Salute to America 4th of July 2008

Every 4^th of July I like to write an article giving my thoughts on patriotism. This year, like many before, I received my inspiration from an unlikely source. I recently received a rather disturbing email. It seems there is another Michael Warner, (didn't realize I had such a common name, LOL). It also seems that this other Michael Warner is a politician running for a political office. Apparently he is of English ancestry and is for securing our borders and stemming the tide of illegal aliens coming into the United States. Very bad things according to rantings of the person who sent me the email letters.

I love my country, this United States of America. I have traveled all over the world in the service of the United States Army and can think of no better place to live. In my travels I have made friends with people in their native countries and had the privilege of experiencing first hand how ordinary blue and white collar workers as well as the soldiers of these countries live and how they feel about their own country. Most of the people I have met in these foreign countries were as patriotic as any American.

Think about it. If you were German would you be able to stand up and proclaim your patriotism in spite of Hitler's attempt at not only world domination, but also the attempted annihilation of the Jews? Would you, if you were a Korean be able to express your love of country, knowing its history of enslavement by the Japanese and centuries of rule by dictators and tyrants?

As Americans, can we feel patriotism and love for our country in spite of slavery, conquering of Indian tribes, the Japanese internment in concentration camps and the multitude of sins that many would put us on the guilt train for?

The history of man is one of war, conquering of new lands and people, technological advancement, spiritual enlightenment and intellectual learning. There are no "native people" of this United States of America. Just as there are no "native people" of England. Our ancestors came to this land as conquerors, slaves, farmers and businessmen.

We are the product of one of the greatest experiments of all time. The combining of a multitude of races into one great nation.

During many recent election cycles we hear "celebrities" stand up and declare that if their candidate does not win, the country is doomed and they will be leaving for greener pastures. So far I have seen no sign of a mass exodus. More people are trying to get into our country than are trying to get out.

The United States of American, still a fairly young country has produced some of the brightest minds, advancements in medicine, advancements in technology, advancements in farming and yes, we have conquered many nations and peoples. We have much to be proud of, from the men that first settled our shores, the founding fathers, our leaders in business, technology and medicine and yes, the ordinary American that makes it all happen.

I live on Main St. USA. As I took my dog for her morning walk this 4^th of July I proudly observed the American Flags on display up and down Main St. I did not see one sign proclaiming allegiance to another country or any signs proclaiming that the occupants thought this country was to screwed up and that they were leaving for a better country. Possibly those sentiments are more the sentiment of dilettantes, they are not the sentiments of my neighbors. I guess I live in a pretty good neighborhood.

And so on this 4^th of July I would like to salute the ordinary patriotic American. The American that proudly displays the American flag. The American that works hard and loves his or her country. The American that for the greater good, does the necessary things that make our country a great place to not only live, but excel.