On Tue, Sep 25, 2001 at 02:19:30AM -0400, Paul M Foster wrote:
<snip>
> And this is not a casual intellectual exercise for me. I have a daughter
> in the Navy. At some point, she will likely get deployed. But I
> recognize that this is a sacrifice she and her mother and I may have to
> make for the cause of freedom. And I can think of few things more worth
> such a sacrifice. I wouldn't even trade freedom for _her_ security.
>
You know, that's part of the problem with many Americans today. They see
their car, their house, their job as the most important things on Earth.
But there are things as or more important than one's own or one's
family's safety, security and comfort. They seem to think that what they
do and say have no effect on the broader zones of activity. So long as
they get theirs, all is good. Honor, principles and patriotism seem to
have gotten lost.
I heard a story today about a newly promoted Chief Petty Officer who
went to a restaurant in San Diego with some friends (all in uniform)
before being deployed. As he and his friends got up to leave, people in
the restaurant began clapping. In a short time, all the patrons were on
their feet. I heard this on the way home, and had to wipe my eyes so I
could continue driving. I still choke up as I think of it again. _This_
is the spirit of America that should prevail, even when there isn't a
crisis.
Paul
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