Happy Independence Day!

Thomas Jefferson was one of two presidents (the other, Truman) who considered themselves to be meteorologists. Jefferson recorded the temperature at 6am, 9am, 1pm and 9pm. 

Hat tip: Greg Carbin

After the signing of the Constitution in 1787, a woman asked Ben Franklin, "What have you brought us, a monarchy or a republic?" Franklin replied, "A republic, if you can keep it." 

We aren't doing a very good job of "keeping it" today. We should double our resolve to respect each other and our founding principles. For some appropriate words, please see the great Ronald Reagan's words on this date in 1986.