Thoughts on Being an American, Post 9/11

In the days after 9/11 I sat down and wrote about my feelings. My feelings haven't changed and I decided that since I created this blog to discuss the ideals of America, it would be appropriate to post these thoughts. So allow me a moment go back and think about being an American just after 9/11.

Tell your friends everywhere that no matter what happens here in America every American should raise a flag, as I am, and remember, the Eagle is America's national bird because it's the one bird which is not afraid to fly during a storm. We're Americans and will fly through this storm. We will weather this storm and remain strong, no matter what some fanatic does to try to break our spirit, provided we maintain our ideals. The ideals which make America a beacon of light for the world.

I will be stronger because I will be vigilant. No longer will I be lazy and no longer will I believe I am invulnerable. Believe me when I say, that not only will America survive, but it will prosper. Why? Because of something terrorists will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers, America isn't about a place, America isn't even about a bunch of bodies. America is about an IDEAL and an idea. An idea, that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envision living, and pursue Happiness. We offer no guarantees that you'll reach it, but we offer everyone the opportunity to try. This is what separates us from the rest of the world.

Let the terrorist whine, and chant his terrorist litany: "If you can not see my point, then feel my pain." This concept is asinine to Americans. We live in America, where we don't have to see your point, but believe you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech, but we'll defend you're right to speak publicly. I don't understand where these people got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with their beliefs. Hell, we don't agree with each other in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of different thinking people who don't agree and revel in it. We united around an idea, an idea we made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country and you not only have the right to express you ideas and opinions, but people will listen to it. We don't have to agree, and that is a right we are given, but as free citizens of this country, we will listen with respect.

Yeah, we're fat, sloppy, easy-going goofs most of the time. That's an unfortunate image to project to the world, but it comes of feeling free, secure and open in our world. It's unfortunate too, because outsiders forget that when you attack Americans, we tend to fight back like a big brown bear. Hard, Fast and ruthlessly!!

So Mr. terrorist, sorry, but you’re not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent. No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea nowadays? News for the terrorists, it was back then too, and we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both, because we had a War to win. Does that tell you something about American Resolve? Don't cross an American. We can fight tooth and nail amongst ourselves, but don't come from the outside and mess with us. We will put you down.

So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places. Who think they're safe. Just like the Barberry Pirates did. They were wrong. So are the terrorists. They better start sleeping with one eye open.

There's a spirit on this country. I will take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. As for the terrorists, they're only the newest problem, not the first.These Terrorists seem incapable of understanding that we don't live in America, America lives in US!

American Spirit is what it's called. And killing a few thousand of us, even a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of Spirit. But when we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different and vengeful Spirit. God help the Terrorists when they meet him, because they will soon.

I am an American, both in action and in spirit. It may be hard for most outside America to understand, but it is an ingrained part of my life, my psyche and my belief system. I mourn those who lost their lives to the insanity of September 11th, but as an American, I have the responsibility to live free and continue to celebrate the fact that we as Americans cannot be beaten on our shores. Justice may not be as swift as in past history, but it will be just as lethal.

FLY THE FLAG OF YOUR COUNTRY IN SUPPORT OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY!!!