Happy 4th of July! News Round Up: Open Thread

Todays News Round-Up:

Jesse Helms dead at 86.

OH NO! What's next they'll take away our pets because they fart?
"A top environmental scientist has warned that flat-screen televisions may have a greater impact on global warming than coal-fired power stations."

Can Obama get some Swarovski crystals on his flip flops?
"Obama on Thursday denied any suggestion that he's shying away from his proposed 16-month phased withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq, calling it "pure speculation" and adding that his "position has not changed."

However, he told reporters questioning his stance that he will "continue to refine" his policies as warranted." Uh?

Iran Indicates It's Willing to Discuss Nuclear Incentives Plan.
Yeah and if you believe that I have some REAL diamonds to sell ya.

"Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April.

His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by “nearly every SEAL on the West Coast,” President Bush said.

During the service, as Monsoor's coffin was taken from the hearse to the grave site, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. As the coffin passed, video shows each SEAL slapping down the gold Trident from his uniform and deeply embedding it in Monsoor's wooden coffin.

The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery."
It is for Michael Monsoor and those who proceeded him that we have this great nation to celebrate on July 4th. Please take a moment out today to remember what we are celebrating. Never take for granted this great nation.