Independence Day, July 4 is now in the rear view mirror. The fireworks are finished the back yard grill is cold. The parades are over and the lawn chairs are folded up until the next event. I admit to some mixed feelings. I love my country and I cherish its noble ambitions, but at times I am a bit disappointed at how often we fail as a country to live up to our most noble dreams and aspirations. My family and I lived outside the US for three years In Scotland, U.K., so I have at least some points of comparison. There were things I preferred in Scotland and things I preferred in the U.S., but I would never want to give up my place in the U.S.A. I do at times have “a lover’s quarrel” with my country. Our easy resort to violence in conflict, and our glorification of size, money and power distress me. At our worst we seem too often to choose ignorance over knowledge and wisdom. Just when I start to feel most discouraged, a new example of compassion and concern reminds me that we can still cherish our ideals and our most noble thoughts. So I guess I’ll just keep trying to be part of the America that welcomes, heals and helps.