Memorial Day

On national television not too long ago, I heard someone say: extreme Christianity is just as dangrous as extreme Islam.

I also heard a prominant news anchorman, on a prime time news (commentary) show, say how much better the European political system is than the American system.

For the cynics who scorn and mock the heart of this country, I truly grieve. I do not understand how someone could enjoy the fruits of this country while simultaneously tearing it down. The arrogance and ignorance prompts me to ask how anyone could be shortsighted enough to hate the place that gives them life. I have a message for those who reap the benefits of this country, yet they hold vengeful and bitter attitudes about the values of this country: be careful. You are on dangerous ground. As the poison of political correctness continues to seep deeper and deeper into pop culture, America's great voice of character is inevitably being silenced. Through the mediocrity of spiritual and political ignorance, the United States of America is brought to a painful place.

I know many democrats are eager to pull our troops out of Iraq. I do not know the full breadth of their political motivation for wanting to leave the middle east, but I have a message for them: I know this war is tough, and the price is high. I know it hurts to have family overseas, giving their lives. i know it is a costly war, and these terrorists have put us in a terrible position. And I also know that you, as democrats, believe in open dialouge. In the spirit of listening to open dialouge,please hear my plea: Please consider the stakes. Please support this war. These terrorists have to be stopped. They are fueled by evil, and the threat they pose to us is real. Please consider the Gulf War of the early 90's. Please consider the bombings of '93. Listen to their threats. These people are cold-blooded, suicidal killers. And most of all, remember 9-11-01. If given the chance, these horrid terrorists will bring an attack upon this country even worse than the twin tower collapse. Don't degrade our War on Terror into political squabblings. These terrorists haven't gone away, they are just waiting and planning. Take this message for what it's worth.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: America is the greatest country on earth. We enjoy privilege, freedom to worship, great wealth, a rich and fascinating history, and the power to change the world for good. America is founded on principles of optimism and hope. While struggling to solve our own problems, we reach out to other parts of the earth to give a helping hand. In compassion, we strive to rid the world of injustice.

This Memorial Day, I am reminded that thousands have fought (and many died) for our precious freedom. I am thankful for their sacrifice, and reflect on it with respect and gratitude. If it weren't for them, this country could not exist. And, the freedom that we enjoy every day could not be ours. Thank you, men and women of America's military. Because of you, we are the greatest nation on earth.

I know I don't speak in such blunt political terms on my blog very often, but I have been inspired this Memorial Day to speak my mind. Isn't that a freedom we have? I want to exercise that freedom.

The story of America is the story of expanding liberty: an ever-widening circle, constantly growing to reach further and include more. Our nation's founding commitment is still our deepest commitment: In our world, and here at home, we will extend the frontiers of freedom. - President George W. Bush

"The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.... It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn." -George Washington