I AM SO ONE OF THOSE!!!!

I was talking with a family member the other day. One with whom I share very different views on many things but also love very much. The subject of politics came up and subsequently the upcoming election. Now I am not overly political. I love my country, but there are definitely more things I can do to support it. There are two main candidates running for office, neither of which is ideal. But the democratic nominee, Barack Obama, is especially concerning to me. One of the many reasons is that he doesn’t always salute the flag during the national anthem. I know you don’t HAVE to, but to me it is a basic sign of respect. That alone tells me he is not the kind of leader I want. There are many other reasons, but this is the only one I mentioned to my afore mentioned family member. When I mentioned it concerned me that the possible leader of this country didn’t salute the flag, I received the response, “oh no, you’re not one of those people, are you?” Of course I answered, “I sure am.”

I have thought since on the question; one of what people? One of those crazy nut jobs that feels respect towards the flag? One of those extremists who honors the blood of those heroes who fought to defend our freedom? One of those who fly the flag and don't let it touch the ground? You bet, I am totally one of those!

I am one of those people who believe that the United States was established with the divine guidance of God himself. I am the type of person who feels reverence and emotion when I ponder on the lives lost to bring liberty to pass. I feel a small portion of the pain a family must go through when they sacrifice a loved one for the cause of freedom. I cry when I see soldiers coming home to the open arms of a tearful child. I am one of those people who takes time to thank those I see in uniform and who aches for those who are sending loved ones off. I am one of those people who tear up when singing the national anthem.


I am one of those people who believe marriage between a man and woman is sanctioned by God. I believe a home with both parents is ideal for our society and would heal a lot of the trouble our youth face. I am one of those people who believe that just as we have the right to free speech, we have the right to carry a gun. I believe people have free agency and choice but that those choices shouldn’t involve the death of another human, no matter how small. I believe that there should be welfare systems in place, but should be used with discretion. I believe that a man that busts his back in providing for his family, should be allowed to keep that money. Render that which is Caesar’s to Caesar, that which is Gods, to God. And the rest, that man should be able to keep. I am not opposed to taxes, I am opposed to being penalized for making a certain income.

Yup, I am totally one of those. I will always place my hand over my heart when I hear the national anthem or say the pledge. I will cry for those who loose loved ones in war. I will pray for our troops. I will fly my flag and proudly declare, “I am an American who loves her country and who has ALWAYS been proud of it.” I am proud that we were the underdogs in 1775 and managed to gain that which is most precious. I am proud to see the troops today maintaining that. Sometimes I think I was blessed with so many boys because I can help raise them to love this country. And if the time were to come that they have to go off and fight a battle so we can keep flying our sacred American Flag, then I will sadly, but willingly, send them.

No one says it better than Frances Scott Key. I am willing to bet that those early Americans placed their hand over their heart when they heard the following song. And I am proud to say that I am SO ONE OF THOSE!


http://www.usa-flag-site.org/song-lyrics/star-spangled-banner.shtml