oil comes from oil sands, and the environmentalists in this country don’t go a along with the energy it takes to extract it. So they, who have no ideas of any reasonable alternatives, and are against our own shale oil production, now want the U.S. Government to pass on the added resource, and let China purchase the oil. Just remember that while you fill your car and home oil tank this winter.

The President’s Facebook appearance a month ago and now the Tweet Town Hall yesterday are positive ways for our President to keep in touch with the general public. There are of course downsides. It is incumbent on the officials and providers to assure open and honest dialogue. The dangers are that this becomes not a news event, but a publicity event. Carefully screening the tweets or the Facebook followers questions could easily result in a set-up of politico speak, and a denial of true dialogue.

To date, these new opportunity provide for those with access an opportunity to be involved. That’s a good thing, buts let’s not forget the more conventional folks that need to be included too.

I certainly have been moved , hurt, outraged and disappointed at the horrors and demons that possess some people like little Caylee’s mother (and others) but I’m also confused, and concerned by the hundreds – if not thousands – who have created this trial into a serial thriller on TV.

Fighting for courthouse seats, spending thousands to travel to the trial – virtually stopping their lives each day to watch every gory word of horrendous people who have done G-D awful things to an innocent child. We know what’s wrong with Casey Anthony, she’s a psychopath, but the bigger question for me is what’s wrong with so many of us?

I thought we could set aside for the next couple of days and use this space as a mini forum of what The 4th of July means to you as individual American Citizens. 235 years ago our nation was born. So share with us, if you will, your inner most thoughts. For those bloggers who wish not to and to those who will, Happy 4th . Let the celebration begin.

The Chinese Company, wholly owned by the Chinese Government who lost no soldiers, paid not one dime to support the over throw of Saddam, who did not support the US, who hasn’t spent a dime rebuilding the schools, roads, housing or the infrastructure, ends up with all the benefits and we get the bodies of the fallen heroes. Great job Washington… Happy Independence Day Mr. President.

The answer: greed, power, character weakness, false entitlements, and a relative acceptance of those around them to close their eyes to the corruption that surrounds them. Our failure to demand better, the judicial system not punishing these violators of public trust severe enough, and those who surround them – both publicly in their jobs or privately as friends and associates – creates a culture of acceptability that is rotting the very foundation of our nation.

O’Brien has captained the ship well and carefully through these treacherous times of fiscal hardship. Hopefully the council will leave the small stuff aside, and avoid the political posturing that affects evaluations in election years. No matter, the public knows well, that this manager has earned his piling on, and I’m pleased to be able to add my support on his already tired and sore back.