Our Independence Day, what patriotism means to me.

    Today's post will be a patriotic thing, you've been warned.

     There seems so much that this country has done for us that we take for granted.  In my years in the navy, I have been to several other countries.  From the affluent to the destitute, there is always something America has, that the other countries don't.  Yet, when we are asked to sacrifice for the country that has given us so much, we tend to answer with, "what's in it for me?"  We take for granted that we are given so much.  We all know that should we fall on hard times, the government will give us what we need to survive.  From welfare to food stamps, we expect our government to take care of us all along the way.  So much so, that we get angry when we are asked to give up a portion of our wages so that we can pay for these programs we rely on.
      We ask the government to protect us from enemies, both external and internal, yet we refuse to support our troops because they are following orders of people you don't agree with.  We ask the government to keep our food safe, yet we rail at the cost of watching it.  We ask the government to provide our retirement, yet refuse to live within our means.  How can we expect our nation to endure if only our government must give of itself?  How can we endure if only the other group is to pay for it all?  We must all give of ourselves to keep this country great.
       There is a famous Benjamin Franklin quote that is making the rounds.  You have probably heard it, it says, "Those who sacrifice freedom for security, deserve neither," Or something similar.  While this is true to a certain extent, I believe there is more to it.  We have all heard the saying, "Freedom isn't free."  This is true as well, but we tend to forget it.  I believe that the two sayings should go together as follows, "Those who aren't willing to pay for their freedom and security deserve neither."  I am not saying that you have to join the military and die for your country.  What I am saying is that we should be more willing to give of ourselves for our country.  Give of our time and serve.  Volunteer to help the police and fire departments at the next parade.  Take a meal or two down to the precinct or fire station every once in a while.  Pay your taxes.  Vote.  Call your senator and tell him what concerns you.  Recognize what is a real need in your life and recognize what you can give up.  Why is it that we as Americans can raise billions of dollars in just a few weeks when there is a disaster abroad, but we can't even raise a few million when it comes to the nation/state/city we live in?  Why is it we can give so greatly to others and live so well ourselves, yet we can't give any to our home?  How is it that we can yell cut spending in the same sentence we can yell give us our stuff?  I don't envy our leaders these days.  They cannot win.  In order to balance the budget, they have to cut programs, which means lost jobs, pay, or both and they have to raise taxes.  There is no way our government can meet the demands our nation has put on it and maintain a balanced budget.  It is impossible.  With that being said, on this Independence day, think on what it is you have given for your country and ask yourself, "can I give more?"  I know I can and should and I have served in the military for 18+ years.  How about you?

     Have a wonderful 4th of July.  God bless America.