We owe this freedom of choice and action to those men and women in uniform who have served this nation and its interests in time of need. In particular, we are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free.
– President Ronald Reagan, May 26, 1983
Freedom is not free.
Your day off is not free. Your picnic is not free. Your right to bitch about your government is not free.
Whatever your thoughts about war, whatever your thoughts about government, whatever your thoughts about freedom, you have the right to think them, and even state them because hundreds of thousands of men and women gave their lives to defend that right.
Never forget that, as much as you may feel oppressed, in other countries people are actually dying for what they believe.
Or for who they are.
Take some time to think about that…maybe in a Target restroom.
Or maybe while you’re in line at Costco.
Or at the pool.
Our country is far from perfect yet, so far, we remain free.
Don’t forget that. Don’t squander that. Because it may not last.
And while you’re at it, shut up and stand at attention during the National Anthem. Observe a moment of silence (for whatever reason) when it’s asked for.
Open the door for someone (obligatory #hodor reference). Let someone in in traffic.
Look, there’s not a candidate out there that’s going to fix our problems or make us better people.
That’s up to each one of us.
You have the freedom to act like a jackass.
It doesn’t mean that you should.
Born on this day, American clarinet player, songwriter, and bandleader, Benny Goodman (died 1986).
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