One of the most widely accepted myths in America is that business regulation is necessary to protect the consumer. When asked the question, what is the purpose of business regulations, Robin Keenen an LPN in Dr. Russell Perry’s office answered after long deliberation that she guessed it was to protect the consumer. This is the answer you would get from most people.

The sad truth of the situation is much different. The real function of business regulation is to perpetuate a monopoly position for those writing the regulations.

So child killer Mark Dean Schwab, 31, was put to death by lethal injection Tuesday night for the 1991 rape and murder of 11-year-old Junny Rio-Martinez after befriending the Cocoa boy and his family by pretending to be a newspaper reporter and kidnapping him. Justice finally came for the grieving parents 17 years later. I would have loved to have witnessed his execution like I did in 2002, when serial killer Aileen Wuornos was strapped down to the gurney.

“Hot, humid and a lot of rain” (and in some cases hail) pretty sums up the weather for the past couple of weeks. That is typical for summer-time fishing.

The dolphin bite continues to be satisfactory but they are not as plentiful as in the spring. Most action is in the 16-20 fathom range. The King Mackerel continue to be just inside -- mostly on wrecks and artificial reefs. The bottom bite for vermilion and Lane snapper, back sea bass, trigger fish, and genuine American red snapper continues to be good. A little deeper the gags and red grouper are being caught. Past the 28 fathom curve, big red porgies and snowy and scamp grouper have been boated.

Our great country has celebrated yet another Independence Day. It was 232 years ago, the year 1776, when Minuteman fought the British and won. This is why we celebrate our freedom by parades, backyard cook-outs, community fire works displays and to pause for those who gave the supreme sacrifice for this day.

What is a true patriot? One who loves his country, pledges his allegiance to the flag, wears a flag lapel pin with the stars and stripes, simply any or all of the above when you do it with pride and honor.