If there's one thing that I am that I've always been immensley proud of, it's the fact that I am an American. In fact, few things define me better than to say I am an American. I was raised around veterans, walking in parades when I was four or five with the Gold Star Mothers and other veterans. I've won awards in American history. I've worked for political campaigns and absolutely cannot hear the national anthem without crying. If anyone ever asked my heritage, they almost certainly got the answer that I am American. I never understood people who wanted to be referred to by the nationality that they used to be, or that their ancestors used to be. I mean, sure, that's nice to know...I have a lot of German, and Irish and American Indian in my family...but I'm not German, I'm not Irish, I'm not American Indian...I'm an American. I was born an American and by the grace of God I will die an American. I don't want to be referred to by any other name. In the words of Toby Keith, "I ain't sayin that it's wrong for you, it just don't make sense to me."
I love everything about this nation, everything that it stands for. No, it's not perfect, no nation is. And I often get furious with it's people and its leadership, but that doesn't change my love and undying devotion for the country. I would die for her in a heartbeat. I personally have never been in battle, but I've seen the wounds. I've heard the stories. I've seen the soldiers coming home and trying to adjust back into a normal life. I've talked with the mothers whose babies didn't come home. And the strength, determination, and honor that I find there is unfathomable and inspiring. Our military is the most amazing on earth. Without a doubt. They are the finest in the world. I must say that it makes my blood boil when people mistreat or second-guess them. Who am I to say what decision they should make over there, I'm not there. I've not lived it. I haven't put my life on the line.
Senator Biden this weekend made the most ridiculous and arrogant comment. He said that General Petraeus was "dead wrong" on his assesment and views on how to proceed in Iraq. I'm not trying to make a case for or against the war here, that's another post and another time. However, I was furious that this arrogant, pompous man would dare to sit in his comfy seat in the airconditioning in Washington, D.C. and spout off that our General doesn't know what he's doing in war. How dare he tell a general how to run a war??? The General didn't get to be General by sitting on his butt in the Senate. Those troops over there are one of his own. He has immense training and experience and I just cannot imagine the arrogance that would cause someone to blantantly disregard his assesment of the situation. The people who elected that man should be extremely ashamed of themselves.
Sadly, they probably aren't. It seems there are a lot of arrogant people trying to coach the game from the sidelines. I don't know that our military is doing every right, in fact they probably aren't...they're only human. But I do know that I trust them. I do know that they keep me safe. I do know that I can still board an airplane and feel safe or go to a mall. I do know that they're doing the best they can with the limitations they've been given. And I do know, that unlike most of the rest of the world, the vast majority of them do try to do the right thing.
Our military is the example of how our nation should work. Of people willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of their neighbor. Of people who have a good work ethic, instead of sitting on their butts and letting other people's taxes pay for them. Of people who jump in to help in time of national disaster. Of people who band together and become family with people they don't even know. Of people who would bypass on their own Christmas gifts to give to children in need.
America is the most generous and compassionate country on the globe- never getting the credit it deserves, but continuing to give anyway. Of course there are problems, and there will continue to be, mostly by those who have no respect for this great land and her people, and those who protect them. But I know that myself and my family, we are proud to be Americans. We're proud to call this great nation home. And we will continue to defend her, and contribute our part in making her all that she should be. You may not be in the military, that doesn't make you any less an American. But you probably know someone who is. Thank them. Because you're only able to live the life you do because of their sacrifices. Then get out there and do your part, volunteer, make a difference, keep her great. God bless America.
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