It almost seems appropriate that we are back in our hometown for the first 9/11 in the states in 4 years. As I drive around town I see reminders, flags, and sayings; all are heartfelt and true. "We remember" has become a big slogan in this country; but even though it's only 2 words, those are powerful 2 words. However, at times it is not easy to remember what happened. It's not easy to remember how many lives were lost, how many more were affected, and how our world is still feeling those affects today. It's not easy to think about all the troops who have been tirelessly in the middle east for so many years, trying to eradicate evil and terrorism.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe that the whole of the middle east is full of evil and terrorist. We have been there (maybe not Iraq, Syria, and the like). We have met some very nice people, enjoyed rich and beautiful customs, and had our eyes opened to what is out there. However, there are people who wish to do nothing but destroy those who do not believe or think the same they do; we have that here in our own country. Regardless, I believe it is important to protect our country. I believe it is important to help those who wish to have freedom, democracy, and choices in their own country.
Sadly, this has been and always will be a case of the louder minority overpowering the silent majority. The silent majority is just as deadly, and responsible, as the loud minority. We see it here, in what many would claim is the best country in the world. How many times do we see in the headlines that some minority is offended by something here, a cross in a church yard, the American flag hung in a town square, a sign advertising pork on the menu. I believe one of the greatest things of our country is that freedom to choose what you believe and the ability to express it.
I also believe that other countries have the right to not have the same freedoms we do. I am ok with people wanting to leave those countries to come here, or the UK, or the Netherlands, or Canada, or any other country where tolerance and freedom are a fundamental right. I am not ok with those people then complaining about those freedoms and differences amongst it's people. I'm not ok with people coming in and trying to make my country like their country in specific ways but demanding the ideals that they like to remain. You either come, be willing to accept that there are things you may not like but that you have to be ok with, or you can leave. I understand that some things I believe offend other people. But guess what, there are things they believe that offend me. Do you hear me screaming and crying about it? Do you see me calling a lawyer to sue anyone and everyone I can because I am offended? NO! Because I live in a country that allows us to have differing opinions and that it's ok to.
I've gotten off onto a tangent-big surprise right?
Here's my point. We say "We remember" but do we really? Maybe for some they only use that slogan in this one specific context of 9/11. But is that enough? Is it enough to say once a year, we remember that some radical terrorist killed so many and wounded (not just physically but in every other way possible) so many more? Is it enough to sit by quietly while our country tears itself apart into something that no one wants, except the radical terrorists? I realize that most people I associate with are like minded as me, but there are also a fair few who are not. The one thing that is resounding amongst all people, no one is happy with where any of this is going.
So today, I ask that while you are remembering what this day means to you and how it has shaped you, please also remember how it has shaped the world. How our country has changed so much. I feel we have gone from one that was powerful and didn't take things laying down to we don't want to offend anyone at any point for being who we are. Be who you are. If someone is different than you, has different ideals and opinions, that's ok. Instead of being threatened by them, befriend them to gain a greater understanding. If we all took the time to at least understand the other person (disclaimer: I do not agree with this when it comes to terrorists. A terrorist is one who seeks to destroy and create havoc and pain. There, you now understand them. Let's get rid of them!) who has a differing opinion than maybe we could live with respect and harmony with one another. My mama taught me that I didn't have to be best friends with everyone but I had to listen to and respect them. Let's go back to that ideal for our country and see how great and powerful we can become once again.
