Flag-waving, Pledge-saying Independence Day!

  It is early evening here on the Bayou and the rains have started with a vengeance.  Thunder, lightning and a veritable downpour seem to have set in for the night.  This is definitely going to put a damper on any fireworks display for this Independence Day but this is fine by Ms. Ez and me.  The old Bayou Dog and I are snug as two bugs in the Little Bayou House!

  Speaking of Independence Day and all its trappings, my sweet granddaughter has learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of United States!  She is all of two years old and is proud to be an American!  Of course, she IS the smartest little girl in the world and she does have a wonderful mom and dad who teach her this but for her to show her pride is quite amazing.  It does, however, bring back some fond memories of some, ahem, thirty-something years ago.  Her dad (my oldest son) did the very same thing at the very same age.  He, too, was (and still is) a Proud American! 

  I ponder with all the turmoil jittering about this country these days, if parents are not promoting this pride and respect at all.  It seems to me that a good many of the current generation has fallen to the wayside and lost all respect for most everything.  Parents obviously had a hand in this whether it be a lack of good parenting skills or just pure old laziness.  Buck up, Folks!  Grab ahold to those kids and make them learn a little respect!  Flag burnings, riots, hatred causes nothing but, well, hatred.  Back in the day, we were taught to respect ALL folks, our elders, life and our country.  What happened?

  It sure makes me proud to see my grandkids being raised with good morals, respect, patriotism and love.  It gives me hope for the next generation.  God bless America! Happy Independence Day!