Citizenship, rather than politics is what has made this country strong and secure. Politics are too often based on party platforms, personal goals, self interest and the perpetuation of power. Compromise is the ONLY method by which the two primary parties are able to accomplish anything. Unfortunately, it seems so much compromise takes place that most of what is accomplished has NO bearing on the health, security and sovereignty of the country.
Citizenship on the other hand focuses on the individual, not political parties. It is an active process that requires an individual to make decisions and act on those decisions. Citizenship is demonstrated in numerous activities, most which are not even associated with the political process.
Good citizenship most often starts by going to school, obtaining an education and learning the history of this country. Participation in scouting programs, FFA, 4H, church activities and volunteer programs, give young folks a chance to exhibit and improve their citizenship. Participation in Student Government Councils, are great steps in learning and understanding the political process. Learning to safely and drive a car, learning how to safely handle a firearm are also examples of citizenship. Then there are things like raising a family, serving the country and serving others.
Another element of citizenship is how you support those folks that protected our country and continue to do so. Our freedoms and rights, even the very nature of this country was won during hard fights, terrible circumstances and incredible sacrifices. Our military, police and fire fighters deal every day with the aspect of going to work and NOT coming home that evening. Not only do they sacrifice - the families sacrifice.
I know when I went to Iraq I trained, I was committed - I was ready. When I left however, there was a vacuum here at home that my wife had to fill. Not only did she have to continue doing what she had to do, she now had to deal with what I was not present to do - and the whole time worry about me. God bless those that serve and the families of those that serve. Their service and sacrifices have kept this the land of the free and that will continue as long as America continues to be the home of the BRAVE.
Another element of citizenship is how you support the training of our next generation of leaders. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, schools and churches are the training camps not only for kids, but our next crop of leaders. The academic educations they receive are important, but so is the education they will receive in ethics, integrity, service, leadership and (most importantly) followership. If you can't follow orders, you can't give orders and expect people to follow you.
Voting is another example which again requires activity. First of all, a citizen must decide to REGISTER to vote and then act on that decision by actively casting a ballot. Between the decision and the act, a citizen must decide to become educated on the qualifications of a sheriff, a council member, etc., or the qualifications of a person running for Congress or the Presidency. Then the citizen must seek information, evaluate the information, form an opinion and then vote. Often a citizen cannot find a viable candidate from either party; this often leads to involvement with an alternative or third party candidate. Even in this extreme, the actions remain the same.
In all processes the citizen must evaluate
1. where a candidate stands on issues that is important to that individual
2. what that candidate has shown (by past performance) they will do or not do as it relates to those issues
3. what opportunity that candidate will have, should they win, to fulfill their campaign promises
Citizenship is not just for elections; rather elections are just an important time that we exercise our citizenship. Your character and citizenship are demonstrated every day by what you do and don't do, by what you say and don't say, by how you act and don't act, by what you choose or don't choose and how you deal with that choice.
During this evaluation process we are forced to "weed" through a lot of political rhetoric. That is more evident in this election than in any other I can remember. What is the answer? Where do we get the facts? How do we make a legitimate decision?
Look at what a politician has done; don't just listen to what he/she says. Part of the process may be reaching the point that you turn the channel and watch something else just to get away from the diatribe and distractions. Do your own research, DON'T JUST RELY ON WHAT YOU HEAR OR SEE ON TV... Get this people, they lie to us!
One thing both parties have said is they will CHANGE Washington. Finally, there is something I can agree with - change is most definitely needed in both parties. However, remember that not all change is good. You have to figure out what type of change you are going to vote for and what kind of person can bring about that change.
Talk is cheap, especially during campaigns. What someone does or does not do and how they act or don't act speaks to character. That is what I use to distinguish between rhetoric and reality. Yes, it takes time but it’s the only way to make accurate determinations about politicians. I don't get too enthused about what politicians say, I try to focus on what they have done.
I'll tell you a little story, being originally from Texas I make a great bowl of chili, but about three years ago I found out something I never knew - chili powder and cinnamon look just alike. If you do not taste the chili as you're cooking it, you can end up with a mess like I did - even my dogs wouldn’t eat that mess. When it comes to politics "taste the chili!"
I think another aspect of citizenship is politeness. I live on a dirt road; many of my neighbors are Amish. I have a pickup truck and if you also live on a dirt road you know a vehicle can churn up a lot of dust. I can roll up my windows when I meet another vehicle to keep the dust out of my face, my Amish neighbors don't have windows on their buggies. If their kids are walking to school they can't dodge the dust, so I slow down and let the dust settle before I pass them. Yep, it takes a little longer sometimes for me to get to where I'm going but it's being a good neighbor; it is a polite and right thing to do. Remember the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you”. Think about it the next time you're driving down a dirt road.
Finally, citizenship focuses on accountability and responsibility. The current financial turmoil is not going to just affect those that made bad mortgage decisions, or the companies that financed those mortgages... it will affect each and every one of us. My Mom managed the finances in my family when I was growing up. She understood that there was only so much money and figured out how to save for “the unexpected emergencies”. My Dad's job was to earn the money; her job was to make the household function. Boy, is that not chauvinistic? Maybe so, but it sure worked.
A healthy economy is based on success and failure. In the old days, bad decisions had consequences. If you destroyed your company's viability the company failed, other companies stepped in and if they were smart they succeeded. Growth was based on common sense, good business decisions, accountability and responsibility.
My Dad worked for his money, he did not rely on his neighbors. These "bail-outs" cost us - the citizens. The leaders of these companies exited with golden parachutes and millions of dollars and now we are left paying for their incompetence. And shame on the politicians that received contributions from the "bad guys" and did nothing to prevent this mess.
I have an idea - my Mom, Jinnie Ve Anderson for Congress! She would fix this mess, spank those responsible (probably making them find the switch she would use) and would wash their mouths out with soap and she’d make sure it didn't happen again.
I wish our government would operate like a "normal" American family. Will Rogers coined the term "the great NORMAL majority". I think it is time for a change - a change back to normalcy.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Let's Talk About the Real Issues!
Like you, I have watched the political theater of the past too many months. Left/right, Liberal/Conservative, Democrat/Republican - what a mess! Who has the experience? Who’s telling the truth? Can you really put lipstick on a pig? Is this or that comment sexist? Why are we not talking about national security, illegal immigration, assaults on the Bill of Rights and the preservation of our American heritage and traditions? And that is just on the national level. What about Missouri politics, Missouri voters?
I am glad for the opportunity to visit with you. I hope this column will both entertain and educate you - minimally, I hope you'll find some things that will challenge you to spend a little time thinking about them. I fear that much of what most citizens know about how this country operates, what our politicians are doing or not doing is based on information slanted by folks whose primary concerns are not the safety and sovereignty of this country or its citizens. I know that since the 1970s Political Correctness has become a dynamic threat to both free thought and free speech. The entitlement mentality of many ensures then inability of more to ever reach the American dream.
We have a saying back in Texas: "Opinions are like noses and they all smell". I'm going to share with you some of mine. I believe that the strength of this country is not and never has been the government, rather it is in the hearts and efforts of the everyday American citizens, like you and me. Nor do I believe that the conscience of this country resides in Hollywood California, rather it lives in places like Seymour and Mansfield and Marshfield and Springfield and Kilgore, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana and countless towns, villages and cities across this great land. Nor do I believe that the intelligence of this country resides in Harvard and Yale, rather it lives in places like MU, A&M and is represented by folks called things like Bears, Tigers and Longhorns to name a few. I haven't seen a lot of hard work come out of the halls of government, but I see a lot coming out of the fields around my home and out of the businesses that support our community. I see a lot more sweat on the brows of common folks than on the brows of most of our leaders - unless they have been caught with their hand in the cookie jar or someplace worse.
Much is being said about "change" right now and I think that is great, it is about time. However, change for change's sake is a dangerous ploy. Positive, real and realistic change is what most of us are asking for. "Change starts at the bottom not the top." I agree with that, but so does leadership. Not all politicians are liars. However, I must point out in 30 years we have done nothing to fix the energy crunch we saw in the seventies. I must point out that although Texans had been discussing the Texas Corridor plan for three years that I know of, no one in Washington had ever heard of it.
I'm flawed and I embrace that, I ain't perfect by any means - that means every day I have to work harder at being a better man. I wish politicians were more like my friends. I wish they had a little dirt under their finger nails instead of dirt in their professional and personnel lives. You see, I like my blue jeans broken in, that only comes through several washings and working in them. I like my dogs to be mixed breeds, their sturdier. I like my friends honest enough to tell me when I'm about to make a mistake and true enough to stand with me when I do make a mistake.
I don't like soap operas but have no problem if you do. I will never replace Merry Christmas with the phrase Happy Holidays. I don't like dialing 1 for English. I guess I was contaminated by visiting the state of Pennsylvania because I cling to my gun and Bible - but not just in hard times. I believe the Pledge of Allegiance does have the phrase "One nation under God..." And that is the way I will say it - with my hand over my heart. I believe that Roy Rogers really was the King of the Cowboys. I believe you shouldn't squat if you're wearing spurs or kick a fresh cow paddy on a hot day, but you can if you want to. I won't dictate you should attend a particular church or even that you should attend church - but I think you'd be better for the experience. I don't have a problem with immigrants that come to this country for a new life, but I have a big one with those that come to our country illegally, flaunt our laws, cost taxpayers money, cripple our schools and clog our health care system. I believe that Will Rogers and Mark Twain were geniuses - unfortunately, their political commentaries are just as valid today - we have not made a lot of progress.
Now let's establish some of what the military calls Rules of Engagement for this column.
1. I'm not going to try to change your mind, if your mind changes fine, if not - fine.
2. I expect you to accept what is said in this column as fact (though it will be fact); challenge me, do your own research and if you have a different opinion - let's debate it!
3. I welcome differing opinions and dialog and I will respect you as a reader - those differing opinions and dialog will make their way into the column.
4. I seek your comments but if they are vitriolic nonsense - they will go into my trash can.
5. What I say will not always set well with some, I do not mean to offend. I do ask that you to be challenged by a perspective that may be different from the one you have now - then make your own decisions.
6. I will talk about citizenship in this column, nothing is more important in America than citizenship.
7. I will promise to wave the nonsense flag any time any party or candidate does not demonstrate that their primary goal for being in politics is the health and welfare of America and its citizens.
8. I will be polite and professional but I will not promise to be politically correct. As is said in the Steve Gentry song, Isn't anything you see worth fighting for, Political Correctness has become a fence between us and common sense.
9. I am pro-American military and I will tell you stories that the main stream media would never print. I am an unapologetic American, I believe in God, I believe in the 2nd Amendment, I believe in this country, its sovereignty and traditions and heritages and want those to be passed down to my grand children - I have five.
10. I do not care much for the kinder and gentler approach, it doesn't work. I believe in challenge and doing the hard and right things. I believe in victories not in victims, but we can agree to disagree - agreeably - that is the beauty of free speech, a right we still enjoy.
Since 9/11 just came and went. Let me point out some things that trouble me. We have not secured our border which means our citizens and way of life is still threatened. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Illegal Immigration has not been a subject of political dialog from either party during the campaigns or since the candidates have been selected. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
The economy is having issues but no one can tell me much about it or how to fix it. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Our military and their families have been asked to sacrifice, but our military and their families are at war and the rest of America appears to be at the mall. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Some Congressmen and politicians and the news media publish and comment on every perceived failure of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines where ever they are stationed, but no one has cleared the record, restored their honor when these charges have been proven wrong. Why? Not news worthy, frankly I'm mad at all of the networks and most politicians for this failure.
In the name of freedom of speech, some fringe group protest at a military members' funeral and add turmoil to the grief of a family that has just lost a loved one. Frankly I mad at all of those fringe groups that participate in such madness and very proud of a bunch of veterans on motorcycles that have chosen to stand between military families in a moment of grief and those that would make a funeral into a sound bit for the news.
There are companies and even cities in this country that willingly promote illegal immigration. Let me describe the real issue. An illegal immigrant made the decision to ignore our immigration laws - to work and receive a pay check they have to steal someone's social security number and identity, second violation of our laws. If they choose to work for cash, they clog our emergency rooms and deny legitimate citizens of their rights. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for putting votes and special interests above the citizens that elected them.
One last point, Americans are not stupid - well most aren't. Americans can be distracted. Americans can be confused. Americans can be fooled for a time but not forever. Most of the confusion has come from our politicians and frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Now before I come off as just another angry American conservative let me tell you a few things about this country:
1. This is the best country in the world. If you have not traveled out of this country you may not realize that, but it is true. Far more people are trying to get in rather than get out - ever wonder why?
2. This is a generous country, every time there is a disaster, who shows up first and with the most? The USA.
3. There is an American dream - it is based on working as hard as you are willing and receive as much reward as you have earned.
4. There is an American nightmare - it is based on do nothing - blame everyone else and take what you have not earned.
5. This is a country with a foundation of respect and honor for God. Unfortunately, too many have begun to confuse religion with God and as a result both have suffered. Well, that is not exactly true, God hasn't suffered - we have because we have allowed this political correctness to turn our backs on faith.
6. Do we have problems? Yes. Have we made mistakes? Yes, but no country on the face of the earth has worked harder to correct those problems and mistakes.
7. The strength of this country is not our government and never has been. It is our individual citizens that come together, put aside their differences and special interests in order to maintain a country of the people and by the people.
8. We have the finest Police, Sheriff's offices, Fire Fighters, First Responders and Military in the world. They live and work every day in a world most of us cannot comprehend. Every now and then we get a bad one, this is a fact, but the percentage is amazing small. Unfortunately we never hear of their honor, bravery or courage - just the scumbags that disgrace themselves.
9. We are the most diverse group of citizens in the world; we are also the most distracted. Sometimes it seems we can't get along. Sometimes we lose sight of the bonds that hold us together. Sometimes we can't agree on the simplest things. Some have even begun to hyphenate themselves. That hyphen was originally employed to help us determine demographics - it has become the most divisive punctuation mark in the history of man. Yet, on occasion we can put our religious beliefs and differences aside. We can put our party affiliations aside. We can put our skin color aside. We can put our ancestors aside, and for those few moments, few weeks, few months or few years - we can join together to protect a nation unlike any other ever seen. Like we did on September 11, 2001.
10. Where else could I write this? Where else could you debate this? Where else is there another America? What other country works harder to do right? What is so bad about that?
I am glad for the opportunity to visit with you. I hope this column will both entertain and educate you - minimally, I hope you'll find some things that will challenge you to spend a little time thinking about them. I fear that much of what most citizens know about how this country operates, what our politicians are doing or not doing is based on information slanted by folks whose primary concerns are not the safety and sovereignty of this country or its citizens. I know that since the 1970s Political Correctness has become a dynamic threat to both free thought and free speech. The entitlement mentality of many ensures then inability of more to ever reach the American dream.
We have a saying back in Texas: "Opinions are like noses and they all smell". I'm going to share with you some of mine. I believe that the strength of this country is not and never has been the government, rather it is in the hearts and efforts of the everyday American citizens, like you and me. Nor do I believe that the conscience of this country resides in Hollywood California, rather it lives in places like Seymour and Mansfield and Marshfield and Springfield and Kilgore, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana and countless towns, villages and cities across this great land. Nor do I believe that the intelligence of this country resides in Harvard and Yale, rather it lives in places like MU, A&M and is represented by folks called things like Bears, Tigers and Longhorns to name a few. I haven't seen a lot of hard work come out of the halls of government, but I see a lot coming out of the fields around my home and out of the businesses that support our community. I see a lot more sweat on the brows of common folks than on the brows of most of our leaders - unless they have been caught with their hand in the cookie jar or someplace worse.
Much is being said about "change" right now and I think that is great, it is about time. However, change for change's sake is a dangerous ploy. Positive, real and realistic change is what most of us are asking for. "Change starts at the bottom not the top." I agree with that, but so does leadership. Not all politicians are liars. However, I must point out in 30 years we have done nothing to fix the energy crunch we saw in the seventies. I must point out that although Texans had been discussing the Texas Corridor plan for three years that I know of, no one in Washington had ever heard of it.
I'm flawed and I embrace that, I ain't perfect by any means - that means every day I have to work harder at being a better man. I wish politicians were more like my friends. I wish they had a little dirt under their finger nails instead of dirt in their professional and personnel lives. You see, I like my blue jeans broken in, that only comes through several washings and working in them. I like my dogs to be mixed breeds, their sturdier. I like my friends honest enough to tell me when I'm about to make a mistake and true enough to stand with me when I do make a mistake.
I don't like soap operas but have no problem if you do. I will never replace Merry Christmas with the phrase Happy Holidays. I don't like dialing 1 for English. I guess I was contaminated by visiting the state of Pennsylvania because I cling to my gun and Bible - but not just in hard times. I believe the Pledge of Allegiance does have the phrase "One nation under God..." And that is the way I will say it - with my hand over my heart. I believe that Roy Rogers really was the King of the Cowboys. I believe you shouldn't squat if you're wearing spurs or kick a fresh cow paddy on a hot day, but you can if you want to. I won't dictate you should attend a particular church or even that you should attend church - but I think you'd be better for the experience. I don't have a problem with immigrants that come to this country for a new life, but I have a big one with those that come to our country illegally, flaunt our laws, cost taxpayers money, cripple our schools and clog our health care system. I believe that Will Rogers and Mark Twain were geniuses - unfortunately, their political commentaries are just as valid today - we have not made a lot of progress.
Now let's establish some of what the military calls Rules of Engagement for this column.
1. I'm not going to try to change your mind, if your mind changes fine, if not - fine.
2. I expect you to accept what is said in this column as fact (though it will be fact); challenge me, do your own research and if you have a different opinion - let's debate it!
3. I welcome differing opinions and dialog and I will respect you as a reader - those differing opinions and dialog will make their way into the column.
4. I seek your comments but if they are vitriolic nonsense - they will go into my trash can.
5. What I say will not always set well with some, I do not mean to offend. I do ask that you to be challenged by a perspective that may be different from the one you have now - then make your own decisions.
6. I will talk about citizenship in this column, nothing is more important in America than citizenship.
7. I will promise to wave the nonsense flag any time any party or candidate does not demonstrate that their primary goal for being in politics is the health and welfare of America and its citizens.
8. I will be polite and professional but I will not promise to be politically correct. As is said in the Steve Gentry song, Isn't anything you see worth fighting for, Political Correctness has become a fence between us and common sense.
9. I am pro-American military and I will tell you stories that the main stream media would never print. I am an unapologetic American, I believe in God, I believe in the 2nd Amendment, I believe in this country, its sovereignty and traditions and heritages and want those to be passed down to my grand children - I have five.
10. I do not care much for the kinder and gentler approach, it doesn't work. I believe in challenge and doing the hard and right things. I believe in victories not in victims, but we can agree to disagree - agreeably - that is the beauty of free speech, a right we still enjoy.
Since 9/11 just came and went. Let me point out some things that trouble me. We have not secured our border which means our citizens and way of life is still threatened. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Illegal Immigration has not been a subject of political dialog from either party during the campaigns or since the candidates have been selected. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
The economy is having issues but no one can tell me much about it or how to fix it. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Our military and their families have been asked to sacrifice, but our military and their families are at war and the rest of America appears to be at the mall. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Some Congressmen and politicians and the news media publish and comment on every perceived failure of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines where ever they are stationed, but no one has cleared the record, restored their honor when these charges have been proven wrong. Why? Not news worthy, frankly I'm mad at all of the networks and most politicians for this failure.
In the name of freedom of speech, some fringe group protest at a military members' funeral and add turmoil to the grief of a family that has just lost a loved one. Frankly I mad at all of those fringe groups that participate in such madness and very proud of a bunch of veterans on motorcycles that have chosen to stand between military families in a moment of grief and those that would make a funeral into a sound bit for the news.
There are companies and even cities in this country that willingly promote illegal immigration. Let me describe the real issue. An illegal immigrant made the decision to ignore our immigration laws - to work and receive a pay check they have to steal someone's social security number and identity, second violation of our laws. If they choose to work for cash, they clog our emergency rooms and deny legitimate citizens of their rights. Frankly I'm mad at both parties for putting votes and special interests above the citizens that elected them.
One last point, Americans are not stupid - well most aren't. Americans can be distracted. Americans can be confused. Americans can be fooled for a time but not forever. Most of the confusion has come from our politicians and frankly I'm mad at both parties for this failure.
Now before I come off as just another angry American conservative let me tell you a few things about this country:
1. This is the best country in the world. If you have not traveled out of this country you may not realize that, but it is true. Far more people are trying to get in rather than get out - ever wonder why?
2. This is a generous country, every time there is a disaster, who shows up first and with the most? The USA.
3. There is an American dream - it is based on working as hard as you are willing and receive as much reward as you have earned.
4. There is an American nightmare - it is based on do nothing - blame everyone else and take what you have not earned.
5. This is a country with a foundation of respect and honor for God. Unfortunately, too many have begun to confuse religion with God and as a result both have suffered. Well, that is not exactly true, God hasn't suffered - we have because we have allowed this political correctness to turn our backs on faith.
6. Do we have problems? Yes. Have we made mistakes? Yes, but no country on the face of the earth has worked harder to correct those problems and mistakes.
7. The strength of this country is not our government and never has been. It is our individual citizens that come together, put aside their differences and special interests in order to maintain a country of the people and by the people.
8. We have the finest Police, Sheriff's offices, Fire Fighters, First Responders and Military in the world. They live and work every day in a world most of us cannot comprehend. Every now and then we get a bad one, this is a fact, but the percentage is amazing small. Unfortunately we never hear of their honor, bravery or courage - just the scumbags that disgrace themselves.
9. We are the most diverse group of citizens in the world; we are also the most distracted. Sometimes it seems we can't get along. Sometimes we lose sight of the bonds that hold us together. Sometimes we can't agree on the simplest things. Some have even begun to hyphenate themselves. That hyphen was originally employed to help us determine demographics - it has become the most divisive punctuation mark in the history of man. Yet, on occasion we can put our religious beliefs and differences aside. We can put our party affiliations aside. We can put our skin color aside. We can put our ancestors aside, and for those few moments, few weeks, few months or few years - we can join together to protect a nation unlike any other ever seen. Like we did on September 11, 2001.
10. Where else could I write this? Where else could you debate this? Where else is there another America? What other country works harder to do right? What is so bad about that?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Another September 11th Has Come and Gone
September 11, 2008 just passed. For those of us that were alive and old enough to remember when President Kennedy was assassinated remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we got the word of his death. The same is true for those of us alive on the morning of September 11, 2001. In less than two hours our country changed, the world changed - we changed. I don't know about you but I went through waves of anger, fear, disbelief, confusion and pride.
Since 9/11, our economy was staggered, then improved and staggered again. We have been fighting the Global War on Terrorism on several fronts. In Afghanistan and Iraq we have engaged militarily. Recently the death toll of American service personnel topped 500 in Afghanistan and it is now over 4,000 in Iraq. With the death toll of the original 3,000 that died as a result of the airplanes that crashed and those emergency personnel now dying as a result of exposure at ground zero, it seems sometimes as though the price might be too high.
Was 9/11 handled correctly? Probably not, but how do you train for the unimaginable. Has the war on terrorism been prosecuted correctly? Probably not, Patton once said, "No plan survives first contact with the enemy - remember the enemy gets a vote!"
Did the Emergency Personnel that responded to Ground Zero, the Pentagon and that field in Pennsylvania perform heroically? Yes. Has our military performed remarkably? Yes, and far more than you will ever see in the mainstream press. Did this country bound with and try to support the original victim's families? Yes, unlike at any time in the past.
However, the threats of 9/11 still exist. The dangers of another attack still exist. Our borders are still easily defeated, our economy is struggling again and now we're trying to elect a President. The After the 9/11 attacks, American flags that suddenly sprouted all over the country on cars and trucks, business and homes have, for the most part have disappeared. The pain of loss for the families of the original victims hopefully has eased, but it will never go away. The pain of loss for the families of the military dead is still fresh.
So another September 11th has passed. Like the Fourth of July and Pearl Harbor Day, it has become a day of deep feelings and difficult memories, but it was also a day when this country came together. For a few months we were just Americans. We weren't hyphenated Americans, we were just Americans and we stood together. We weren't Democrats and Republicans, we were just Americans. We weren't Liberals or Conservatives, we were just Americans.
I wonder what the world will be like on the next September 11th but I pray we never have another 9/11.
Since 9/11, our economy was staggered, then improved and staggered again. We have been fighting the Global War on Terrorism on several fronts. In Afghanistan and Iraq we have engaged militarily. Recently the death toll of American service personnel topped 500 in Afghanistan and it is now over 4,000 in Iraq. With the death toll of the original 3,000 that died as a result of the airplanes that crashed and those emergency personnel now dying as a result of exposure at ground zero, it seems sometimes as though the price might be too high.
Was 9/11 handled correctly? Probably not, but how do you train for the unimaginable. Has the war on terrorism been prosecuted correctly? Probably not, Patton once said, "No plan survives first contact with the enemy - remember the enemy gets a vote!"
Did the Emergency Personnel that responded to Ground Zero, the Pentagon and that field in Pennsylvania perform heroically? Yes. Has our military performed remarkably? Yes, and far more than you will ever see in the mainstream press. Did this country bound with and try to support the original victim's families? Yes, unlike at any time in the past.
However, the threats of 9/11 still exist. The dangers of another attack still exist. Our borders are still easily defeated, our economy is struggling again and now we're trying to elect a President. The After the 9/11 attacks, American flags that suddenly sprouted all over the country on cars and trucks, business and homes have, for the most part have disappeared. The pain of loss for the families of the original victims hopefully has eased, but it will never go away. The pain of loss for the families of the military dead is still fresh.
So another September 11th has passed. Like the Fourth of July and Pearl Harbor Day, it has become a day of deep feelings and difficult memories, but it was also a day when this country came together. For a few months we were just Americans. We weren't hyphenated Americans, we were just Americans and we stood together. We weren't Democrats and Republicans, we were just Americans. We weren't Liberals or Conservatives, we were just Americans.
I wonder what the world will be like on the next September 11th but I pray we never have another 9/11.
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