America

(Que patriotic thème music)

I was just outside taking care of a chore after watching the presidential debate. I started doing the chore with some since of frustration and concern over where this nation was heading.  As I mulled over the things that I have seen and heard concerning this election I suddenly found myself filled with a great sense of pride in this country.

Why pride when it seems there is more divisiveness then ever before.  At times there seems to be greater divides by race, creed, sexual orientation, etc then there has been in the past.  So why should I be proud in divisveness?  Why would I be proud over the fact that some of my friends who are ultra conservatives are in heated debates with some of my friends who are ultra liberal?  I am not proud because of the divisiveness and what seems to be direct attacks on one another.  No, I would prefer that we were all in the same place.  Yet the reality is that we are not.  None the less I am proud.

I am proud because in 1984 (insert Orson Wells book 1984 references now) as a senior in high school I went down and signed my name to join the Nevada Army National Guard.  This past September I celebrated 28 plus years of service in the United States Army, active and national guard.  I am proud of this country and it's election process.  I am proud of the freedoms, and the pursuit of liberty and happiness for all these reasons and the opportunity to minister to those who serve is why I signed my name on the dotted line.  I do not always agree with what friends and family say, yet this is one of the reasons I serve because I believe in the process.  I believe that we should be able to voice our opinions on Facebook without fear of censorship from the government like many countries.

Yes, I am well aware that as an commissioned officer and a member of the armed forces I do not always enjoy some of the same freedoms that I stand guard and protect for the citizens of this great country, like freedom to openly discuss our politicians.  None the less I am proud of this country.  In my time of service I have been to Honduras, Korea, Japan, Europe, Kosovo, Iraq, and Kuwait.  I have seen the worse of the world and the worse of countries.  I am proud that I do not live in places like Russia and Venezuela that has rigged elections, and it is just amazing that dictators are magically elected over and over.  I am proud that I do not live in places like Iran or China that censors and limits their citizens freedom to express themselves in an open forum.

What does bother me is when someone says I am not going to vote.  I understand their point.  I understand their frustration with the choice or lack of choice they feel they have.  I have indeed served and risk my life for them to have the right not to vote.  I have seen men be permanently injured and killed for this right.  For those who are considering this choice let me share a story with you and consider your choice.

In 2004 I was serving with a great group of men and women in 2-2 Infantry in Iraq.  During our deployment the first election in Iraq was held.  As the election time approached the enemy threatened the citizens were with their lives if they showed up to the polling areas.  At great risk to their lives and many having to travel great distance by both foot, car, and cart began arriving at the polling areas to place a vote.  While standing in line many polling areas were hit by rockets and mortars.  Lives were lost, people were injured.  Those in line would help care for the casualties and then get back in line to vote.

What are you willing to risk to ensure you keep what they were willing to lose.  Even if you vote none of the above you have allowed your voice to be heard.  If you choose to stay at home you have done nothing for the process and thus have no reason to complain for you silenced your voice.

Let us consider another fact that is as important and in some ways even more important then the Presidential Election.  What is more important in some ways is the election of our Senate and House of Representatives.  You want to have an impact consider that vote.  The president does nothing aside from executive order outside of those two houses.  The president that accomplishes much will not depend on an Republican or Democratic Congress.  The president that accomplishes much understands that he will be best served by working with congress.  So educate yourself on those who are running for those offices.  Ensure that we put the right people in there so that this country will move forward.

A final note to those that choose to hide or deny that the election process is even happening.  Take your head out of the sand.  Seek information and educate yourself and your family on the issues not on the individual.  For whether you like it or not in a few weeks an election will take place.  If you have not educated yourself and simply vote along party lines you may be the vote that puts someone in that on the surface is one thing and once in office turns out to be something else.

So I am proud of my 28 plus years of service to this great country because we have the rights to vote, to argue, to debate and at times agree to disagree.  You do not have to agree with the military but do not squander the time we have put to protect your rights.  Do not let the deaths of those who have served since the inception of this great country to be in vain.  Be proud of your country again and vote.