20 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

To all who have commented here:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPECT in presenting differing opinions. Our common respect for the RIGHTS we have in this country unlike any other country I might add, are all because of men and women like the young man in the original post...the young lady that Sea Nmf mentioned and men like my father a POW in Korea beaten within inches of his life repeatedly, who then finally escaped having the distinction of being the only American to escape unaided in the conflict and further more led the only tank rescue of his fellow POW's many of whom were from other parts of the world all working to protect the freedoms we ENJOY and at times take for granted.

And while on the subject since it is near and dear to my heart...if I might just add, he was the USAF's first POW, thier first Escapee with both a book written and a movie made about him and he was the first man to turn down a CMH because he thought that the heroes were the ones that did not return home...he felt that the ones who lived had all the recognition they needed by still being alive. He was one of the first assigned during the conflict since he was in Japan at the time and was a Mosquito Pilot flying recon who survived the bloodiest part of the conflict. Yes you can tell I'm my father's proudest daughter and I was his proudest son as well since I'm the oldest of his two girls! LOL!!!

My point in mentioning this is that I am truly a PROUD AMERICAN. And I am proud that people want to wear the American Flag on their lapel. I'm proud that men and women can stand up for what they believe in such as the gentleman in the store. I am proud although not always happy that we allow all cultures and beliefs to express opinions in this country that they would normally be killed for expressing in thier home countries...especially women. I am proud that other countries have joined in our efforts to keep the world as safe as we as falliable humans possibly can and I'm proud that we have worked to preserve freedoms in the best way that we know how in other countries. I was born in Tripoli Libya, evacuated out in a C-130 cargo plane along with other Americans when Quadafi overthrew the goverment. And I am VERY proud that Quadafi has done an about face to our show of strength in the world. I have lived in many places in this world and I've studied abroad. Of all the places I've lived and visited and dived...NONE compare to the one I believe to be the greatest country in the world...the one I live in today. An interesting note...we all know that national pride sometimes causes us to be percieved as arrogant and I am often guilty as charged. However when I lived in England going to school in London, I was often mistaken for a Canadian because I did not strike people as the typical "obnoxious American". And I was glad when people were truly surprised to find out that I was American. Just as I'm proud to own a company called "Red Wet and Blue Diving" and "Red Wellness and Blue Healthcare"!

Again...thank you all for your integrity in voicing differing opionions; thank you for your patriotism; thank you for listening to me ramble a bit and thank you all for making a difference in all that you do!

-Kamala aka "Wreck Wench"

[drbill]

Agree WW- America is a great country and Americans are a great people (albeit a bit naive politically at times). I only wish our government always reflected the goodness of its people. I think many in other countries recognize this dichotomy, and that is the reason they are friendly to individuals but not necessarily towards government policies.

Dr. B.

[jextract]

Agree WW- America is a great country and Americans are a great people (albeit a bit naive politically at times). I only wish our government always reflected the goodness of its people. I think many in other countries recognize this dichotomy, and that is the reason they are friendly to individuals but not necessarily towards government policies.

Dr. B.

Agree Bill - America is a great country and Americans are a great people (albeit some a bit judgementally elitist at times). I only wish our people and government always understood the wisdom of its founding principles and lived up to them. I think many in other countries recognize this amazing gift, and that is the reason more people immigrate to America than any other country.

We have a special place in the world, and a special responsibility. As John Kennedy said in his inaugural address in 1961, "And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge—and more."


Jamie

[zendiver]

Thank you all for all of your comments and enthusiasm regarding this matter. I shook my friends hand and hugged his son and told him thank you....he then looked me dead in the eyes and said, "NO, thank you." and then tears begin to seep out my eyes.

I too just missed the Vietnam war. I served my time and even tried to re-enlist durng Desert Storm, but they wouldn't take me. I was devastated. We truly live in a great country and what really tears me up inside is the ones that take it for granted and down play what America really stands for, FREEDOM. I have had several close friends that have died in Vietnam and Desert Storm, and now have a few of my friends son's that have gone off to fight for what they believe in. It really warms my heart to see the young people today believe so strongly in their country.

I salute all of you.

-ZD

[Marvel]

My my my....I think that I am in trouble here....but I only have two words for you all.....BRING IT! but be careful what you bring.

-ZD

Well, if you think you can stand the heat, come on down to Bonaire!!!

[WreckWench]

My my my....I think that I am in trouble here....but I only have two words for you all.....BRING IT! but be careful what you bring. 

-ZD

Well, if you think you can stand the heat, come on down to Bonaire!!!

Marvel...its high time someone started talking about diving! And I agree....BRING IT ON to Bonaire and for you history buffs...North Carolina!!! -ww