The Fourth of July celebrates American independence. The Civil War was fought over what that really means. We see how the War Between the States helped define what America is today. Also, partisan sniping on Capitol Hill ahead of the debt-ceiling deadline.
Banner image: A mock flyer advertises the re-enactment of a mid-19th century slave auction January 15, 2011 in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images