Posted by
The Big Guy on Friday, November 03, 2006 4:26:08 PM
What did it mean to be an American in years past?
What does it means to be an American today?
I thought I knew. Sure, I do... Really?
When was the last time I thought this through? Well.....Hmm.
Do I practice being a proud American? Sure, I support our charities. I participate
in debate. I vote! I get mad!
I better look at this in a little more detail. That is, if I am willing to look at myself
in the mirror!
My forefathers came to America; choosing to stay in America. Fighting for this
country and it's beliefs; What are they again? Is this a party line issue? I know
thousands of people died for these beliefs, morals, values, and traditions?
Right? Right?
In 1776 our founding fathers created this great nation in an effort to protect and
insure these beliefs and ideals. Great, now I need to look at my ideals!
These ideals were based largely on a healthy respect for laws handed down by
God as stated in the Bible.
Great, now I need to look at my beliefs in God too?
Our founding fathers, those who fought and died and those who continue to
defend this country with their lives have made a commitment to base and
support this countries freedoms for every individual.
Granting through force freedoms to all people: the right to enjoy life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness. This land was to be the a promise of hope and
opportunity, for all. A chance to be an individual that mattered. To pursue his or
her hopes and dreams as they saw them.
Today, over 200 years later, who of us is worthy of these sacrifices? The
generations that fought to establish this country are gone. The generation that
fought to save the world, WWI/WWII, are almost gone!
The current generation seams to have been handed its freedoms without a
price! Without knowing the cost or even the value. It seams not to be
appreciated!
Are we teaching our children pride and the value? To be worthy? Is the media,
our politicians and our education system spending so much time focusing on
"politics, being PC, getting along and complacency though desensitization and
distraction" that it is eroding the values and very fabric that binds this country?
Maintaining the awareness and responsibility in our citizens and future
generations that will ensure our continued existence I think is pretty important!
Great civil rights leaders too have led the way. Often times giving their lives to
improve our country and hold tight to what this country originally promised its
citizens. Are our political leaders living up to the calling? Are they protecting this
country at every turn. Not turning away! Protecting our country and the rights of
every individual as outlined in The Constitution? Are they proud and with every
breath and vote worthy? Or are they embarrassed by this great country? Is this
such a tall order? Or is it the basics? Do we instill into our children and
grandchildren the American values of hard work, education, persistence,
excellence and striving as an individual and a country to improve?
Our forefathers taught their children that these values would lead them to all of
their dreams in this land of opportunity, America. That every single person does
count. Who could we have done without? Which soldier or citizen doesn't make
a difference? Just look at the elections. Ask any survivor of Auschwitz. Ask any
Iraqi who voted? Even better, ask any US Soldier, Vet, POW or member of their
family.
Don't forget why this country is so great and remember those who built this land
and why they died for it. These people had a reason! You MUST find these
reasons for yourself! Because then maybe you will not forget them!
We the people have a responsibility.
It is about pride in a country where an individual has freedom to choose, to
worship, to teach and to own.
Lest our politicians and leaders ever forget; "without pride, individual ownership
and freedoms...what are we fighting for?"
Take pride in this country. I do