Logan,

I just got done listening to God Bless America tonight while checking my email. The song made me misty as I thought about your over in Iraq fighting for a cause that most don’t believe in and fewer understand. I remembered how similar the situation is to when we were in Vietnam. Not much has changed, really. Today, they arrest protesters, whereas back then, they arrested the ones the National Guard didn’t kill first.

I remember Ruby Ridge, Wounded Knee, Waco Texas and the bizarre conspiracies surrounding the attacks on September 11, 2001. I remember Red Skelton reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in tears, on television. I remember John Wayne and his undeniable patriotism. I remember fighting in 1971 to get prayer back in my high school.

I am old enough to have experienced the slices of history that forever changed the face of our nation, but did not change its spirit. Yes, our government has done some horrible things throughout the years, but the nation is not its government, nor is the government, the nation. America is more than the sum of its parts, more than the makeup of a diverse culture, voting districts and even the purple mountains majesty. It is something that stirs within men’s hearts that causes them to rise up on behalf of their fellow man during the darkest hours, even if they feel that man might be wrong. This is still one of the only nations in the world where a person has a right to be wrong and still walk freely among us. Reference the KKK, ACLU, Jane Fonda and the wackos that might live down the street. Since the birth of our country, we have fought for each other and will continue to do so through another millennium if that’s what it takes, because we are Americans. We band together and will take on the very world if that is what it takes to defend our great nation.

No matter what the press, Executive Order or sewer-laden organizations may say, we are still one nation, under Almighty God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

So, if your old man gets a bit misty while listening to a patriotic song, indulge him that one, simple exhibition of faith. Faith in a nation that has withstood bitter fighting within and without, at home and abroad, to ensure freedom for the tired, the poor, the huddled masses. It’s more than a flag or government buildings, more than historic sights in New England. It’s even more than the people. It’s a spirit that flows in the veins of those who allow it.

God bless America. As tired and battered as she may look at times, she is still the greatest nation in the world. I remember her for what she is, not what she appears to be.

What you are doing is a great thing and I will personally kick the crap out of anyone who says otherwise.

- Your Dad
Ten-Feet-Tall and Proud!

[audio:http://proudmarine.us/media/gblessam.mp3]

What would happen if someone put you on trial for things you imagined? It happens everyday and this time, a public office is at stake. As an author, I probably wouldn’t write content similar to what James Webb has in his books, because I cannot even imagine a father sucking on his son’s penis, but neither could I imagine what George Allen and others would try to do to me if I ever ran for office, considering what I have written in Flight in Winter.

This, from the Washington Post

RICHMOND, Oct. 27 — Virginia Sen. George Allen (R) has accused his Democratic opponent, James Webb, of writing inappropriate sex scenes and demeaning descriptions of women in his fictional books, the latest character attack in a close and nasty campaign.

With 10 days remaining before Election Day, the allegations about sex-laced passages in Webb’s writings inject a new question into a campaign that has centered almost exclusively on character issues: Should the author of a fictional work who runs for office be personally held to account for the scenes in his books?

I may not be a democrat (DUH!) but I wonder if the Republicans really think Stephen King is as wacked as his writings. How about Edgar Allen Poe?

When someone cannot separate fact from fantasy, they medicate them, right? That is why George Allen has been committed to a Mental Institution for treatment…or at least, he should be.

I took the brain dog to the vet who says he is in good shape for the shape he’s in.

Now, we just have to figure out why he is drooling.

We went to my 35th high school reunion last night and there was nothing but a bunch of old farts there. Well, at first they were old farts and then as the evening wore on, I began to see that they were the same people I graduated with, a little more gray hair maybe (some had none), but they were the same folks, nonetheless.

There was a list of people on a board of those who have passed away over the years. As I read their names and looked at their high school pictures, I grew sad and missed them even though I had not seen them in in so long. It made us all feel a bit more vulnerable.

The highlight of the evening for me was when they asked people to stand up who had sons or daughters serving in the armed forces. I was proud to stand up and even got a bit misty, but don’t tell anyone.

My wife and I don’t get out much and I really didn’t want to attend the reunion at first, but I’m glad we went.

It’s the Sabbath and a blessed day here.

Shabbat Shalom, my friend!