Someone Needs A Time Out!

In the midst of the Ebola news that was swirling around last week and dominating all the nightly news programs there were countless statements made, ‘experts’ interviewed, and reports made of possible cases. There was also a variety of social media posts both attempting to find any possible, badly timed, humor and also the never fail conspiracies.

It should come as no surprise that one of the most controversial pieces that has been circulating throughout the main stream media comes from, no surprise, Ann Coulter. While I do give her credit for unflinchingly sharing her opinion with the world it really isn’t helping anyone and it is probably doing more harm than good… especially for my party. Frankly, this woman needs to come to terms with the fact that she is the flashpoint for anti-conservatism amongst the liberal media and learn how to shut the heck up.

Contrary to the earlier paragraphs in Coulter’s article, I don’t believe in criticizing those who are using their talents to help people throughout the world. Those people are dedicating their lives to better the world and that is an admirable calling and they should be respected for that. To attempt to lay waste to their life’s work is indeed in poor taste and it makes one wonder, what has Ann Coulter done to better this world? I would argue that she has done nothing but prance like a peacock in the field trying to call attention to herself while providing the Democratic Party with all the ammunition they need to misguide the public. In Fact, she may be the Ebola of the Republican Party.

However, just like the study of such horrendous outbreaks there is always something fascinating that can be found in the chaos. While poorly phrased, there were a few lines that did stand out to me as having some semblance of sanity: “America is the most consequential nation on Earth, and in desperate need of God at the moment. If America falls, it will be a thousand years of darkness for the entire planet. / Not only that, but it's our country. Your country is like your family. We're supposed to take care of our own first.”

While grandiose in language, the underlying idea behind those words make tremendous sense. While world causes need our attention, we can’t lose sight of what is happening here at home and the problems that permeate society. Both may be equally important but if the choice has to be made dedicate your life to making your home just a little better, improve your community in some small way, make the effort to help your neighbor. Set the example at home first. If we work on solving the problems around us now we will be able to better serve each other and the world in the future.

“We” Is One Word Not Two Letters

Throughout our travels, no matter where we have gone, every place has had one thing in common... they are all a part of this great country which my family has called home from the very beginning of this nation's founding and has fought for the rights and freedoms for which our flag flies. Once I saw the flag hanging in front of the Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe I was struck by the reminder that there is more than just a grand structure looking over this small mountain town in the Poconos. And if we pay attention to the world around us we can easily see the tactile representation of our country’s founding ideals in the 13 stripes and 50 stars.

Independence Day is not a time of sales and pyrotechnics. Today is a time of pride for every person that has the privilege to call themselves an American. Regardless of our own political opinions and our feelings about whether the government has done something right or wrong, this is a time of unity under one flag that shines brighter than any spark in the sky.

This is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices made not only by those who have fought for and fought to defend liberty but also a time to honor those who chose to come to the United States and make this country their home. It is a time to remember our heritage both as individual families and a nation as a whole. This is a day to reflect on how we honor our ancestors in our own lives.

We must consider what this nation stands for and the rights that we have been granted by G-d and country. We must hold fast to ensure the rights and freedoms of every person during this time of great change in which we live. It is our duty and our responsibility to uphold the rights and freedoms of others regardless of whether we personally partake in those liberties. So long as we hold in our hearts the fact that rights are not optional we can keep the history, memory, and ideals of this nation’s founding alive and ensure that our nation will continue to thrive.

Let your neighbor know, let the world know, that we are one nation and our flag hangs ever-present not as a representation of the government but as a symbol of a united people. Today we are not two parties, we are one people. We are not a country of religious strife; we are one nation under G-d. We are Americans and we are proud of our history.