American's...Just For Today

The most important events in your life will one day be forgotten completely, as if they never happened.

That is one of those things that parents and teachers told you when you were a teenager. At the time, you did not believe it, but now you can’t even remember the place you went for your senior prom.

I asked my Dad one time at Passover why we kept telling the same story over and over every year about the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. 

I mean, everybody knew the story already or at least had seen Charlton Heston part the Red Sea on TV. Right?

His answer was obviously prepared. “Danny, we tell the same story so you never forget the horrors of slavery, and people’s willingness to die for their freedom and to serve God.”

Well, we as Americans have some shared events that one would think would never be forgotten. Things like:

·      The American Revolution, which spread freedom across the globe

·      The American Industrial and Labor Movements, which brought masses of humanity out of poverty around the world

·      9-11, which reminded us that America is always in a fight for her liberty

So now we are in another fight for freedom. It seems harmless enough. Just wear a mask in public places; just stay apart from other people, just stay home from work, just be afraid of everyone and everything. This is now what passes as being a patriot?

Do all this and you, too, can be safe, and you will be protecting others. In my opinion, this is total hogwash!

I suspect the great Americans and real patriots who fought the flames and dust and horrors of the Trade Center rubble would be more in line with some famous American quotes of the past. Quotes like:

·      “Give me liberty, or give me death”

·      “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country”

·      “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”

·      “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”

After all, we are supposed to be the “Land of the free, and the home of the BRAVE!” Right?

Here’s the tip: In honor of 9.11 and American courage, Just for today take off the darn mask, shake someone’s hand, and tell the story of where you were when the towers fell. Remember, some events will never be forgotten…until they are forgotten!

Best Wishes,

The Deej