THE RED RIVER SAGA: NEWSCENTER

AN AMERICA WITHOUT PRIDE
(Continued from NEWSCENTER)

As I look back at the article that I wrote in August of 2006 (check my ARCHIVE - "ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?")
I have to remind myself that I do believe in what I said. It was a little easier then since the man I voted for was
sitting in office. Nonetheless, I have never been a Bush #2 fan. I liked his dad. In those election years, I had
to vote with my party as I felt I was choosing the lesser of two evils. In any event, I did not think that
either candidate would bring an end to the America that I love. This time, I’m not so sure.

I think as we are all deciding on who to vote for, we need to do two things. We need to look at the issues. I mean really
look at the issues. Make a list of what is really important to you AND THEN check that list against each party’s platform.
Next, I think we should all do a little American History research. I think studying and remembering this country’s past
makes a person proud to part of a great nation. Of course, there are always those who will look for the negative in
efforts to show perhaps, that the nation was never great. Let me just go ahead and point some of that out to you.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written by two northern socialists after the civil war. Children first “hailed” the flag much
like the people of Germany during the days of Hitler. But I don’t care. It was never that for me. It was never a mindless
chant. I only remember learning it in the first grade and that my teacher, Ruby White, made sure that we understood
what we were saying. One Nation. Under God. Indivisible. That’s powerful stuff. I am proud to say it and to
be teaching it to my 5 year old granddaughter.

When I am at a sporting event, and everyone is asked to stand for the National Anthem, it’s all I can do to keep from
crying. At some events, the fighter jets fly over the stadium. My heart beats out of my chest. I suppose both of
those things are representative of war. The Bible has told us there would always be war. So, I can only be grateful
that there are men and women that have the courage and valor to fight for me and keep me safe. I actually have
the words to the anthem printed and posted on my refrigerator so that I can be sure that my children know the
words. “The land of the free,” “the home of the brave.” I believe it with all of my heart.

The History Channel is a regularly watched channel at my house by all ages, as are all shows of historic importance.
My son observed after watching the recent mini-series “John Adams” on HBO and said to me, “there are not great
men such as these anymore.” I was proud that my 13 year old son could make that observation, but sad that it
was true. Or is it? I’m off track … back to the negative stuff.

Ben Franklin … everybody loves ‘ol Ben. But do a little research, and you’ll find that he was pretty much a scoundrel
and a manipulator. And although never a president, he did great things, not just for the country but for the
world. George Washington, yes, plantation owner, but most of his money came from his distillery. He is rumored
to have died of syphilis, contracted from sexual relations with one of his black slaves. Thomas Jefferson,
following the death of his wife is factually known to have had a long running intimate relationship resulting in
many children with his black house servant (which was also his wife’s half sister), Sally Hemmings.

My point in all of this, is that above all else, people are people, the men of today and the great men of yesteryear.
There are no men of great worth that do not come without a laundry list of faults. Not only do we have to be very
careful in casting a vote, we also have to be responsible for ourselves and our own actions. We can look at ourselves
and try to do something greater than ourselves. The nation is big. The government is little. WE should decide and
get what WE want and what WE work for. We shouldn’t have to wait for a political messiah to bail us out.
WE make the decisions. THEY work for us. WE don’t need to be inspired by false promises or political tricks.
OUR history alone should inspire us all. It should make us all stand tall and be proud to be Americans, just like
the parades when the soldiers came home from WWII, just like September 12th, when I saw more American
flags flying than any other day of my life. I’m proud. Are you? If you’re not, why are you here?

I have researched. I have studied. Now, I’m praying. Perhaps that was the wrong order. I hope you will all
take these same measures and make your voting decision after careful consideration.
This is a “make us or break us” election.