My neighbor called last night to congratulate me on the Fourth of July. I didn't think much of it as I've been living in Lithuania for the last 27 years, but I thanked him just the same. Maybe we should plan a barbeque, he asked? Our once a summer get-together as we aren't very close but it is always nice to reconnect. One summer, I played Jaws on an outdoor screen to satisfy the kids as we had hamburgers along with Greek salad and other fixings. A very Fourth of July thing to do. However, this time around I don't feel so convivial. What transpired over the past week left me with a very empty feeling as I watched Republican after Republican cave in to Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," knowing full well it would have a devastating impact on the country. For a moment it looked like Lisa Murkowski would hold her ground but eventually John Thune offered enough concessions for Alaska that she signed on, giving the GOP the 50 senators they needed with JD Vanc...