A Decade Later...
It was a day of terror. It was a moment in country's history that has defined and shaped our entire culture and society. Everything we do these days has been by some type of affect from what happened on that fateful day. September 11, 2001 will forever be engrained in the minds of those who witnessed it and live through the hours of that day. The results of that day are burnt by a torch in our minds eye as if we are never to forget what happened that day. We can remember where we were, What we were doing, as well as the emotion and the fear that we faced.
Though it has been a decade since that day of infamy recalling, reliving, and seeing the results of that fateful day bring up visions of seeing almost hell itself all over again. Though it has almost been a decade the pain and the emotions still can be seen fighting its way to the eyes surface in every American as they fight back tears of that day. The fear and uncertainty still haunts us like a reoccurring nightmare. We, for the first time since Pearl Harbor realized that our oceans no longer protected us. We were truly vulnerable. Everyone felt the uncertainty of it all. Though they were our leaders they were still at the forefront humans and felt the same fear that we felt that fateful day. No bunker, no vast open secure ranch, and no climb of Air Force One could ever escape the fear that was felt on that fateful day. Our words would be matched with stuttering as we watched in horror as people jumped out of the still standing towers to their deaths, and there was nothing we could do to change it or help them.
Some of the greatest cities on the face of the earth were now modern day warzones. We had been attacked by a cowering faceless enemy. Everyday Americans became filled with a bloodthirst desire for revenge and justice. Workers at Ground Zero on 9/12 were yelling and chanting "Go Get em George!" Cries of "USA" became a standard at every professional sporting game. Flags were unable to be purchased. The militaries numbers soared with enlistments of young men and women looking to be apart of that gallant fight for justice of the horrid crimes that had been committed. It was impossible to anticipate the days ahead, the emotional, consequential, and spiritual differening aspects that would be involved in the coming years as a result of that day.
As we screamed for justice and reprisal against our enemies, our nation answered with a blistering show of military strength. President Bush's words of his comments at Ground Zero had Come to fruition "I hear you, america hears you, the world hears you and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us real soon." And these words given while standing on top of the rubble of a fire truck soon became one of the greatest speeches during this decade. Shock and Awe became a household term. We had entered a new type of fight. It was a new uncertain war. Our government didn't care about the politics and banter between parties, they united together and sent us to fight a brutal, unrelenting enemy.
Ten years later the world has changed. American policy has changed. We are vigilant, prepared, and willing to defend our borders at all costs. Some inconveniences were gained to secure our protection and safety. But taking off our shoes at an airport as well as waiting a few more minutes in line for our safety is worth it. Ten years we had searched for the leader of a brutal, fanatical, bloodthirsty terrorist organization. We had searched for that face of our faceless enemy that had attacked us...and no longer is it a faceless coward but yet a dead one resting under the weight and might of the ocean as if the weight and might of the arm of the american fortitude laid upon it. Even though we were in the mid of a economic crisis, a poor job market, two wars, sliding wall street investments, and a poor housing market the death of Bin Laden gave America a sense of closure it had not felt since the end of World War II. People poured into the streets, pro war as well as war protestors alike. This had given America a much needed shot in the arm. We had completed an undertaking of great magnitude. It gave Americans hope that carried over into every aspect of everyday life.
A decade later from that fateful day, we truly as Americans have a lot to be thankful for as well as a lot to remember. We as a country need to remember the attitude we once held to not get frustrated in the face of adversity and trials but rather to work through it hand in hand with our fellow citizens. If we can work through this situation we truly could work through anything we face as a nation. No matter the circumstances we must come together. A decade later we have a duty as Americans to remember what happened on that day of infamy. It will be a day of remembrance, a day of mourning, as well as a day of progress. We must remember the atrocities that were committed but also to remember the advancements we have made as a country. The death of those people in the Pentagon, Flight 92, and the Twin Towers will never be forgotten. But through the days after America has become stronger, smarter, and experienced. We have the true fortitude to fight through any problem. We have stood hand in hand with our neighbors and held hope. A decade later the pain is still there, the scar on lady liberty is still visible but it has not crippled us. We have won not only strategically but also psychologically. As the lights from Ground Zero pierced the sky above only days after the aftermath of 9/11 showing the world that we will never forget and never will we give up, we too as a country have shown the world that ever so much more by the way we have survived and lived these past ten years. We have shown the world that "We are America, we will survive, we will advance, we will never give up, and we will be victorious."
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
America Again...
Political state
Our country is struggling. But it is not dying. In the light of humanity our country is still young. Our democracy is still young but yet we act as if we have all the answers. We are in our toddler stages. Our terrible threes as it were. When things don't go the way we think they should we begin to wine and complain. We moan and cry for change and those in charge become a giant political windsock that move with changing winds.
Our countries values are the biggest crisis in our society. We have drifted so far from the base values that made this country great. We have taken the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for granted. We use to be a great nation that was revered, respected, and feared. We have a country that has citizens begging for help in the unemployment line, un educated children, rising crime rates. But yet we dare not volunteer unless it is our last option. We want a change but yet have no drive and determination to fight for it.
Only sixty years ago this country was in a John Wayne shaped mentality. Our grandfathers had this mentality in World War II, Korea, and even Vietnam. The men who lead are the ones who do work when work is needed to be done instead of having others to do it for them as they sit idly by. On December 8th 1941, our country scraped for change. In the wake of the morning after Pearl Harbor everything changed: perspectives, fears, even dreams. In a country where the majority of workers were men, women stood up to take a role in the future of our country. In that time in our history our country rose to the challenge instead of backing down from a fight. Their only goal, even for those who died was to make a better life for those who were at home as well as for their future children and grandchildren.
In 1776 this country wasn't concerned with not picking up the bill for what the price of freedom was. Young boys and men lost their lives fighting the greatest military in the world arguably one of the greatest superpowers in history. Others who could not fight gave financially losing everything to establish a country they believed in with no returns, not even a hope of it ever succeeding. Politicians then argued over the correct wording for our constitution. They argued over political strategies to come to terms with separating themselves from a ruthless dictator. They did this solely for the fact of creating a better life and not political gain. Our first three presidents had no desire to be president. They did not care to be in power but yet answered the call that was given them. But today our politicians are more concerned with the keeping of party lines as well as their political futures rather than the issues that face everyday Americans. Our citizens use to have a voice that mattered. Not they just get a pre-formed response letter and are a number in a statistic rather than a person with needs and thoughts. This is not to say that every desire should be met but rather people should be just that, people and not a number.
Instead of that John Wayne society and attitude we once had as country we have elected to take on a new shape as a Brad Pitt society. Now we don't care about our values and history. We don't care where we came from we just care about the facts of whether or not people truly accept us and if we look good to the world. We call it a new school line of thought. Those that serve and volunteer and work because there is work to be done rather than being forced are the odd ones. Those that serve the military are viewed as being un educated war mongers rather than being volunteers to protect freedom. Those that serve their country in the red cross are honored when there is a crisis but when there is none it is viewed as a lower middle class profession. Since when was the American dream a 90 grand Mercedes with a big house and all the gadgets you could want. The American dream was always for the freedom. The goal of the government was for the prosperity and good of it's constituents.
The president is right we do need a change. We need a change from lavish words during a campaign turned into empty promises. We need a change from party politics and pet projects that we are unwilling to let go of simply because it has a name on it. We need a change from the ignorance and denial of peoples every day needs. We need a change from just being voted by the people and yet not finishing what they wanted you to begin and still support young men dying over seas for the same cause. We need to get back to the way of life we were accustomed to in the past. A country with gusto and courage to fight for what they believe and stick with it all the way. A country with morals and beliefs that if threatened rip our emotions apart. A country that is ready for a fight but doesn't force them. And yet if a fight faces or confronts them they will not back no matter what. A country that cares more about the people rather than political agendas. We need to become America again.
Our country is struggling. But it is not dying. In the light of humanity our country is still young. Our democracy is still young but yet we act as if we have all the answers. We are in our toddler stages. Our terrible threes as it were. When things don't go the way we think they should we begin to wine and complain. We moan and cry for change and those in charge become a giant political windsock that move with changing winds.
Our countries values are the biggest crisis in our society. We have drifted so far from the base values that made this country great. We have taken the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for granted. We use to be a great nation that was revered, respected, and feared. We have a country that has citizens begging for help in the unemployment line, un educated children, rising crime rates. But yet we dare not volunteer unless it is our last option. We want a change but yet have no drive and determination to fight for it.
Only sixty years ago this country was in a John Wayne shaped mentality. Our grandfathers had this mentality in World War II, Korea, and even Vietnam. The men who lead are the ones who do work when work is needed to be done instead of having others to do it for them as they sit idly by. On December 8th 1941, our country scraped for change. In the wake of the morning after Pearl Harbor everything changed: perspectives, fears, even dreams. In a country where the majority of workers were men, women stood up to take a role in the future of our country. In that time in our history our country rose to the challenge instead of backing down from a fight. Their only goal, even for those who died was to make a better life for those who were at home as well as for their future children and grandchildren.
In 1776 this country wasn't concerned with not picking up the bill for what the price of freedom was. Young boys and men lost their lives fighting the greatest military in the world arguably one of the greatest superpowers in history. Others who could not fight gave financially losing everything to establish a country they believed in with no returns, not even a hope of it ever succeeding. Politicians then argued over the correct wording for our constitution. They argued over political strategies to come to terms with separating themselves from a ruthless dictator. They did this solely for the fact of creating a better life and not political gain. Our first three presidents had no desire to be president. They did not care to be in power but yet answered the call that was given them. But today our politicians are more concerned with the keeping of party lines as well as their political futures rather than the issues that face everyday Americans. Our citizens use to have a voice that mattered. Not they just get a pre-formed response letter and are a number in a statistic rather than a person with needs and thoughts. This is not to say that every desire should be met but rather people should be just that, people and not a number.
Instead of that John Wayne society and attitude we once had as country we have elected to take on a new shape as a Brad Pitt society. Now we don't care about our values and history. We don't care where we came from we just care about the facts of whether or not people truly accept us and if we look good to the world. We call it a new school line of thought. Those that serve and volunteer and work because there is work to be done rather than being forced are the odd ones. Those that serve the military are viewed as being un educated war mongers rather than being volunteers to protect freedom. Those that serve their country in the red cross are honored when there is a crisis but when there is none it is viewed as a lower middle class profession. Since when was the American dream a 90 grand Mercedes with a big house and all the gadgets you could want. The American dream was always for the freedom. The goal of the government was for the prosperity and good of it's constituents.
The president is right we do need a change. We need a change from lavish words during a campaign turned into empty promises. We need a change from party politics and pet projects that we are unwilling to let go of simply because it has a name on it. We need a change from the ignorance and denial of peoples every day needs. We need a change from just being voted by the people and yet not finishing what they wanted you to begin and still support young men dying over seas for the same cause. We need to get back to the way of life we were accustomed to in the past. A country with gusto and courage to fight for what they believe and stick with it all the way. A country with morals and beliefs that if threatened rip our emotions apart. A country that is ready for a fight but doesn't force them. And yet if a fight faces or confronts them they will not back no matter what. A country that cares more about the people rather than political agendas. We need to become America again.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
America Again
Political state
Our country is struggling. But it is not dying. In the light of humanity our country is still young. Our democracy is still young but yet we act as if we have all the answers. We are in our toddler stages. Our terrible threes as it were. When things don't go the way we think they should we begin to wine and complain. We moan and cry for change and those in charge become a giant political windsock that move with changing winds.
Our countries values are the biggest crisis in our society. We have drifted so far from the base values that made this country great. We have taken the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for granted. We use to be a great nation that was revered, respected, and feared. We have a country that has citizens begging for help in the unemployment line, un educated children, rising crime rates. But yet we dare not volunteer unless it is our last option. We want a change but yet have no drive and determination to fight for it.
Only sixty years ago this country was in a John Wayne shaped mentality. Our grandfathers had this mentality in World War II, Korea, and even Vietnam. The men who lead are the ones who do work when work is needed to be done instead of having others to do it for them as they sit idly by. On December 8th 1941, our country scraped for change. In the wake of the morning after Pearl Harbor everything changed: perspectives, fears, even dreams. In a country where the majority of workers were men, women stood up to take a role in the future of our country. In that time in our history our country rose to the challenge instead of backing down from a fight. Their only goal, even for those who died was to make a better life for those who were at home as well as for their future children and grandchildren.
In 1776 this country wasn't concerned with not picking up the bill for what the price of freedom was. Young boys and men lost their lives fighting the greatest military in the world arguably one of the greatest superpowers in history. Others who could not fight gave financially losing everything to establish a country they believed in with no returns, not even a hope of it ever succeeding. Politicians then argued over the correct wording for our constitution. They argued over political strategies to come to terms with separating themselves from a ruthless dictator. They did this solely for the fact of creating a better life and not political gain. Our first three presidents had no desire to be president. They did not care to be in power but yet answered the call that was given them. But today our politicians are more concerned with the keeping of party lines as well as their political futures rather than the issues that face everyday Americans. Our citizens use to have a voice that mattered. Not they just get a pre-formed response letter and are a number in a statistic rather than a person with needs and thoughts. This is not to say that every desire should be met but rather people should be just that, people and not a number.
Instead of that John Wayne society and attitude we once had as country we have elected to take on a new shape as a Brad Pitt society. Now we don't care about our values and history. We don't care where we came from we just care about the facts of whether or not people truly accept us and if we look good to the world. We call it a new school line of thought. Those that serve and volunteer and work because there is work to be done rather than being forced are the odd ones. Those that serve the military are viewed as being un educated war mongers rather than being volunteers to protect freedom. Those that serve their country in the red cross are honored when there is a crisis but when there is none it is viewed as a lower middle class profession. Since when was the American dream a 90 grand Mercedes with a big house and all the gadgets you could want. The American dream was always for the freedom. The goal of the government was for the prosperity and good of it's constituents.
The president is right we do need a change. We need a change from lavish words during a campaign turned into empty promises. We need a change from party politics and pet projects that we are unwilling to let go of simply because it has a name on it. We need a change from the ignorance and denial of peoples every day needs. We need a change from just being voted by the people and yet not finishing what they wanted you to begin and still support young men dying over seas for the same cause. We need to get back to the way of life we were accustomed to in the past. A country with gusto and courage to fight for what they believe and stick with it all the way. A country with morals and beliefs that if threatened rip our emotions apart. A country that is ready for a fight but doesn't force them. And yet if a fight faces or confronts them they will not back no matter what. A country that cares more about the people rather than political agendas. We need to become America again.
Our country is struggling. But it is not dying. In the light of humanity our country is still young. Our democracy is still young but yet we act as if we have all the answers. We are in our toddler stages. Our terrible threes as it were. When things don't go the way we think they should we begin to wine and complain. We moan and cry for change and those in charge become a giant political windsock that move with changing winds.
Our countries values are the biggest crisis in our society. We have drifted so far from the base values that made this country great. We have taken the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for granted. We use to be a great nation that was revered, respected, and feared. We have a country that has citizens begging for help in the unemployment line, un educated children, rising crime rates. But yet we dare not volunteer unless it is our last option. We want a change but yet have no drive and determination to fight for it.
Only sixty years ago this country was in a John Wayne shaped mentality. Our grandfathers had this mentality in World War II, Korea, and even Vietnam. The men who lead are the ones who do work when work is needed to be done instead of having others to do it for them as they sit idly by. On December 8th 1941, our country scraped for change. In the wake of the morning after Pearl Harbor everything changed: perspectives, fears, even dreams. In a country where the majority of workers were men, women stood up to take a role in the future of our country. In that time in our history our country rose to the challenge instead of backing down from a fight. Their only goal, even for those who died was to make a better life for those who were at home as well as for their future children and grandchildren.
In 1776 this country wasn't concerned with not picking up the bill for what the price of freedom was. Young boys and men lost their lives fighting the greatest military in the world arguably one of the greatest superpowers in history. Others who could not fight gave financially losing everything to establish a country they believed in with no returns, not even a hope of it ever succeeding. Politicians then argued over the correct wording for our constitution. They argued over political strategies to come to terms with separating themselves from a ruthless dictator. They did this solely for the fact of creating a better life and not political gain. Our first three presidents had no desire to be president. They did not care to be in power but yet answered the call that was given them. But today our politicians are more concerned with the keeping of party lines as well as their political futures rather than the issues that face everyday Americans. Our citizens use to have a voice that mattered. Not they just get a pre-formed response letter and are a number in a statistic rather than a person with needs and thoughts. This is not to say that every desire should be met but rather people should be just that, people and not a number.
Instead of that John Wayne society and attitude we once had as country we have elected to take on a new shape as a Brad Pitt society. Now we don't care about our values and history. We don't care where we came from we just care about the facts of whether or not people truly accept us and if we look good to the world. We call it a new school line of thought. Those that serve and volunteer and work because there is work to be done rather than being forced are the odd ones. Those that serve the military are viewed as being un educated war mongers rather than being volunteers to protect freedom. Those that serve their country in the red cross are honored when there is a crisis but when there is none it is viewed as a lower middle class profession. Since when was the American dream a 90 grand Mercedes with a big house and all the gadgets you could want. The American dream was always for the freedom. The goal of the government was for the prosperity and good of it's constituents.
The president is right we do need a change. We need a change from lavish words during a campaign turned into empty promises. We need a change from party politics and pet projects that we are unwilling to let go of simply because it has a name on it. We need a change from the ignorance and denial of peoples every day needs. We need a change from just being voted by the people and yet not finishing what they wanted you to begin and still support young men dying over seas for the same cause. We need to get back to the way of life we were accustomed to in the past. A country with gusto and courage to fight for what they believe and stick with it all the way. A country with morals and beliefs that if threatened rip our emotions apart. A country that is ready for a fight but doesn't force them. And yet if a fight faces or confronts them they will not back no matter what. A country that cares more about the people rather than political agendas. We need to become America again.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Freedom to not choose
A recent CNN article stated that Democrats were forming a key group to eliminate the Republicans from key deliberations during the congressional health care deliberations. The reason for this is Democrats are concerned the GOP leaders may use Senate rules to slow the rush for final passage of the reform bill before the presidents first state of the Union address. This Group of key democrats is being headed up by House majority leader Nancy Pelosi. This whole “huddle” she is facilitating with other top democrats inside her US Capitol office is extremely intriguing. These private closed door sessions are in fact a direct opposite action to her statement that this congress would be the most “transparent and ethical” ever. The traditional process being replaced with informal, high-level talks, sources stated..." In other words, the Constitutional process being replaced with back-room wheeling and dealing Not only that but the fact that this seems as if loop holes around constitutional ethics, legislative rules and processes are being created. These meetings are to ensure that the bill is passed, a bill that over 60% of Americans are not in favor of. When has congress lost its touch with its constituents. Penning your name in history seems to be more important then the welfare of the people who put them in the lofty seats that they are placed in. Yet its almost outrageous to even think that me as a working American citizen who serves his country is forced to pay for healthcare i don’t even want nor would ever consider having. We should have the option to receive the healthcare we want. Government should never dictate what option is best for its citizens. We have always had the right to choose what was best for us as Americans. Its a freedom that is stated in the Bill of Rights, and a freedom that is fought for on a daily basis. This fact that it is mandatory has been compared by Key Democrats as the idea of mandatory cary insurance even though car insurance isn’t mandatory. This is almost embarrassing to the whole idea of being a free american and living in a free society with the freedom to choose as we please. We can choose to abort an unborn fetus and kill it because it is inconvenient but we are not allowed to choose to not pay for government health care. We can choose to join the armed forces and die for freedom but yet the freedom to pick your own healthcare may no longer exist. This idea no longer sounds like a democratic society to me, it is beginning to sound like something else, something much more scarier. and this is a reality that we will face in 2010. And that, sadly, is how the cookie crumbles....
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Dreamers
This summer i had the chance to travel and spend my vacation for three and a half months in the great state of texas, during that time i began wondering what makes the difference between a normal guy and a legend. This thought debacled me for weeks and months. I began looking at legends and seeing what made them different from the rest of society, what made them stand out like a pillar, what made them legends. I began looking at different legends in our society. I remembered the immense disconcertion i felt when i stood on the very stones that Martin Luther King Jr. gave his legendary “I have a dream speech.” I will never forget looking out upon the reflecting pool and seeing the image of the Washington monument ripple in the water below. I closed my eyes and began imagining what it must have looked like with the thousands of people hanging from the trees just to see him speak. One man with one line changed the direction of the mindset of a nation. He had a dream that though others enjoyed the thought of not many would fight for. Men stood toe to toe with those who opposed them and their ideals. They were persecuted for their dreams, physically attacked for their views. Some were even terminated from their dreams. Driving through Tennessee I had the chance to stop in Memphis and stand on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel where he was shot and killed for what he believed, for what he dreamed. His dream did not die with him, his legacy carried on after his death. He became of legend for what he did, what he fought for, what he died for.
In 2008 I served at the pleasure of the President as a White House intern. As i sat in the oval office and began to realize the history that surrounded me. As i looked at the Resolute Desk that sat there in the oval office I recognized table that a legendary President leaned on during a national crisis. John F. Kennedy was a legend in the eyes of the American public and the world. During the height of the Cold War he had a dream of peaceful society where men put there differences aside, laid down their weapons and talked peacefully at a table to work out their disagreements. No matter what his past dictates to us today his record stands true. He fought for freedom of the oppressed and the downcast. He was seen during his time as weak and futile but yet history dictates something much different. It shows us that combat is not the final option. On a rainy day in May with the sun setting behind me on the horizon of the Dallas skyline i stood on the grassy knoll underneath the Book Depositry building. I became overwhelemed with emotion. As crazy as it seems i became teary eyed as i stared at the X’s that marked where a legend was cut down in his prime but a snipers bullet. His dreams didnt die with the man they lived on, they were passed on from administration to administration until they were finally realized later on down the road.
In my search to discover what makes a legend i have come to the realization that it takes dreaming. But dreams alone do not define a man. When one lives solely in the future and it controls his total focus he loses sight of the present. Dreams must be matched up with one thing and one thing only, dreamers need to have a fight buried deep within their soul. A mans fight for nothing is useless, its a waste. A mans fight must be coupled with one thing a dream. Then a man will become the greatest feared adversary in the world, he will become a legend. This discovery provoked one question in my mind. Who are the future legends of our present time? Who are our dreamers? We need our leaders to have dreams, radical, culture changing dreams birthed deep inside of them to where they taste the very words that rattle in their mind. They need to have the courage to stand toe to toe with those that oppose them and fight for the very lively hood of their dreams. Then will history mark them as true legends. A man does not merely become a legend for what he dreams of doing, he becomes one by fighting for what he believes is right and true, no matter what the cost is. A true legend is marked by standing by what he believes when push comes to shove. For fighting till the brow of his forehead is beaded with sweat. This is not reserved for the great and popular. Any man can become a legend. If a man has a dream birthed inside him he needs to grab the bull bull by the horns and ride it and spur it into submission no matter how rough or painful. I have a dream. Those words ring true in my head. They dart from side to side as if they are a gazelle running for their lives. The trouble becomes when a fight is needed to totally realize that dreams are a real possibility. This is no easy task. A man must be totally submitted to this task. It must envelope the very being of who he is and who he desires to become. A man must realize who he was before he can become who he wants to be. A realization of self is vitally necessary on what a man dreams and the fight that is birthed within him. As kids we all had dreams on waht we wanted to become. But it is the fight within us that drove us to those dreams. It becomes a point in persons life when he claws and strains and faces failure to see what he is made of. In the face of failure and destruction of dreams a man must stare failure in the eyes and smirk. That smirk represents something that failure wasnt expecting. That smirk represents the undying determination of a man with a dream that is passionate about fighting for something he only sees in his dreams. The fight that he is so strong and has such an anchor inside of him that he can taste. When this country has people who have that fight and that determination we will be back on the track of a strong secure nation. When we have a culture who wont wince at the face of defeat and loss and stands toe to toe with the ideas that oppose them we will see a great difference in all the aspects of our society, and in the end isnt that what we all want....to become legends.
In 2008 I served at the pleasure of the President as a White House intern. As i sat in the oval office and began to realize the history that surrounded me. As i looked at the Resolute Desk that sat there in the oval office I recognized table that a legendary President leaned on during a national crisis. John F. Kennedy was a legend in the eyes of the American public and the world. During the height of the Cold War he had a dream of peaceful society where men put there differences aside, laid down their weapons and talked peacefully at a table to work out their disagreements. No matter what his past dictates to us today his record stands true. He fought for freedom of the oppressed and the downcast. He was seen during his time as weak and futile but yet history dictates something much different. It shows us that combat is not the final option. On a rainy day in May with the sun setting behind me on the horizon of the Dallas skyline i stood on the grassy knoll underneath the Book Depositry building. I became overwhelemed with emotion. As crazy as it seems i became teary eyed as i stared at the X’s that marked where a legend was cut down in his prime but a snipers bullet. His dreams didnt die with the man they lived on, they were passed on from administration to administration until they were finally realized later on down the road.
In my search to discover what makes a legend i have come to the realization that it takes dreaming. But dreams alone do not define a man. When one lives solely in the future and it controls his total focus he loses sight of the present. Dreams must be matched up with one thing and one thing only, dreamers need to have a fight buried deep within their soul. A mans fight for nothing is useless, its a waste. A mans fight must be coupled with one thing a dream. Then a man will become the greatest feared adversary in the world, he will become a legend. This discovery provoked one question in my mind. Who are the future legends of our present time? Who are our dreamers? We need our leaders to have dreams, radical, culture changing dreams birthed deep inside of them to where they taste the very words that rattle in their mind. They need to have the courage to stand toe to toe with those that oppose them and fight for the very lively hood of their dreams. Then will history mark them as true legends. A man does not merely become a legend for what he dreams of doing, he becomes one by fighting for what he believes is right and true, no matter what the cost is. A true legend is marked by standing by what he believes when push comes to shove. For fighting till the brow of his forehead is beaded with sweat. This is not reserved for the great and popular. Any man can become a legend. If a man has a dream birthed inside him he needs to grab the bull bull by the horns and ride it and spur it into submission no matter how rough or painful. I have a dream. Those words ring true in my head. They dart from side to side as if they are a gazelle running for their lives. The trouble becomes when a fight is needed to totally realize that dreams are a real possibility. This is no easy task. A man must be totally submitted to this task. It must envelope the very being of who he is and who he desires to become. A man must realize who he was before he can become who he wants to be. A realization of self is vitally necessary on what a man dreams and the fight that is birthed within him. As kids we all had dreams on waht we wanted to become. But it is the fight within us that drove us to those dreams. It becomes a point in persons life when he claws and strains and faces failure to see what he is made of. In the face of failure and destruction of dreams a man must stare failure in the eyes and smirk. That smirk represents something that failure wasnt expecting. That smirk represents the undying determination of a man with a dream that is passionate about fighting for something he only sees in his dreams. The fight that he is so strong and has such an anchor inside of him that he can taste. When this country has people who have that fight and that determination we will be back on the track of a strong secure nation. When we have a culture who wont wince at the face of defeat and loss and stands toe to toe with the ideas that oppose them we will see a great difference in all the aspects of our society, and in the end isnt that what we all want....to become legends.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Back to Business as Usual?
Nine years ago today our nation was cut into with a dagger so sharp that the scars are still being seen on the evening news everyday. September 11, 2001 was a day that changed all of our lives. Every single person in America and a majority of the world was affected when the United States was deliberately attacked by terrorism. On that day there were a total of 2,993 deaths from the many who were lost in the towers to emergency personnel and military personal to those who were lost in the plane lost in that somber Pennsylvania field. We even have one related death of a recovery worker dying from lung cancer due to the dust from the towers falling. This is a number 364 days out of the year but one day a year we read the names of those lost. We dont know their back stories or their personal lives but yet each one of them is important to America. These sons and daughters of America as well as those from 90 other countries who were lost in the attacks will never be forgotten. But yet the question lies are we back to normal? Have we gone back to business as usual?
I will never forget hearing the fighter jets fly overhead in the skies above northern Virginia. I will never forget running to my mothers arms crying not knowing whether or not my family members in D.C. were lost or not. I will never forget going to the Pentagon with my family the next day standing as an 8th grader with tears streaming down my face looking at the wreckage. I will never forget the immense pain and anger I felt. We were attacked. This attack forever changed the way I looked at not only the world as a whole but my life as well. This event forever ingrained deeper a sense of duty to my country. I remember the overwhelming response at blood banks and Red Cross donation centers. I remember the stories I heard from White House senior staffers of that horrific day. I remember them describing the chaotic scene at the White House and the forming of the 9 11 speech the President gave. I remember the unity we as Americans felt. But yet we seem to have forgotten that fateful day.
There will be memorial services for the lost. Families of the dead will gather to remember their loss on that day. Why have we forgotten? The media said the images were too graphic to show on TV anymore of the towers collapsing and those jumping for their lives. But yet I remember those images in my mind. They are forever ingrained there. We as Americans need to be reminded of the blow we took as a nation more than one day a year. 9-11 was likened to the Pearl Harbor of my generation. But yet we are back to a divided nation except for one day a year. We have loosened our policies to be more friendly in the eyes of the American public and the ever watching eyes of the world. I will not allow myself to forget what happened. I will continue to allow it to affect me. It has to affect me. Bunker Hill, Fort Sumter, Pearl Harbor affected the generations of those who lived through them for the better. What have we done with the tragedy that fell upon us? Have we allowed it to make us better or have we thrown it on a back burner and tried to erase it from our memories. You may not agree with the action taken by the Bush administration to react to the attacks of 9 11, but as an American it is your duty to never forget the loss that we took that day. Men and women are in harms way today, fighting the same fight for the same reason that happened eight years ago today. We cannot allow our nation to forget what happened. We cannot allow our people to be calloused to the events of that day. Today I will wear my uniform with pride. I will stand tall and salute the flag I vowed to protect. I will be proud of my decision to not let the events of that day to ever leave my mind. I will allow the events to change who I am. I once heard a saying that said "I never want to be a product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me." We need to affect positive change in America.
As we honor the dead tomorrow, as we come together for one day under a united front allow yourself to remember what happened. Allow your mind to begin to ask if you have done something to affect positive change in your immediate environment. Have you been of service to the people around you. As we lower the flags for one day remember the loss that we took as Americans. Remember the ash, the flames, the rubble, the terror you felt. Remember the feelings you felt and allow it to motivate you to not only live like this is your last day possibly, but allow it motivate you to see your position as an American and the important role you play in advancing and protecting freedom. Let us forget our petty arguments for one day and let us strive to better our country and the foundation it sits on.
Whether or not you are religious, pray for the families that lost loved ones. Pray for the sons and daughters who lost parents. Pray for the spouses of those who mourn the loss of the love of their lives. As we continue to heal never forget what happened. Never allow yourself to be back to business as usual. We do not need to fear of what may come but be watchful. We need to continue to support the government as they ensure the safety of our sacred way of life. And pray that God has mercy and continues to bless our iron union. It is what we are supposed to do.
And that's how the cookie crumbles....
I will never forget hearing the fighter jets fly overhead in the skies above northern Virginia. I will never forget running to my mothers arms crying not knowing whether or not my family members in D.C. were lost or not. I will never forget going to the Pentagon with my family the next day standing as an 8th grader with tears streaming down my face looking at the wreckage. I will never forget the immense pain and anger I felt. We were attacked. This attack forever changed the way I looked at not only the world as a whole but my life as well. This event forever ingrained deeper a sense of duty to my country. I remember the overwhelming response at blood banks and Red Cross donation centers. I remember the stories I heard from White House senior staffers of that horrific day. I remember them describing the chaotic scene at the White House and the forming of the 9 11 speech the President gave. I remember the unity we as Americans felt. But yet we seem to have forgotten that fateful day.
There will be memorial services for the lost. Families of the dead will gather to remember their loss on that day. Why have we forgotten? The media said the images were too graphic to show on TV anymore of the towers collapsing and those jumping for their lives. But yet I remember those images in my mind. They are forever ingrained there. We as Americans need to be reminded of the blow we took as a nation more than one day a year. 9-11 was likened to the Pearl Harbor of my generation. But yet we are back to a divided nation except for one day a year. We have loosened our policies to be more friendly in the eyes of the American public and the ever watching eyes of the world. I will not allow myself to forget what happened. I will continue to allow it to affect me. It has to affect me. Bunker Hill, Fort Sumter, Pearl Harbor affected the generations of those who lived through them for the better. What have we done with the tragedy that fell upon us? Have we allowed it to make us better or have we thrown it on a back burner and tried to erase it from our memories. You may not agree with the action taken by the Bush administration to react to the attacks of 9 11, but as an American it is your duty to never forget the loss that we took that day. Men and women are in harms way today, fighting the same fight for the same reason that happened eight years ago today. We cannot allow our nation to forget what happened. We cannot allow our people to be calloused to the events of that day. Today I will wear my uniform with pride. I will stand tall and salute the flag I vowed to protect. I will be proud of my decision to not let the events of that day to ever leave my mind. I will allow the events to change who I am. I once heard a saying that said "I never want to be a product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me." We need to affect positive change in America.
As we honor the dead tomorrow, as we come together for one day under a united front allow yourself to remember what happened. Allow your mind to begin to ask if you have done something to affect positive change in your immediate environment. Have you been of service to the people around you. As we lower the flags for one day remember the loss that we took as Americans. Remember the ash, the flames, the rubble, the terror you felt. Remember the feelings you felt and allow it to motivate you to not only live like this is your last day possibly, but allow it motivate you to see your position as an American and the important role you play in advancing and protecting freedom. Let us forget our petty arguments for one day and let us strive to better our country and the foundation it sits on.
Whether or not you are religious, pray for the families that lost loved ones. Pray for the sons and daughters who lost parents. Pray for the spouses of those who mourn the loss of the love of their lives. As we continue to heal never forget what happened. Never allow yourself to be back to business as usual. We do not need to fear of what may come but be watchful. We need to continue to support the government as they ensure the safety of our sacred way of life. And pray that God has mercy and continues to bless our iron union. It is what we are supposed to do.
And that's how the cookie crumbles....
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