Trackbacks

• No trackbacks exist for this post.

Comments

• 4/2/2010 8:37 PM Mark Spearman wrote:
  Granted, you don't know the entire story behind the 2 pictures from the post, but the looks on their faces tell me enough to know.
  
  I still find it amazing that our country allows those who never served or even ran from service, to be in charge of those who wouldn't think of turning down the honor of serving.
  Reply to this
• 4/3/2010 10:46 AM Tim wrote:
  First of all, we owe a great deal to anyone who has worn our uniform and "stood on the line" for us.
  
  That being said, all military and others who serve the United States willingly are patriots. Any citizen of our country may be a patriot. Here is a simple definition worthy of thought: A patriot is one who exerts himself to promote the well being of his country; one who maintains his country's freedom and rights. Note the word "exerts" in the definition. A patriot is someone who does something, or stands ready to do something, for his country's freedom or rights.
  
  The test of patriotism lies in the basic beliefs of each individual. Our nation will thrive and remain secure as long as the number of patriots are in the vast majority, and while that patriotism remains as an honored and honorable state.
  
  An occasional citizen, even persons of passing importance, scoff at the patriot as a short sighted person of a passing era. Theirs is the philosophy of Samuel Johnson who originated the statement, "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
  
  From the occasionally maligned Thomas Paine: "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
  
  Civilian control of our military is an essential part of our founding. The problem is that we have elected some very bad people to some very important positions. By the way, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln never wore a uniform.
  Reply to this
• 4/4/2010 2:13 AM Mark wrote:
  Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln did serve in their state militias.
  
  Those who didn't server were Taft, Wilson, Coolidge, Hoover, Adams, VanBuren, John Quincy Adams, Roosevelt, Clinton, Obama, and last but certainly not least was Grover Cleveland who legally paid a $150 fee for a substitute to take his place!
  
  Serving is a necessity or patriotism, but it's certainly verifiable proof that at some point the person stood for something larger than their own personal interest.
  
  We all hold different opinions of history, but when I look at the list of the time line compared with those Presidents that did not serve I see common problems with all of them.
  
  I understand completely that the military does not run our government, but those who have served tend to get the job done with a little more than their self-interest in mind.
  Reply to this
  1. 4/4/2010 6:53 AM Cultural Offering wrote:
     Gentlemen - I believe we have a split decision.  Lincoln served in his state's militia (saw no battle) but Jefferson did not (as far as I can tell).  I am open to correction.
     Reply to this

Leave a comment