The Fourth of July is almost upon us, and I’m quite looking forward to celebrating our nation’s independence in the usual way: food, fun, and fireworks, ideally with some pool time thrown in for good measure.

In addition to the frivolity, I do like to take some time to reflect on our country’s founding and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. But with liberty comes responsibility, and I’ve simply got to put my foot down on something.

My friend and fellow RedState contributor Thomas LaDuke has written on the newest food mashup being trotted out, and I’m crying foul. Pepsi has teamed up with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA – think about that one) to create Pepsi-flavored ketchup — to put on your hot dog.

I’ve known Duke for over a decade and consider him a dear friend. But his practice of putting ketchup on hot dogs is barbaric. Ketchup on fries? Yes. Burgers? Sure. I could even accept it for onion rings (though I think there are better options). But hot dogs? I just cannot abide this.

The notion of infusing the condiment with Pepsi to then plop on a dog is just flat-out bizarre to me. I don’t recall ever observing folks dipping their dogs in their Pepsi. Why on earth would anyone feel compelled to add it to ketchup and sully such a tasty treat?

Anyway, Happy Independence Day, folks. Celebrate in style. Just hold the “colachup.”

This “Moore to the Point” commentary aired on NewsTalkSTL on Monday, July 3rd. Audio included below.