I want to take a moment to wish everyone here in the United States a happy Independence Day. This is a celebration of freedom, hard-fought freedom. We stood up against oppression and we built a system of government that values liberty, representation, and individual rights. By "we" I mean people a few hundred years ago.

It is important that we protect this system and keep moving forward, not backwards. I know that recently the rest of the world has not always looked favorably upon us. I get it, but every country has its issues and despite ours, I still consider myself a proud American. Even if I do not always agree with everything the current government or administration does, this country has given me the freedom to speak my mind, run my own business, and teach people across the globe, and that is something I will always be grateful for.

Now go ahead and enjoy your fireworks, but please do it responsibly and watch your fingers. Follow your local laws, and be mindful of your neighbors. That includes the ones with dogs like mine. I will be home with my moderately sedated pups, one of whom thinks the world is ending every time a bottle rocket goes off.

It is not just pets. I had a buddy who served in the military, and every time he heard a loud bang he would flinch like he was back in combat. So if you are lighting stuff off, just be respectful. Celebrate, but do not be a jerk.

Here in Cape Coral, Florida, for example, you are allowed to use consumer fireworks like Roman Candles, Firecrackers, the good stuff, on July 4th, Independence Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day only. But even then, the noise ordinance still kicks in at 10 pm. We still get people blowing off fireworks the day before, the day after, and at 3 am.

So light it up, have fun, but do not be that guy. We all know the type. He hits up Dave's Discount Boom Boom Tent and then decides to declare independence a full 48 hours early. Dude, it is July 3rd. Nobody is impressed. The dog is traumatized, the baby is crying, and your neighbors now know you peaked in high school.

Besides, let us get one thing straight. There is only one guy who is licensed to carry a boom stick, and you are not him, Sparky. Get a real boom stick, not something you found on a folding table in a gas station parking lot. Shop smart, shop S-Mart. You got that?!

Where was I? Yeah, Independence Day. So do not forget to leave out cookies and milk for Captain America tonight. And do not forget to thank Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum for saving us from the aliens.

This is the part where I say something to my British friends who are watching this, like Alex and Kevin, my moderators. I know you guys are still a little salty about 1776, but it is okay. You have still got tea and the Queen...

Oh wait, never mind.

Just kidding.

Happy Independence Day everyone. Stay free, stay safe, and stay awesome, America.

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