Central Park, New York City

I probably should join the holiday exodus from Manhattan, but I actually enjoy being in New York over the Fourth of July. Streets are quiet, Central Park is perfect for a picnic, families are grilling, kids are playing – the city takes a break from manic mode.

I wish our grandstanding politicians and their supporters could dial down the noise, too. Yes, I know much is at stake. Our divisions are real. Mega-money is flowing. Some serious issues are in play. But this is also our homeland – all of us, not just the noisy few – and we have a right to find happiness in it. The noisemakers are trespassing on civility and common sense.

FAITH Q & A: NBC & “Under God”

Q: I am curious as to your thoughts about NBC making the decision to leave out the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance during a televised tribute to our nation?

A: I had to do a web search to learn more about this incident. I dismissed it at the time as small – small-minded of NBC to do an editing that they had to know would offend people, small-minded of the offended to jump on NBC as if a second 9/11 had just occurred, and in general a small matter compared to much larger issues.

After some research, it appears a group of editors at NBC made this decision on their own. A bonehead play. Memos will go out, maybe heads will roll.

The chattering classes immediately seized the opening to vent their rage on all things liberal and big-government, not that NBC editors and those targets are necessarily related.

I like saying the full pledge and wish we could avoid making it one more weapon in the culture and political wars. It belongs to all Americans, liberal and conservative.