Patriotism, democracy and freedom
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/opinion/14964207.htm
OpEdge Patriotism, democracy and freedom
This Fourth of July, in communities across our great nation, and on military ships and bases around the world, Americans will celebrate 230 years of freedom, liberty and independence. This holiday reminds me of a 9-year-old girl, who was asked, just after the terror attacks of 9-11, "What is patriotism?" Her answer was simple, clear and profound. She said, "Patriotism is taking care of America."
When you think about it, throughout America each day, millions of our fellow citizens are showing their patriotism by taking care of America in many different ways to protect our freedoms and liberties and to build a better country.
Foremost among these patriots are the magnificent men and women who wear the cloth of our nation and protect our way of life. We are indebted to them for their service and sacrifice. Patriots are the families of our service men and women. They're employers who have a job waiting when our Guardsmen and Reservists return home.
Patriots are members of churches and synagogues and mosques who provide special programs for military personnel and their families and for other Americans in need. Patriots are the teachers, factory workers, community leaders, law enforcement officers, firefighters and people from all walks of life who serve their communities and America. They are volunteers who welcome our troops home and care for our veterans.
In his inauguration speech in 1961, President Kennedy said this to the American people, "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." To patriots, today is a time of opportunity to serve and support their country.
To all American patriots on this Fourth of July, thank you for taking care of America.
-- Gordon England, a former resident of Fort Worth, is deputy secretary of defense.
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The members of groups like ALIPAC and Numbers USA, Lou Dobbs, Frosty and the Paul Revere Riders, The Minutemen, Congressmen that have sided with Tancredo and all the individuals that have uttered words, writen comments or have taken a stand against illegal immigration are "taking care of America".
You are Patriots!
Happy 4th,
Dixie
