Flag The United States is like your family, it’s got its problems and can seem dysfunctional at times, but you gotta love it, and it sure beats being in some of them other countries.

So a toast to July 4th, the day the British learned that outsourcing key operations to those whose goals don’t align with their own can lead to disastrous results.

Note: I am not inherently against outsourcing, and in fact am a big fan of it when it is strategic. However, too many businesses use it as a cover for their mismanagement. You also don’t outsource your key competencies and critical services. And when you do outsource, you get what you pay for, so make sure your partners goals align with your own. When the Hessians just want your money, they’re toast.