July 4th Reflections and Heroes

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love what it represents and how it's celebrated. Fireworks are not only celebratory, but they are symbolic of the battles that were fought for our freedom. Every year people take out their flags, and red, white, and blue clothes and join to celebrate our unity - not diversity. I love the ethnic diversity in the country, but for one day its great to come together simply as AMERICANS.
Now this leads to an issue that's been on my heart for awhile. While I believe there is a lot of extravagant spending going on with our taxes, I think there's one group of people who totally deserve a better deal. They are our 1st responders at home and our soldiers abroad. It's insane that a family would have to struggle financially after the death or injury of a loved one sacrificing their personal well-being for the common good. Anyone in that situation should have an automatic 100,000 per year (tax-free) pension kick in to support their dependents. It is the very least that society can do for these heroes. Instead, I hear of collections being taken for the families of fallen officers and soldiers. Those are good causes, but why is there a shortfall to begin with?
I actually heard some Charlotte officials spreading fear to the public that if their bloated train tax wasn't approved in the fall that they would have to cut police, and fire budgets back. Excuse me...........!!!! Playing politics with the most important and legitimate uses of government. We have a tremendous crisis of priorities. If a politician is unable to prioritize spending they will always misuse the tax money. My point is simple - HEROES BEFORE PORK!!!!!