Flag-waving Friday random thoughts

• Today, red and blue are not gang colors: But don't think that's going prevent some from thinking otherwise.

• Saluting the flag alone does not make you a patriot: It's important to honor the symbol of this wonderful nation, but there are more important things to being a good citizen than simply acknolwedging our shared piece of cloth.

• Do you know the five rights enumerated to you by the First Amendment? If so, you're one of the less than 1 percent of the U.S. population that can. (Speech, press, religion, petition, assembly.)

• 49% of people believe the president can suspend the Constitution? This article is not encouraging news for patriots.

• With or without work, with or without fireworks, this is one of my favorite holidays: Pops Goes the Fourth makes my list of top Fourth of July traditions. That music is magic.

• And finally, a humble thank you: To the many men and women past, present and future who have given or will give their blood, sweat and tears to protect this country, its citizens and its Constitution. These heroes come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and I owe them all a profound debt.