My 2023 Fourth of July episode! America's 247th birthday. So, how are we doing? I decided to get some different perspectives on the topic, and since I wasn't able to get to Philadelphia, PA. where the Declaration of Independence was ratified and signed on July 4th, 1776, I went to the next best place...San Diego, CA! Why? Well, first, it's a very patriotic town. I mean, the west coast home of the U.S. Marines, Camp Pendelton, is just up the road. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet has a huge operation there, not to mention the Naval Air Station on Coronado Island in San Diego Bay. "Top Gun: Maverick" was both set and filmed there. San Diego has a high level of academic institutions including, UCSD, USD, and the Scripps Research Center, and it's a very diverse place with Mexico's border only a few miles to the south, and the influx of people from all over the world because of the industries related to the Armed Forces based there. I spoke with four people: A Puerto Rican ER doc; a former Navy radar tech who now works for a defense contractor; an Afro-Latina woman whose grandfather fled an island dictatorship for a chance at real freedom in America; and a gay man from east Texas who is planning a wedding with his partner. Listen and find out what they think.  Hit me back with your feedback @ patreon.com/dinerverse. Support the show