9-11 and the changes in our country

Like most Americans I did have numerous chances this last weekend to observe the various rememberances and solemn ceremonies related to the 10th anniversary of 9-11.
I watched these ceremonies with the reverence and understanding that things in this country are NOT like they were when I was a child.
When I was a child there was patriotism and a sense of comfort amoung Americans. We were the big dogs on the block and we were comfortable in knowing that we were doing the right things within the world. Even though there were struggles in our own society we were a pretty secure people.
All that changed on September 11, 2001.
I remember exactly where I was when this event unfolded.
I had just stopped home to attend to my father that morning and the news was on detailing the first crash into the WTC. I stood there watching the news and could not believe how someone could make such a mistake as to fly into a massive skyscraper in broad daylight.
I was on the phone to my wife and watching the news broadcast when the second plane struck the other building. I knew then that the first crash was no accident.
I do remember that all I could say was "Oh my god, I can't believe this". I stood there with my dad and just absolutely could not believe what I was seeing.
I, like so many other Americans, really had no idea how this event would shape our culture for the forseeable future from this point on.

In World War 2, the Japanese dared not attack America on our own shores. They were assured that the typical American citizen would not just blindly stand by and let such an event occur without swift and sure retribution. We were still the big dog.

Now we have been shown that there are groups and nations out there that not only despise us for our culture and freedoms, but seek to destroy those very things that we hold precious in our daily lives.
They have taken much, but not all from us. They have not taken the American spirit and the willingness to stand up to this type of action.
George Bush said that "They will hear us very soon" and he was correct. I firmly believe that this nation is the greatest on the globe and we need to find the way to get back to being the big dog on the block.
The surge of patriotism and comraderie that occured after the attacks on the WTC was really something to behold. I saw a small glimmer of that this weekend but I wish truly that this would be the norm in our daily lives. We need to be proud of being Americans each and every day. Being a patriot and defending our country should not need ceremony and a special occasion. We should be vigilant and defensive of our culture and way of life each and every day.
I was truly moved by the victims of the tragedy and acts of terrorism that day like many other Americans and I will never forget the innocent victims of that act.
I personally wish for something more to come out of this. I want all Americans to remember that there were many others sacrificed and many others that fought bravely and gave everything prior to that day and there are still many that still do this each and every day just for our right to be FREE!
Freedom isn't Free is more than just words. It is a fact of being the leader in the quest to be the greatest nation in the world.
Yes there are those that despise us and wish us evil, but the American patriotic spirit will never be hidden behind closed doors.
Be proud of your freedom, but remember it does have a price.

Welcome to my past

For those of you out there, I am one of many that actually have a past.
I had spoken to a writer for Salt Lake City Weekly about doing a story on my candidacy for President of the United States. Imagine the return call I received only a few minutes later, as he had run a background check on me.
I knew that the issues of my much younger, drinking past would come to light. I had no intention of trying to do what all other politicians do, hide the past to look lily white. I am not proud of my poor behaviour, but I see that time in my life as a learning experience.
I do know that there are those out there that will seek to try ot make me look like some sort of an undesirable character, or a bad guy. I see this part of my past as a learning path that I walked upon and the walked away from.
If you read the story and it changes your opinion of me that is your choice. If it changes how you look at me, that is also your choice. I only ask that you look at it and see that the Barte that you know now is not the same guy that there was then. I have really "moved on" from that sort of behaviour and really am much different for it.
My son told me that this day would come and I knew there was no way that the press would let these sort of things stay in the past. I understood his concern for my aspirations and my personal life, but, I also know that it more important to be totally honest in the light of my aspirations.
Read it, understand it, and do what I have done, "move on".
If you really know me you will allow me to keep my past where it is and see how I am now.
I am a proud American, Father, Husband, and not in the least, a former active duty US Marine, but that as they say, is another story.

Only in America!!

Just like most of you I spent the 4th of July with family and friends. Enjoying the pleasures that can only be appreciated in a society that is truly Free to do what we choose.
I got one of the Hotrods out of the garage and went to a car show with my sweetie and enjoyed the company of many people that were there celebrating the freedoms we all sometimes take for granted.
It was distrubing though that the event was not started off with a traditional flag raising ceremony and the presentation of the colors. We didn't even have that part of the event until later in the evening prior to the start of the demolition derby and then it was fantastic.
I understand that I hold values and expectations that are sometimes a little old fashioned but those are the values that I was raised with and so are traditionally what I expect.
I do not take my freedom for granted and I hope those that read my blog snd support me in my lofty goal can understand that we all have a responsibility to protect those freedoms and rights that we hold precious.
My view is not one that all share, but it is who I am. I am an American, patriot, dad, parent and husband.
I only ask that we all remember how we get the freedom to do what we choose.

Happy Independance Day!!!

To all Americans, Happy Independance Day!!
Enjoy the long celebration and be proud to be in the "Land of the free and home of the brave".
Remember, Freedom isn't Free and we still need to vigilant to protect it and all of America for our children.
Be proud and be loud, this is OUR Countries birhtday!!!!