From sacrifice comes freedom

Brooklyn: Today is the Fourth of July — a historic day, the birthday of the United States of America. On this day people will do many things. The most popular one is have a barbecue. Some will go to the beach and relax in the sun. Others might have a picnic and some might turn it into a weeklong vacation. All of this is wonderful we all should be able to take a break from the daily grind of working week after week.

My point is, how many people actually stop and think for a minute why they have the day off? How many of us say thank you to a veteran that we know served our country? It’s because of all those who served and those who continue to serve to protect us every day that we are able to have such great times. It’s because of those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving for our country that we are able to do what we do today.

This goes all the way back to our founding fathers. Those who served in WWI and WWII like my dad. Then the wars that came after those they all count. We should forget no one on this day, even with all the negative stuff going on. Even though we strive at getting better as a nation take a minute on this day to say thank you to someone who served or is serving and put a smile on their face. John DeAngelo

The meaning of America

Brooklyn: Probably before 200 years passed, the thought of the right of life, liberty and to be happy was in the minds of many. This became a choice when a group of concerned individuals came together to bring independence, and equality. They with balance brought forth the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776), and this was the beginning of 13 States of the United States of America. From there, in 1777, there was formed the Articles of Confederation that expressed government formation. Then in 1787, the decision to create the U.S. Constitution to bring forth a stable government that would represent all people. The three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (the President), judicial (lead by the Supreme Court) were formed. Later, there was the Gettysburg Address shared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the middle of our Civil War. Because this war was internal, that the true awakening to people respecting each other for the common cause of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness must be in our thoughts. Independence Day gave us the opportunity that we must learn from. My suggestion is to take the time to read, to understand, and to come together collectively to maintain the seated words in documents that expressed human rights, and social order. I am proud to be an American!

Louis Cohen

Obamacare means freedom

Amityville, L.I.: It’s written in the Declaration of Independence Day — “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Thomas Jefferson considered these three “unalienable rights” granted to all human beings by their creator, and which governments are made to protect. It’s for this reason that I find the attempt to replace Obamacare with Trumpcare, such an affront to all Americans. The GOP often refers to the framers of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence as a part of their platform. Yet, they appear to have overlooked the point that if there is no health, one cannot exercise liberty or pursue happiness. Good health, and therefore health care, is all important to our independence. It’s time to realize that most Americans who aren’t in the top 1% are an illness away from bankruptcy. Most people get into debt over health costs. Instead of making this a partisan issue, make it a people issue and fix what we have. Obamacare is working for many people, including me. I have secondary progressive MS and if I didn’t have the Affordable Care Act, I don’t know what would happen to me. It’s time to quit playing politics with people’s lives and govern judiciously and fairly. Chamein Canton

Shut those fireworks down

Oak Ridge, N.J.: To Voicer Francis Harwood: You are not alone in your missive about illegal fireworks — well, not illegal in my town either apparently, judging by the remarks the cop shop operator gives you when you call to complain. “Well, it is the holiday.” Any weekend, starting with Memorial Day, the white trash in my neck of the woods are blasting away. These idiots say they are celebrating America. I got news for you: You idiots are breaking the law, and a good American lives and obeys the laws of his or her country. You thugs have no consideration for us people who served their country. Do you think it’s fun to hear that crap blowing up in our backyards or over our houses? It’s damn nerve-racking. You are the morons with the “Don’t tread on me” stickers, and “get ’er done” stickers on your pickup trucks. If my recruiter came to you tough guys to enlist, you’d all go crying to mommy. Happy Fourth, in a pig’s eye. Tell you what, here’s a good way to make money for the towns; fireworks are going off, cop shows up, writes a thousand dollar fine to the homeowner, whether it’s a lease or not, or drunken Uncle Tony is doing it. Jim Heimbuch

One great show

Cranbury, N.J.: I just had the opportunity to see “Sunset Boulevard” at the Palace Theatre. Simply put, it is Broadway at its absolute best. Thank you Glenn Close, the entire cast, crew, orchestra and everyone involved in this production for allowing me to watch, to share and to experience your performances.

Bob Grill

O, Canada, respect is due

Windsor, Ontario: Thanks for acknowledging Canada’s sesquicentennial by highlighting our sexy celebrity exports to the rest of the planet. We’re basically okay with your ignoring Canada’s many scientific, technological and cultural gifts to the World. We get that. We’re used to being underestimated by our neighbors to the south. But we can’t stand idly by and be called “hosiers.” We are not a nation of sock makers. We make poutine, back bacon, maple syrup and really strong beer. We make hockey players, butter tarts and awesome Tim Hortons coffee and donuts. But we do not make socks. I believe the term you meant to use was “hoser.” It is a term not readily defined but integral to our Canadian culture. If I may: “Hey, America! Hope you hosers have a wicked Happy Fourth of July, eh?” P.S.: Can you do something about that strange Orange Man driving the bus? Patty Findlay

Animal independence day

Bronx: As a NYC parent and school teacher, I am so happy that Intro 1233 passed! Although my district council member voted against it, I was relieved that he was outnumbered. As a city and as individual communities, we have moved towards compassion. New York City has so much more to offer than having to get our entertainment from animals in captivity. We have museums and other cultural institutions, theater, parks, playgrounds, libraries, and stadiums! Parents are making better and more informed choices. The circus can survive with human entertainment alone, that is a proven fact as seen via Cirque du Soleil. I know other cities will begin to follow our lead with this monumental bill; this is a big step in the right direction. Jodie Quaglia

Lose the animals, lose the plot

Hoboken: Circuses aren’t the only shows that turn into the greatest flops on Earth without animal acts. The Metropolitan Opera’s “Aida” is almost a comedy with the Grand Triumphal March reduced to a short parade LISA THORNBERG/GETTY IMAGES of a couple dozen “prisoners” and a horse-drawn cart of slain soldiers. Maybe NYCLASS could get them to scratch the remaining horses for electric vintage autos to make it a total farce. Got $600 for a couple orchestra tickets? This 30-year Met season ticket holder bets you’ll have more fun catching a movie and a good dinner.

Bob Sterner

Pets need homes too

Brooklyn: Re: “New NYC ‘swarm teams’ to help homeless get off streets and into shelters,” (May 1): What about the domestic violence victims like me with pets that can only be in emergency shelter for 180 days? Then we are kicked out, which leads to separation from our pets. The purpose was to save us, not temporarily make us feel safe, then throw us out to danger again. And separate our families. We need housing so we can remain as a family unit!

Karli Godwin

Serena at love

Schenectady, N.Y.: You notice that only male Voicers thought Serena Williams was not as good as male tennis players? Wrong. No one has won more championships and no one won one while eight weeks pregnant! Greatest tennis player, man or woman, ever. Diane Hombach

Courting history

Glendale: Voicer Paul Cohen says men are just better tennis players. How quickly we forget. Look up Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs. Angela Rotondo