Iranian Air Defense Site:Unknown aircraft, you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.
Aircraft:This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.
Iranian Air Defense Site:You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft.
Aircraft:This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up. Ill wait.
I guess this was what Barack Obama was referring to when he spoke about American arrogance- the audacity to stare down a threatening enemy when we have the hardware and training, not to mention the rightness, to do so. Statistically speaking, the US boasts a higher kill to casualty ratio than any other country in the world. Why is that?
Because our boys [and girls] kick ass!
I was raised to believe that this was a good thing, our military being the best in the world. Apparently, not all American-born persons feel the same.
I made the mistake of taking my children to the Independence Day fireworks display in Clay City, KY at the AmVets Patriot Days picnic. Even State Rep. Richard Henderson, claimed to be there. I wonder if he saw what I did. When the National Anthem began to play, I stood, faced the flag and placed my hand over my heart. My children stood and did the same. Reluctantly, some older persons clambered out of their lawn chairs and joined us and another large family stood and sang along, but the vast majority sat on their blankets, unaffected, looking bored just waiting for it to be done so they could moved on to the pretty colors. I was shocked and disgusted. The same people couldn't be less concerned over the actual meaning of the event, being forced to remember that those fireworks are symbolic of the battles that were fought to win our freedom...well, was just too much thinking for this crowd. They were more interested in when it would be socially acceptable to dive back into their funnel cakes. For more than a half hour, I watched the fireworks and wept. Later, I stalked back to my car, ranting my disgust to anyone within earshot of my voice [I have a big mouth so my voice carries.].
There's your real American arrogance, folks- this attitude of some people who completely disregard the sacrifices of those who gave their blood, sacrificed their happiness and their lives to make things better for us and give us the best country in the world. Even as a child [who was raised in a religion that taught non-involvement in all things governmental and political] I remember being so grateful that I was born an American, that anything was possible for me, that all of the doors were open to me. I had a profound respect for the military and a clear cognizance of their struggles which remains with me to this day. So, if being proud of a world status that was earned with our own blood, sweat and tears makes me arrogant, so be it. But, before I get too far into my tirade, let me sum up here:
I am proud to be American.
I am proud that we are the pinnacle military force in the world.
I will NEVER apologize for the greatness that Americans have built from nothing.
I will always support our soldiers, live with gratitude for their efforts, and beg their blessings in my prayers.
