Dear Progarchists,

As some of you might know, I’m in the middle of moving to Colorado.  We begin our cross-country odyssey this Monday.  By Tuesday night, I hope, the Birzers will be in their Longmont residence.  So, as you might guess, today has been very hectic.  So hectic, in fact, that we almost skipped celebrating Independence Day all together.  Not an easy thing for someone who spends his professional life studying the founding of the American republic.

Suffice it to say, the Birzers simply couldn’t let the holiday pass without notice.  So, we raised the flag, blew up lots and lots of stuff, and spontaneously belted out a full-throated version of the Star-Spangled Banner in the front yard.  The Birzers are nothing if not full of noise.  And, thank the good Lord that my 13-year old, Gretchen, possesses a marvelous voice.

So, in the spirit of the day–a few songs, not all uncritical.  Happy Birthday, America.  May you attain the moral excellence of which you are capable.  Someday, if not today.

Yours, Brad