Rambling Friday: September 11

            Every year this day sneaks up on me like it did back in 2001, but I still remember. After all it is our generation’s Pearl Harbor. But many have seemingly forgotten some of the important lessons we learned from that day. We learned to be united as one no matter race, creed, religion, political beliefs, sex, etc. We learned compassion again and forgiveness for all the trivial things we hold grudges about in life. We cried together we prayed together. We were as one for a moment in time as an old song goes. We were everything our Fore Fathers envisioned for us.

            So what happened to us in 14 years since then? We have fallen apart from that unity over petty things. Lost all compassion for each other. Now we think it is ok to run around committing hate crimes. Put money over people’s ability to live life. Let corporations attempt to get a strangle hold on our government. Let mass conspiracies rule over some of us because some lost an election. We let our veterans go untreated for their wounds both physical and mental. We give them no housing or jobs. Is this the country you love so much? Because it is not the country I love so much it is not my America.

            In my America we stand united. We show compassion for the weak and the poor. Helping them get on their feet as much as we can. For those disabled we don’t cast stones we show compassion and give them services they need without saying of course they can work somehow. We accept them as part of us with compassion. We hold corporations responsible for their actions. Making them pay their fair share in taxes and not letting them buy elections.  We don’t blame all of one group for the actions of some. We treat everyone equally. We aren’t bullies. That is the America I believe in. And that is the America I saw come together out of September 11.

            But now it has all fallen apart. There are problems with police and African Americans. Corporations are now doing their best to buy our elections to get what they want and get away with as much as they can. The rich want more and more tax breaks instead of paying their fair share in many cases. Others are trying to turn this country into a theocracy. The poor and disabled are looked down upon with contempt. Yet in this hour of gloom there are still individuals out there trying to do what is right. Trying to help their fellow human beings. Fighting for equality for everyone. Fighting against theocrats and corporations trying to take over this country. And it gives me hope for what I know America can be. It can once more be that beacon of what Freedom should be and a leader in all things. But we do have work to do.

            Let us not forget those who came before us and sacrificed so much so that we may have the freedom we do today. I hope you don’t think I have been too harsh on this day of remembrance. Feel free to leave your comments on what you think about what I said below. For now I need some coffee and more time to think on this. You may here from me again today. *Tips his hat and walks out the door towards the brewer slowly.*