Friday, September 19, 2008

Open Letter

What I am about to say is directed to all of my fellow Americans. But, particularly to those that hold this country in contempt. The groups and factions that hold a deep seeded belief that they are owed something by this country. Those that seek to change the constitution to suit their own personal interest or lifestyle. And those that exercise their right not to stand or put their hand over their heart during the national anthem. Yet, have absolutely no respect for the very institution that allows them that right.

This country was founded on blood, sweat and tears. The blood, sweat and tears of people of a variety of races and nationalities. Let me say that again. This country was founded on blood, sweat and tears. That is a statement of fact. Stop for a moment and really think about the words blood, sweat and tears. Those terms do not paint a pretty picture. At the same token, some parts of our history do not paint a pretty picture. That is also a statement of fact. Slavery, war, at home and abroad, organized crime, a great depression etc... Those and more, are parts of our collective history that do not paint a flattering picture. However, by way of the blood, sweat and tears and the history contained within it, we were gifted a very solid foundation for governing. But, a solid foundation alone will not sustain us as a nation.

We, as Americans, must come together as "One nation under God.. indivisible with liberty and justice for all." This is also a statement of fact. Our collective history, to this point, has not been perfect. Future generations will be able to look back and make that same claim. Nothing is perfect. And guess what? Nothing is ever going to be. We can no longer afford to be paralyzed by history. We owe it to ourselves and future generations, as well as previous generations, to let go of the baggage of our past. Any number of grievances occurred in the founding of this great nation. We can't afford to sit around waiting for restitution for crimes of the past, whether real or perceived.
Our country, as we know it, is on the verge of extinction. The "American Dream" is almost, if not already, extinct. We are ravaged by division and apathy. We are also ravaged by two dominant political parties who, in the process of tearing each other down, are tearing our nation down. We can no longer afford to be divided. We are never going to agree on absolutely everything. It is imperative, for our survival and the survival of "The American Way," that we put our differences aside and come together and do what is in the best interests of our country collectively.

Flatulent Fuzz

6 comments:

Call Me Mom said...

That was beautiful.
What action steps do you recommend to accomplish that goal?

Terry Morris said...

Flatulent,

I too was moved by the entry. I was reading it in connection with some others this morning and happened across this AFB entry which I posted back in June, 2007.

I guess it's just in the blood, man. Which begs the question: How do you get it out of the blood? A: You don't. ;-)

Nice post!

Flatulent Fuzz said...

To start Mom, I say we should refuse to participate in the coming presidential election. We are never going to see any meaningful change, as long as our only options are an elephant or a donkey. The aforementioned political parties have ensured that a candidate from one of their own parties is the only candidate that will ever have a legitimate shot at becoming president. Which, of course, is in their best interest.
Heaven forbid a third party candidate take office and attempt to shake up business as usual!!

Call Me Mom said...

I will participate in the election, but I will write in the candidate of my choice. Simply taking my vote and staying home to sulk is not productive.

What else do you have?

Terry Morris said...

Hey!, where ya been? Get in the fight, man!

To quote from one of my favorite movies of all time:

Q. What fight?

A. Any fight. ... the one you believe in.

-Your brother

Terry Morris said...

Apparently Hussein Obama is the best president money can buy.