Yes, it's September 11th, the 15th Anniversary 0f the tragic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93. Yes, it is a date that will always be remembered by those alive at the time - like for some the day FDR died, JFK or MLK or RFK were assassinated, when we landed on the moon, or the day our children are born. But will we remember 9/11 as something other than a memorial to those tragically taken by terrorists or will it be remembered as the beginning of the end of our collective security. Since that date, America has been profoundly changed. We no longer take our collective security for granted. Travel alone has been so profoundly affected that many remain uncomfortable with airport security - or that matter, surveillance by government agencies by electronic eavesdropping.
Yes, we should be thankful for all that keep us safe. But how much freedom do we as Americans really have in light of the measures some deem necessary to keep us safe? We have plenty of domestic nut jobs hell-bent on causing mayhem already (ie., Oklahoma City, bombings of Abortion Clinics, shootings at schools and churches). Haven't we always been exposed to threats? Aren't we always going to be in the future?
According to Merriam-Webster, "Terrorism" is defined as "the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal." (See:www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism).
Would it be unpatriotic to point out that the over-emphasis by the media and politicians on our security concerns is exactly what the terrorists that attacked the World Trade Center fifteen years ago actually accomplished - a deep fear that at some times, paralyzes rational discussion of real issues instead of addressing those issues?
Earlier today I heard the Lee Greenwood song, "G-d Bless The USA" and how we are strong in maintaining our freedoms. Except if you read social media, the one-sided criticism of anyone you may disagree with reveals that "freedom" is subjective. Even folks I respect, seem to have fallen into the ideological trap that they are free to criticize others for their displays of protest, yet those protesting are somehow "disrespecting of America." Am I the only one to see the irony of those enjoying their Free Speech while criticizing others for actually exercising their very same rights under the First Amendment? There is no need to elaborate, you know already what I am referring to. And on September 11, there seems to be no limit to demanding those leave the United States because they somehow are less patriotic than those criticizing them. Go figure?
I also recently saw on social media the feeding frenzy that Hillary Clinton fell ill at the 9/11 Memorial Service in NYC. Seems some find pleasure in relaying their thoughts that ill-will (including death) should come to another - purely based upon their ideological differences. Sure, she fell ill. Do you know anyone that never has? Does this mean Clinton's health (or lack of it) proves her unfit to be president? Standing in the sun along with its heat and humidity (over 82 degrees F), and wearing a bullet-proof vest, would probably take down most Americans should they be in the same predicament. But you wouldn't know this from those posting their opinions on social media. My guess is that FDR is rolling in his grave over this argument about standards necessary to be Commander-In-Chief. I also guess so is Ronald Reagan, who was not shy about taking frequent naps instead of attending some security briefings. As Reagan once famously said; "No matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
And on this day, let us remember President Reagan's words; "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free." So let us all remember on this anniversary of 9/11, our freedoms are guaranteed and apply to everyone, not just the select that believe their view alone is righteous. Have a great week!
Yes, we should be thankful for all that keep us safe. But how much freedom do we as Americans really have in light of the measures some deem necessary to keep us safe? We have plenty of domestic nut jobs hell-bent on causing mayhem already (ie., Oklahoma City, bombings of Abortion Clinics, shootings at schools and churches). Haven't we always been exposed to threats? Aren't we always going to be in the future?
According to Merriam-Webster, "Terrorism" is defined as "the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal." (See:www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism).
Would it be unpatriotic to point out that the over-emphasis by the media and politicians on our security concerns is exactly what the terrorists that attacked the World Trade Center fifteen years ago actually accomplished - a deep fear that at some times, paralyzes rational discussion of real issues instead of addressing those issues?
Earlier today I heard the Lee Greenwood song, "G-d Bless The USA" and how we are strong in maintaining our freedoms. Except if you read social media, the one-sided criticism of anyone you may disagree with reveals that "freedom" is subjective. Even folks I respect, seem to have fallen into the ideological trap that they are free to criticize others for their displays of protest, yet those protesting are somehow "disrespecting of America." Am I the only one to see the irony of those enjoying their Free Speech while criticizing others for actually exercising their very same rights under the First Amendment? There is no need to elaborate, you know already what I am referring to. And on September 11, there seems to be no limit to demanding those leave the United States because they somehow are less patriotic than those criticizing them. Go figure?
I also recently saw on social media the feeding frenzy that Hillary Clinton fell ill at the 9/11 Memorial Service in NYC. Seems some find pleasure in relaying their thoughts that ill-will (including death) should come to another - purely based upon their ideological differences. Sure, she fell ill. Do you know anyone that never has? Does this mean Clinton's health (or lack of it) proves her unfit to be president? Standing in the sun along with its heat and humidity (over 82 degrees F), and wearing a bullet-proof vest, would probably take down most Americans should they be in the same predicament. But you wouldn't know this from those posting their opinions on social media. My guess is that FDR is rolling in his grave over this argument about standards necessary to be Commander-In-Chief. I also guess so is Ronald Reagan, who was not shy about taking frequent naps instead of attending some security briefings. As Reagan once famously said; "No matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
And on this day, let us remember President Reagan's words; "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free." So let us all remember on this anniversary of 9/11, our freedoms are guaranteed and apply to everyone, not just the select that believe their view alone is righteous. Have a great week!
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