We’re officially in the countdown to the Fourth of July, which — blessedly — lands on a Saturday this year. A full weekend to celebrate America turning 250. A quarter of a millennium. Not bad for a country that still argues about everything except fireworks and potato salad.
Sure, 250 is a tiny blip compared to nations that have castles older than our entire tax code. Europe, for example, has been around long enough to have opinions about the Roman Empire. But Europe also still hasn’t discovered air conditioning, which means America wins by default.
And yes — Europe isn’t a country, it’s a collection of countries, each with its own birthday. Which means, technically, America is older than Europe and we have AC. Happy 250 to us.
The Strait of Hormuz: Now Streaming Weekly
Moving on (and on and on), those pesky Iranians continue acting like the Strait of Hormuz is their private driveway. The war — or “war,” depending on which press briefing you read — has become a weekly drama with plot twists that would embarrass daytime TV.
Trying to predict the week ahead is pointless because things change by the minute. At this point, simply remembering that yes, there is a war happening is enough situational awareness for the average American.
Ceasefire, Redefined
Remember when a ceasefire meant stop shooting? Wikipedia still thinks so. But Iran’s “new and improved” version seems to be: “We agree to stop fighting, except for the part where we keep firing missiles, drones, and taking potshots at ships. You, however, must stop everything.”
The U.S. version is equally modernized: “If you do all those things (and more), we reserve the right to erase you from the map.”
Honestly? Seems fair.
Meanwhile, the Russia–Ukraine War Remains Very Much a War
Daily attacks on Moscow are starting to make Putin visibly irritated — never a great sign. Russia may rope Belarus into the conflict, and Belarus, just for fun, has nukes.
This “forgotten for now” war is about to shove its way back into the headlines whether we want it there or not.
Wednesday: Soccer Tries to Steal the Week
Ah yes, the World Cup. The U.S. plays Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. Two countries at once — seems unfair, but that’s the joke, readers.
If I followed soccer more, I’d say something insightful here. I don’t. Just be aware: big match Wednesday.
And Then… the Big One
The crown jewel of the week is the coming weekend: America’s 250th birthday party. Fireworks, barbecues, parades, inflatable eagles — the whole thing.
Let’s hope our various global enemies don’t view the national celebration as an opportunity to spike the punch bowl.
It’s summer. It’s the Fourth. It’s time to enjoy life, family, and the fact that we somehow made it to 250 without the whole place catching fire.
Content provided by Bill Taylor with the assistance of co-pilot
