"Happy Birthday, Dear Friend!"

I have a sister who is a genius in real estate; anything you want to know about home purchase, she can tell you. A home purchase is probably the largest investment most average Americans make. She often says "You don't just buy the house, you buy the neighborhood", and that is very true. When we bought our house, we wanted to make sure we were in a normal residential neighborhood. We live in a university town, and I really like the students; but I don't want to live next door to them. Midnight week-end parties, loud music and odd hours don't appeal to me at this stage of my life. I understand youth will have its time; I just don't want to see it "up close and personal". Before you buy a house, check out the neighbors. I don't believe you would want to be surrounded by "Crips and Bloods". It would certainly be awful to be celebrating a child's birthday and have a "drive by" take place. Your home should always be a secure place.

Israel just celebrated its 63rd Independence Day! I join Israel in this celebration of their nation's re-birth. They are still a staunch ally, despite our current administrations' poor efforts in their behalf. Since 1948, Israel has built a successful democracy, while defending herself against neighbors who have done their best to "chase them out of the neighborhood".

As Americans, we are secure in our homes and towns, knowing we have police, fire, and military protection, and we have two great oceans distancing us from some potential threats; even though our southern border offers a real threat of violence from illegal invaders.

Israel is in visual distance of those who wish to bomb her out of existence. Iran, Syria, Libya and now it looks like the new Egypt, are encircling this small nation with "bad intentions". Israel has a population of 7,746,000; not many people in relation to the population of its unfriendly neighbors; yet, they found time to celebrate their nation. You won't find too many Israeli people who aren't patriotic. Most of them have friends or relatives who have fought to keep Israel free and independent from potential aggression. The people of this nation should be applauded for their tenacity and grit. Children as young as fifteen or sixteen years old serve in various capacities to help maintain the security of their country; many Americans could take a lesson from them.

America has suffered losses from terrorist attacks and violence from illegal alien criminals; yet, we don't carry the fear that they could be sitting in their living rooms and suddenly be hit with a missile attack. Israel has this fear every day of every year for 63 years, yet Israel endures!

As an admirer of Israel, I wish my sincerest congratulations, and highest hopes for your continued success in a very difficult situation. All of America can take a page from the people of Israel, as an example of national pride and commitment to freedom. May God Bless Israel and her people!!