The Port of San Diego's "Big Bay Boom" firework spectacular made national headlines when the Port accidentally set off their entire stockpile of pyrotechnic firepower in one explosion, turning what was expected to be 30 minutes show into a 15 second explosion. What's worse, it erupted five minutes before the show was scheduled to start, leaving San Diegans disappointed and confused. The Port released an official statement blaming a 'technical problem" for the 15 second execution.

"I’m not a Democrat first, I’m an American first. I believe we rise and fall as one nation, as one people. What’s stopping us is our politics." -President Obama today at a campaign stop in Ohio.

(h/t TPM)

The base word “tax” comes from Greek and means “arrangement” or “order.” The Supreme Court recently ruled that the federal government has the power to enforce the penalties in the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act under its constitutional power to tax. I can't help but remember that the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence took place so many years ago because of taxes.

Independents overwhelmingly find this year's presidential election "annoying" and "dull", according to a new poll by Pew Research Center. In fact, majorities across the board for partisans and non-partisans show a chilly response to the present presidential campaign cycle. The number of respondents finding the election "dull" increased in June, too. Many find the campaigns too long, albeit important.

As a Scotsman living in the U.S. I get the same question, often in tones of anticipatory schadenfraude, every Fourth of July, "How do you feel watching us all celebrate our Independence Day?"

But few expect the answer, "Jealous!"