Time to Step Up

Since the election of 2000 we have seen our country divided more each year. We are seeing frustration mount among all Americans, rich and poor, all races and liberals and conservatives. We saw the Tea Party speak up for fiscal restraint and smaller government, we have people occupying our cities as protest against the financial community, and middle class citizens and businesses frustrated at the lack of action to help grow our economy and create jobs. As we look to 2012, we have an electorate that is unhappy, and for good reason. The recent failure of eight elected officials to accomplish their mission as the super committee should and will result in many incumbents losing their jobs in November. We cannot tolerate business as usual in congress, any longer. We have a President who is not leading, and the country is sinking into an economic abyss. We need a leader who will unite us on a path to recovery, and includes all Americans stepping up to solve our problems by being willing to sacrifice and compromise for the best interests of our country. All veterans have their opinions and disagreements along political lines, but always put the country first in serving and carrying out the mission. We all must do what we can in 2012 to rescue the America we love and served.

PREPARING FOR 2012

What is America's condition in your mind? Citizens are becoming divided on most issues, the economy, the war on terror, and losing faith in our institutions and government. We have a sense of increasing uneasiness evidenced by demonstrations and a loss of civility and manners in the public forum. The conditions in our country are cause for concern as we realize we must change direction in 2012. Every citizen, and especially veterans, must become active agents for change; back to the basic tenants that made America great; follow the rule of law based on our constitution, return to our traditional values, work for a smaller government with more responsibility returned to the people, balance the federal budget, and win the war on terror with a robust and strong military. As veterans we can influence those around us to defend these basic American values by electing a new government team in 2012.

Help America

America is in trouble on numerous fronts. Many citizens, especially veterans, who understand love of country, and desire to serve, understand the threats from within and outside. We must be engaged in the political process in America from now until the 2012 election to make sure that we elect patriots who understand our founder's purpose, and recognize our enemies. Radical Islam remains our enemy, the war on terror is not over, we must not disarm and appease our enemies, this is the number one threat. Economics is simply understood by most citizens,spend what you make, have a budget, borrow only for large items, and then keep debt managed. America, under the current leaders, is not following this simple rule. Citizens must pay attention to the basics and focus on what is best for our country and make the right 2012 decision. All Americans need to be concerned, but most of all engaged to make a difference in the 2012 elections. The people still are in charge of this great nation, we must not give up that right.

Ask the Right Question

Don't ask don't tell was the best approach to the issue of gays in the military that allowed the military to meet it's mission and satisfy the ideology of the left. Gay's right to constitutional protection and freedom is not the issue. Common sense and understanding of how our services function in war and peace is the issue. The recent survey of military members did not ask the real and personal question on how the service men and women feel about living and fighting with gay men and women. I would like to hear from past and present leaders in all the services on their level of support for repeal of the current policy. This is a political move to satisfy a small percentage of people who believe this is about gay rights at the expense of our men and women who serve so well. Veterans need to speak up!

THE FIGHT CONTINUES

Veterans, along with many Americans, voted for a more conservative government this November. That means we must continue to protect our country from radical Islam as well as the forces from within that would move us away from our founding principals, expand our government into individuals lives, and fail to be financially responsible. Much of the media continues to influence education in America, with an agenda to convert young people to the "progressive" movement and away from our constitutional defined government. That will be the battle waged in the next two years. The country is divided, and the new generations coming may well determine what America looks like in the future. Veterans have a special love for our country, and must share what they know to be true and right with young people. It is hard work; getting involved in the political process, writing letters, supporting conservative candidates - all must be done before 2012. Those who love America must take action.

Support the Troops

All Americans and especially veterans should pay attention to the recent news leak that shows our troops are more in harm's way because of a questionable alliance with Pakistan. It is clear that our government wants to be perceived as willing to talk and deal with radical islamist governments rather than standing up to them. We must all support our troops by demanding that we use all means to defeat the enemy; we have done the opposite too many times in recent history. The current administration does not seem to have the stomach for the fight that must be fought now or in the near future. Pakistan needs to be put on notice to pick their side or suffer the consequences, and whatever they chosse, we must pursue the enemy wherever he is until we prevail. This includes dealing with Iran and supporting Israel; the Mideast is an extension of the war on terror, it is the same radical enemy that we fight. Don't sit back and watch America's hands be tied by the politicians, stay involved and help elect patriots this November.

Memorial Day 2010

Thank you to all the veterans who have served this country and are serving today in the War on Terror. I believe our military today is the best equipped, best trained, motivated, and the most lethal force in history. That said, since the all volunteer force had its beginning, many families are no longer connected to the military as they were during the large drafts of the past. That means that veterans need to educate and speak out on the critical issues of our times, and be defenders of our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. The 2010 election begins what may be a battle for the soul of our country, standing for what is right about America and rejecting change that is damaging and wrong. Veterans still have a mission to defend America!