SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET:

SPIRIT OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT – FROM THE WASHINGTON TIMES:   “As a nation, the U.S. has a deep and enduring connection to guns. Integrated into the fabric of American society since the country’s earliest days, guns remain a point of pride for many Americans. Whether for hunting, sport shooting or personal protection, most gun owners count the right to bear arms as central to their freedom,” reports a wide-ranging new poll from the Pew Research Center.  It found that 74 percent of all U.S. gun owners say owning a gun is “essential to their freedom.” Another 73 percent of the owners say they could never see themselves “not owning a gun.” Half say that “all or most of their friends” also own guns.  In many areas of the country it is responsible gun owners who provide critical protection to the citizenry and their own homes, especially in areas where police patrols are spotty and police response times, due to great distance, are inadequate.

THIS DATE:   On this date in 1950, forces of North Korea, with vast Soviet support, invaded South Korea, starting the Korean War.  Most Americans today don't know much about that war, but if they're aware of a free, prosperous, pro-American South Korea, they know something of the result.  President Truman's decision to resist the invasion was one of the most critical decisions a modern president has had to make.  Aggression was punished, and the Communist states learned that we would indeed fight back if our vital interests were threatened.  Some 37,000 Americans lost their lives in the Korean War, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten.  They contributed mightily to the ultimate, and successful end to the Cold War in the late 1980s.

UGLY MARK FOR A BEAUTIFUL STATE – FROM HAWAII NEWS NOW:  At least we're consistent: For a seventh straight year, Hawaii has been named the worst state to make a living thanks to its astronomical cost of living.The ranking, put together annually by MoneyRates.com, says while Hawaii has the 10th-highest median wage nationwide, that's not enough to make up for living expenses that are two-thirds higher than in the rest of the nation. The high cost of living is compounded by one of the highest state tax income burdens in the nation.  To put together the ranking, MoneyRates considered median salary, state tax rates, cost of living and unemployment rates.  It's also a very liberal state politically, which may have something to do with its economic problems.  But we still love Hawaii.  And it's still our first line of defense in the Pacific. 

June 25,  2017