It was different this year. Not the fireworks; they were no better than normal. Not the barbecue. It was as good as always. No, what was different this year is that for the first time in a long time, I actually felt like celebrating. I think that we (the US) actually have a chance of being a great nation again. A new president, a new approach, a new direction. Heady stuff.

I'm not naive enough to think that just because Obama is President that things will miraculously fall into place. No, the damage over the past 8 years has been too severe, the levels of mistrust we have generated too great. But to see progress, to see us rejoin the world community as a participant and not a bully, well that alone is refreshing enough to make me feel optimistic on the 4th.