Another anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy reminds me of how America continues to be the strongest country in the world.
It’s so gratifying to see — for even just a day — fellow Americans stand together as one. It’s something we need far more of.
As great as our country is and as strong as it is, there are a few things I believe will make it even better. Even the best can stand some room for improvement from time to time.
With that in mind, I’d like to see:
•More cooperation between the two major political parties in our country would be a positive. This “I’m against it because you are for it” is getting our country no where. We are in the midst of the worst economic times, many experts believe, in our country with the exception of the Great Depression. Nothing is going to change until we learn to work together and — heaven forbid — compromise on a few issues here and there.
•More assistance for our servicemen and servicewomen once they return home. Just because their job is finished doesn’t mean ours should be in terms of helping them with whatever issue they may face. Veterans issues are probably the area I don’t mind paying taxes for. They have earned the right to receive whatever help and support they need. Whether it’s illness or dealing with the stress that comes with a job I can’t even begin to imagine, we owe it to veterans to be there as a country for them. Just because their tour — or tours — of duty is over does not mean our responsibility as a country is over to them. Everyone likes to talk about supporting veterans, but as a country we are not doing enough. In fact, I doubt we ever could, but we should be doing more.
•I’ve mentioned this before but it certainly bares repeating. If you are going to fly an American flag at your home or business, don’t allow it to become a shredded mess. Show the proper respect for our flag. If it’s raining, don’t put it out. If it has become torn, for goodness sake put up a new one.
•More tolerance of people who are of different cultures and religions than our own is needed in the worst way. I’ve grown weary of the constant rhetoric against Muslims (are all white men condemned because of what Timothy McVeigh did?). And for crying out loud, when did America no longer stand for the land of opportunity? A certain group of politicians have made it their pasttime (and ticket to elected office) to condemn those who come into our country. Are some of those who come here criminals? Yes, but even more who already live here are also on the wrong side of the law. Most simply want a better life for themselves and their families. If you go back, that’s why all of our ancestors initially came here. You do realize that unless you are Native American, you are also descended from immigrants as well.
Personally, I’ve had enough with the fear mongering about the so-called Mosque in New York City. America, at least the way I view it, is stronger than any building. We were NOT defeated on Sept. 11, 2001 so the building is not a symbol of America being conquered. It all goes back to tolerance of others. Everyone has the right to worship as he or she chooses. That’s what makes America stand head and shoulders above all others. We allow — or at least we should — all points of view be it religious or otherwise.
•Finally, how about a little research before we believe something we hear on television or on a so-called unbiased news channel? Don’t be so quick to believe everything you hear — from me or anyone else. Read, read and then read some more. You might be surprised by what you learn.
Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal, a sister publication of The Banks County News. He can be reached at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
Once again you start off a nice column and ruin it with your far left wing views.
I agree our service men and women should be better taken care of. With that being said, our taxes can't take care of everyone. Do you know what the benefits are for a wounded soldier returning home? If not, read up on it - then compare this amount to the amount that an illegal mother gets for each anchor baby that she has. When you see this unbalance will you then admit that your President has no clue.
Now, for your Mosque comments. Placing a Mosque in the shadows of the twin towers is a slap in the face of this country. Even non-radical Muslims state this fact. Do some research for yourself - or better yet contact a Muslim that really lives by their religion and doesn't use it for radical murder and see what they tell you. If you think the Mosque is OK to be placed where they want it, what would you say to a group of KKK members claiming that their views are a religious belief and they have a right to build a place of worship where Martin Luther King was shot? Really, there is no difference.
Chris, it's people like you that do not accept the fact that we have been declared war on. These Muslim radicals have stated time and time again that if they cannot convert you they will kill you. Now, I'm not for just any war and sending kids to fight. But you have 2 choices: 1) be defeated and have your home and family destroyed by these "nuts" - maybe not today but in the future when they have an opportunity or 2) defeat them on their home turf.
Chris- there is so much that you really should get educated on before you ruin a good intentioned article. Maybe you should just go back to sports. Or better yet visit the homes of some of the illegals in this area and see how much they are benefiting from our taxes - THEN take a trip to Saudi Arabia to learn what radical Muslims really are trying to do. Along with that study some of their culture and learn why your President hasn't taken his wife with him on any trips to the Mid-East and why he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia.
I have been there - I have studied their way of life - I have seen the things that you refuse to acknowledge.