250-150-100-0

Waving American flag and Colorado state flag with mountains.

US [250] - Colorado [150]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the United States and the State of Colorado (a.k.a. The Centennial State). This Fourth of July the US is commemorating 250 years as a nation. Colorado has been a state in the US for 150 years.

Though some would say there is not much to celebrate, as a country and as a state within that country, we've been blessed. Opportunity based on one's willingness to explore, learn and work is greater in the US than most other countries. Though there is prejudice within the citizenry, and me too, there is a profound and more common ethic of viewing others not so much on the basis of race, sex or another immutable characteristic, but more on the "content of their character".

Will the US continue as a land of opportunity for another 250 years? Maybe it will if sufficient trust can be nurtured for the common good. Trust was the challenge for 13 colonies 250 years ago. It remains a challenge today.

Two elderly men smiling, one with glasses and a leather jacket, the other with round glasses and sunglasses on his head.

Founding Fathers [100]

Warren and Weldon lived pert near 100 years and were the founding fathers in our family. This is not to discount the roles and contributions of Mildred, Marlene and so many other women in the family. Warren and Weldon come to mind because Father's Day 2026 was the first where we weren't able to celebrate with one of them. Weldon died earlier this year and Warren would have been 99 years old if still alive.

The founding fathers of our nation, like Weldon and Warren, had faults. They also shared a passion for a better life individually, as a family, and as a community. They were willing to lead through personal sacrifice, What distinguishes founding fathers (& mothers) from others is the love for others. Such love is not of this world.

FIFA Flops [100]

It has been almost 100 years of World Cup soccer (23 World Cups every 4 years). This year North America hosts this event and that has increased the interest on this continent. Though there has been competitive and truly exception athleticism displayed in the June games, the biggest wow is the coming together of cultures to celebrate the event. That celebration is more note worthy than a winning goal.

Though soccer (or football) has been a family favorite for years, some things never change. For example, why does a striker with an open shot on goal more often than not sky the ball? What seems to have changed are the thespian talents of the players. Whether it is a planned (end zone-like) celebration, or the performative writhing in pain to draw a foul, there's a lot of virtue signaling in todays' game.

Rasmussen Reporter

250-150-100-0

US [250] - Colorado [150]

Founding Fathers [100]

FIFA Flops [100]

Fourth Fun - 0

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