Memorial Day

Wow. That was a loooooong weekend. I'm not usually so absent, but with all the barbeques and fairs going on, I couldn't find a moment to get on the computer (much less spend time at home).

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! I assure you that I'm reading your blogs. I may not be able to comment on all of them, but I am trying to catch up with your posts.

I try not to get political (especially on my blog) because I'm a very opinionated person and I know that not everyone agrees with me. Usually, I just smile and nod when someone says something I don't agree with because I don't want to drive a wedge into my relationships. However, as a veteran, I feel it is often my duty to stand up for my fallen brothers and sisters.

So in honor of Memorial Day (forgive me for my lateness), I am going to do just that. I'll warn you now that not everyone will like what I have to say. My views tend to clash with a great many people my age these days.

There is a truth that every veteran knows better than everyone else: war is awful. It is hideous and scarring. It is a plague upon humanity like no other. But it is also, quite often, very necessary and unavoidable. There is another truth that every veteran knows and lives by: a willingness to fight for what is right is the most valuable asset any nation could have.

Since the dawn of time, there have been those who wish to rule others. It is just as true today as it was thousands of years ago, or even 234 years ago. There are certain rights that we enjoy in this country that should never be forgotten, never be taken advantage of, and never be given away for any reason. The moment they are, every life given in every war where American soldiers died would be given in vain. Their deaths would mean nothing.

Sadly, America's citizens and descendants of those who died so that we might live free are giving up those rights. We do it because we don't know better. Everyone has heard the saying, Freedom isn't Free. Well, that's true, but you don't just have to die for it...you have to work for it. Every single citizen, not just soldiers, must work for their freedoms.

The vast majority of nations in this world don't provide their citizens the opportunity to step out of their lot. If you're born poor, you die poor. It's as simple as that. You have no hope. In this country, it doesn't matter your color, your parents' position in life, your religion. If you want to become a millionaire, you work your butt off and make it happen. This is the reason millions of immigrants have flocked to this country, some dying on their way. It's the reason we have to hold our representatives accountable. Yes. They are supposed to represent us, not their own self-interests. It is the reason we must not give up our rights (any of them!) to gain the illusion of security.

We must be accountable to ourselves as well and not hold our hands out to the government. It may not happen now with this government, but someday you may find that instead of finding food or healthcare in your hands, you'll find chains around your wrists.

Do not use poverty as an excuse to give the government more power. If your heart swells out in sympathy for those who need help, then help them! You. Personally. Don't ask the government to do it. Remember...there are always those who want to rule you, and they will if you let them. Do the work yourself and help those who need it.

My brothers and sisters have died to protect you from tyranny. Take that seriously. Don't make their deaths mean nothing.

~Emily White