Wrapped In The Flag….
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
My dad doesn’t agree with a lot of President Bush’s policies…
And—if you engage in a conversation with my dad about politics—he’ll let you know how he feels…
The other day—he was involved in one such discussion—and the person he was talking with accused him of not being a patriot because of his views….
That set my dad off… He not so gently explained to the fellow that he was full of red, white and bull…
My dad’s a flag saluting, military-loving, World War Two vet… And you don’t have to look far to see where that comes from…
His brother—who ended up as a bomber pilot flying multiple combat missions during the war— was wounded at Hickam Field during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor…
His first cousin—who lived next door to him in their duplex—died in that Pearl Harbor attack…
His other first cousin was among 724 Sailors who died in the attack on the USS Franklin..
My father saw action in the South Pacific as a naval petty officer…
Those men—and a lot more—fought and died for the right to voice criticism of anyone—even the president…
Yet today—there’s an attitude among some that if you don’t march in lock-step with each and every view and policy of the administration—that you’re unpatriotic and un-American.
These folks wrap themselves in the flag and reject your opinions if you don’t do the same.
We’re becoming so polarized in this country—that if you hold a view that’s not the same as someone else’s you’re disrespected and scorned.
We’ve forgotten that we can disagree without being disagreeable…
As the French philosopher Voltaire said: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
That’s what makes a patriot—and that’s what this country is all about.
If you don’t like it—perhaps you ought to think about living elsewhere…
—Steve
Link here to the video and story Steve covered today on NBC-17
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