On a More Serious Note

Today is a day of remembrance in this country. A day to remember lives that were taken as a direct result of the gift that is America. The way we Americans live our lives was the direct cause of that attack on our country. That holds true even if you give in to the idea of radical conspiracy theorists. Be it oil, freedom, land, or power something about American life made us the target.

But like all days of this magnitude it slowly fades from memory or importance. So much has gone on in the "war on terror" in the past eight years that its hard to say anyone feels the way they did about anything eight years ago. Regrettably, someday this date will have faded into just another historical point, just like the firing on Fort Sumpter, or the the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Cole or the USS Maine. In due time all wounds heal, but always with scars.

While this day of days is still fresh in our minds I would like to challenge the readers of this blog. Many people today will stop at 8:46 to remember the pain, the loss, and the courage that was shown on this day eight years ago. I challenge you to stop at some point today and come up with one or two reasons why you truly love America. Why you would rather live here than anywhere else.

While this may seem like an exercise in blind patriotism fueled by crisis, I vehemently disagree. I think its important to recognize the freedoms that brought the attack on us. Even its the freedom to drive gas guzzling SUV's and use more than our share of the worlds resources. The freedom to live in comfort while others in less fortunate countries go to bed hungry and scared.

No matter how sick your are of the health care debate, how scared your are about the Socialization of America, or how bitter you still are about the 2000 election, you benefit from America. If you have the time in your day and the internet capability to read this blog you benefit from America. If you are too busy at work to read this you benefit from America. If you have to walk to your local library to get internet to read this, you benefit from America.

For one day, lay down your politics and search inside yourself for what it is that this country gives you and appreciate it. Tomorrow you can go back to complaining.

ramble on,
Craig

I appreciate America because:

I live in a country where I am allowed and encouraged to travel, live, and study in a country that was formerly our Public Enemy No. 1.

I live in a country where I can write blogs like this and have discussions like this without landing in prison or a mobile death van.

If you feel Inspired, feel free to post some of your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.