We've changed - but we're still a great country

Ask anyone their thoughts on the Fourth of July holiday and you’re likely to get as many different answers as there are individuals.

Some lament the loss of the home-fireworks display, a staple of many past celebrations. Those old enough might remember cavorting in their yard twirling bright sparklers in the warm, twilight air, watching sizzling, black snakes uncoil — staining dad’s nice front sidewalk — while fountain fireworks blossomed and, now and then, Roman candles chugged their multi-colored charges into the night sky.

With very few exceptions, in Washington, those wanting to actively p...