Happy Fourth of July Raider Nation!

Sep 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans in the Black Hole react during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Fourth of July Raider Nation!  Today is the United States’ Independence Day.  On July 4th, 1776, the United States of America declared independence from what was known as the Kingdom of Great Britain.  Without getting into the politics of everything, including current events, that meant that the United States chose to be a free nation.  Free to think for themselves and develop things for themselves.

Without this freedom, we would never have the great game of American Football!  There would’ve never been an Oakland Raiders team.  We wouldn’t have the one and only true sports nation, the Raider Nation!  No Raiderettes, no tailgate parties, and no Silver and Black.  Come to think of it, I probably wouldn’t be blogging about it right now…  Yet, independence did happen, and we have this wonderful sport and our amazing team because of it.  It’s why we are the Raider Nation!

So, today, when you pop open a cold frosty one while BBQ’ing and watching fireworks, or spending time with family, or however you celebrate this, take time to thank the Founding Father’s of our great country for allowing us the opportunity to have Football.  Thank them for laying the groundwork that brought us the Oakland Raiders!  Thank them for the Silver and Black colors, and thank them for allowing us the opportunity to create the Raider Nation.

Then, get excited, because Football is right around the corner.  It’s a wonderful time to be an Oakland Raiders fan!  Get ready to witness some great things this year.  Offense and Defense have both been improved, and the Football World is underestimating the Raiders.  I can’t wait to hear them all back-track on their negative comments as the Oakland Raiders trudge their way to victory.  I’m more excited and ecstatic about this year more than any other year in the last 10-12 years, because this is a different team than has been on the field in the last 10-12 years.  An upgrade at nearly every position has occurred, and this will pull the Raiders out of the pit of despair.  Happy Fourth of July Raider Nation and Go Raiders!