Not anymore.
We have shown our true colors in the modern era. We are spoiled rotten, we care not of anybody but our own little selves, we eagerly barter away our liberty for a false sense of security because our leader tells us we must. We sit by and watch those we put in power ship our industries overseas, we prove time and again that we are up for sale to the highest bidder. We elect politicians out of fear, not strength. We cower in the face of perceived threat of attack to the point of panic at the sight and sound of a low flying aircraft, bawling and blubbering over our cell phones to the delight of third world radicals that have no effective means to harm us other than playing on our fear. We expect the world to respect us still, because of what our grandparents and parents achieved, but show no willingness to stand up and defend ourselves, instead expecting a few of our most devoted young people to carry that load entirely themselves. We accept no responsibility whatsoever for our shortcomings, instead bash each other over their political views, and blame the "other" party. We appear to be willing to hand over the keys to our everything, just to get whatever party that is in power brought down, we cheer radio and television personalities who openly wish for our government to fail.
On this day, this Memorial Day where we honor those who have put everything on the line for the rest of us, for the Constitution of The United States Of America, and for what is right and good, we should stand before the mirror and ask the question, "Am I good enough to uphold what others have given their lives for, am I strong enough to as an individual to say nothing and nobody in the world is scary enough for me to cower with my head under a pillow with a kick me sign on my ass, and happily turn my individual constitutional rights over to anybody, under any circumstances, because somebody tells me to be afraid?"
Are we still American enough to block out the hate of partisan politics that erodes our foundations, to do what is right for our Country out of strength, determination, courage, and conviction? Or will we continue to fight amongst ourselves to the delight of our detractors and elect our leaders out of fear?
Are we responsible enough to live within our means, get ourselves out of debt, and set an example for our politicians to do the same? Are we mature enough to accept our fair share of blame and stop just blaming others? Are we American enough to stand up and fight for ourselves and not wait for somebody else to do it for us?
Until we do, perhaps we are not worth defending, and surely we are not "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave."
