To the Honorable Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel,                        July 19, 2003

On behalf of a civilized America, I want to apologize to you for the condescending way that George W. Bush treated you as I have seen the pictures of him giving you a back massage.  That is no way to treat a head of state as you discuss issues of global interests.  In this week where he discussed pigs as the Middle East lights up due to our aggression as well as Israel’s to his use of expletives and seeing the way he treated you, I hang my head in shame as an American for his despicable behavior.  As a person of German heritage, we are honorable people, and respectful ones at that.  When I looked at those pictures that are finding their way around the Internet, the only thing I could do was to cringe in embarrassment.  Please do not think that all Americans are that way, Chancellor Merkel, because we are not.  Lastly, as we do see the Middle East light up with Bush’s support of the bloodshed that continues, once again I must congratulate Germany for its non-support of our illegal invasion of Iraq.  When your country refused to aid, George W. Bush that is when I puffed my chest out in pride of my German heritage.

Sincerely,

Mary MacElveen

Please send your own by going to this link: http://www.bundesregierung.de/Webs/Breg/EN/Service/Email/email.html__nnn=true

To My Readers,

This petition came to my attention as I read a political list and felt it worthwhile to bring to your attention.  I have already signed this petition and I am asking you to do the same.

Regards,

Mary!

He was the first political figure to oppose the war. The first one to call for the repeal of the Patriot Act. The first one concerned with the future of our planet. And of course, the rightfully elected President in 2000.

Please sign this petition by Draft Gore urging Al Gore to run in 2008, and ask all your friends and fellow activists to do the same.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/algore2008/

Thanks!

Monica

This was my reply on this petition:

To paraphrase you, Mr. Gore, you once stated in the third debate between you and Bush back in October of 2000, "One must push past the fear of a brittle heart and to help form a more perfect union" Well the union is broken, there is no hope at all unless a man such as yourself comes to the aid of this country.  This country is being systematically destroyed by a ruling dictator whose sole purpose is to send it down to the pits of hell.  We that support you and your policies are sending you an SOS.

Mary MacElveen!

To My Readers,

It is not often I get questions asking me my likes or dislikes.  But a reader asked me two questions.  The first one was, “What I like best about the U.S.” and the second was, “What I dislike most about the U.S.” So below you will see my response to the reader.  I hope that all of you enjoy it since we are hit day after day with so much negativity coming from Washington, D.C. as well as the media.  I felt that there was more that I liked about The United States of America than disliked of her.  It truly felt great to write this one.

Enjoy,

Mary!

Dear (Name of Person),

Oh man the first question is so hard to answer since there is a lot that I like best about the U.S.  But, I will try and answer it as best I can. I am a people person and have always been that way.  I love speaking with people and seeing what they are all about especially if they do not come from where I live which is Long Island.  Two years ago, my family took a vacation in which we traveled to Colorado by car.  For those that have never done so, I do recommend it.  While it is tiring, along the way, you can get out at various stops and hotels and speak to people that you have never spoken to and see what makes them tick.  On that trip, I took the politics out of it just to enjoy the human spirit and enjoy it I did.  Even from Interstate 80 the scenery was magnificent.  Places that you have never seen in your life were truly amazing.

When we stopped in Iowa for a night, I loved speaking to the people of Iowa.  If you have never been there, I do recommend that you visit.  It is actually a beautiful state.  I remember one man puffing out his chest with pride stating that eastern Iowa was far more scenic and beautiful than western Iowa.  He was proud of where he lived.  On the way back, and trying to stir up some trouble, I told someone from western Iowa what the man said of his side of the state.  Well, he could not let that one go and stated again with pride how the western part of Iowa was far superior to the eastern side.  I guess I started an east versus west discussion of Iowa.  It really made me smile of how much both men loved where they lived.  I often wonder if that little campaign took on a life of its own.  My objective opinion is that both parts of that state are beautiful.

Again while in Iowa and as we stopped to eat breakfast, I encountered an interesting man who was a member of a Christian motorcycle gang.  He even wore a scarf on his head with the emblem and the name of the organization.  I never knew of such a gang but he told me that traveling along the highways as he does, he is in tune with his spiritual side.  I really liked that.  I even asked to take a picture of him and he agreed.

Being a beach person all of my life and thinking I would never want to live anywhere that did not have a beach, well Colorado changed my mind.  I cannot fully articulate in words the feelings that ran through my body as I saw those Rocky Mountains.  I think at that point I fully understood the miracle it took in creating those magnificent mountains and the life that lived around them.  When you enter this range of mountains the Thompson Canyon just opens up as if giving you a big hug and welcoming you into an experience you want to live over again.  I had never been on a horse and in Estes Park, I got my chance.  Little did this horse know and he galloped down a trail and man was I scared.  The white water rafting on the Poudre River was amazing although listening to the rules; I bit off each nail one by one. But, I fully enjoyed the experience.  Even hiking in those mountains was something I feel I need to do again someday.  Going to the top of those mountains above the tree line and seeing the expanse of it all, I cannot even describe that feeling.  I never wanted to leave it.  I am not a morning person, but loved waking up each morning to see the clouds lifting off the mountains.  Seeing the elk take over a golf course and me being able to get within inches of them and take pictures, well that was simply amazing.

Seeing the water travel down this one ravine within the park, I took a big handful of it and drank it.  Well, I got in big trouble for that by my husband when he pulled me to the car and opened up a book which stated, “Do not drink the water” Not because of any pollutants, but hey animals need to relieve themselves.  No, I did not get sick, but it is better to read about where you are going.

While we were at a Shop Rite in Estes Park and again losing my husband in a grocery store (which always happens), I was pacing up and down the aisles when two men asked what was the matter.  I told them that I had lost my husband and they asked his name.  When I told them it, they started going up and down aisle after aisle calling out his name.  I laughed so hard and when we found him we all had a great laugh.

In Estes Park there is a hotel called the Stanley Hotel which at night seems far off the road and during the day closer to the road.  I found out while at Estes, that was the hotel that inspired Steven King to write ‘The Shining’.  In fact there is a letter in the lobby stating so.  It is also reported to be haunted.  I told my husband should we ever visit Estes Park again, I want to stay there.  I would like to talk with a ghost and ask what life was like back in the olden days.

On our way back home and leaving the mountains, I cried my heart out.  I did not want to leave.  I came up with a motto for Colorado, “Colorado kissed my heart and touched my soul” I like that.

On the way home, we stopped at Cedar Point in Ohio to ride the rides and I rode a fierce rollercoaster called the Millennium Force.  I yahooed all the way around that ride, and rode several other roller coasters.  The only one that I could not get up enough courage to ride was the Dragster.  I just looked at that and said, “No, no, no!”  On the Mean streak which is the wooden rollercoaster, I put this man to shame that was deathly afraid of it, and here I was yahooing all the way.  That made me smile.

So, in essence what I like most about America are the people and it is my belief if you take politics out of the mix, we have more in common than differences.  I absolutely loved the scenery and the sights of places that I had never seen in my life.  I still look at the pictures and smile ear to ear and thank God for that wonderful experience.  Even back home and living close to the beach, I go down there and also thank God for the beauty of the Long Island Sound.  I love the people that go to that beach who have become my friends.

In your second question, you ask what I do not like about America and I am beginning to hate the politics that truly divides us.  I do not like the corruption I see coming out of Washington, D.C. and the politicians’ indifference to the American people.  I do not see any heroes in Washington, D.C.  I see the heroes in every day Americans though.  I also despise computerized voting machines.  I simply do not trust them in order to carry out the continuance of this republic.

I want to thank you for asking me these questions.  You brought back for me some wonderful memories.

Sincerely,

Mary!

Dear Folks,

When you go to Brad Blog, you will see (hat tip Mary Macelveen) and by clicking on my name, it will take you to what I opined on electronic voting at http://www.marymacelveen.com a blog that was generously given to me by Geoff Staples of RadioLeft.com.  I want to thank Brad Blog for doing so.  We as a people must rise up and take our voting process back by those who look to denigrate the voting process.  If we fail at doing so, so goes democracy and the freedom that goes with it.

Mary!

Google Alert for: Mary MacElveen

"COURT TV's Catherine Crier on Electoral Crisis: 'A Full Frontal ...
Brad Blog - USA
... home?'. I missed this a week or so ago when it originally aired, but caught it just now (hat tip Mary Macelveen). Catherine Crier ...

Why must every country be forced into the United States' way of thinking? 

VHeadline.com commentarist Mary MacElveen writes: A reader responding to my article concerning North Korea wrote me this response: "Your article makes clear that North Korea is the bigger threat if Chavez is even any kind of threat at all. But I'm curious, you made no mention of the Chavez visit to North Korea planned for later this month. Do you think it wise for Chavez to belly up to the beast as it were? You could make the moral equivalence of the US allies that are just as bad as Kim Jung Il, but I'd rather hear of your thought on this particular trip in and of itself. Should he cancel, or should he go to North Korea?"

In answer to the question of whether or not Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez should make the planned trip to North Korea ... the answer is YES.

I made no mention of this trip since it had nothing to do with that piece. Now getting back to whether he (President Chavez) should go or not.  President Chavez was democratically elected by the Venezuelan people to represent them both at home and abroad.  He was not elected to take a consensus from the world community.

Bush never takes a consensus, so why should President Hugo Chavez?

Who are we as citizens of the United States to dictate where President Chavez can and cannot travel?  As a writer for this news site, I would never say to President Chavez "Do not go North Korea!" That is simply not my place.

The letter writer asks if it is wise for President Chavez "to belly up to the beast'" and to that I add, many have allied with Bush who in my opinion is an abhorrent beast.  Quite frankly, many leaders from many countries ask how they can do his bidding even when the ramifications are deadly.  I suppose some may have thought the same of Prime Minister Tony Blair whether or not he should 'belly up to the beast' in invading Iraq.

In WorldTribune.com it stated: "During the planned summit, Venezuela, the world's fifth-largest oil-rich country, is expected to offer energy resources to North Korea, which suffers from energy shortages after the United States halted heavy oil supplies following the North's admission of nuclear weapons programs."

Here again is a prime example of imposing sanctions and or punishments on some nations but not others.  As I wrote in a previous article, Israel has thumbed its nose at various sanctions imposed upon them, yet no one has the guts to stand up to them and enforce them.  If one does, somehow you are labeled as an anti-Semite.  There is a huge difference between the religion of Judaism and the government of Israel.  I for one believe in the separation of church and state.

• In exchange for this oil (as reported in the WorldTribune.com article): "North Korea can offer conventional weapons and missiles to Venezuela, which is looking to fortify its military power." 

As I have written in various columns, we are beside ourselves when it comes to Venezuela owning any weapons.  You would think we were staring down Armageddon when Venezuela wishes to protect its country as it has every right to do.

Venezuela is a pacifist country that seeks conventional weapons ... unlike Israel that is aggressive in nature and has a stockpile of nuclear warheads. 

So, if any nation were to go up against Israel or the United States for that matter, they would be the ones staring Armageddon right in the face.

Quite frankly, I fear Israel more than I do Venezuela.

Each country has the right to protect itself and it should not depend upon whether they follow our way of thinking.  Call it if you will the ultimate in checks and balances.  Do you dare anger your enemy when you know they have the ability to fight back?  I wish the world were not this way, but this is our reality.  So, we must deal with reality and hope for the best.

Do we isolate a country if they are not following our way of thinking?  No we do not.  That will only harbor more resentment against us and inflame that leader's resolve against our safety and security.  People think that diplomacy is a weakness, but in fact it is our greatest strength as a people. 

• Any dummy can drop a bomb, but it takes an intelligent person to iron out any differences between their country and another.  Do you hear that Bush?

Also reported in that World Tribune article: "He has aggressively supported Iran's efforts to develop nuclear technology and has helped undermine the US embargo of Cuba by increasing trade and providing oil to the communist island on favorable terms."

The 'he' they are referring to is President Chavez.

Again, if Israel is allowed to own a vast number of nuclear warheads to protect themselves, why can't Iran?  It goes right back to the argument that I am trying to make that some are allowed where others are not.

• So, Venezuela is doing business with Cuba and is "undermining" the US embargo and my answer is: So what? 

We in the United States do business to the tune of billions of dollars with China.  In fact, check your Wal-Mart stores only to see where those products are made.  The last figures that I checked, Wal-Mart constitutes four percent of China's gross national product.

Just the other day while at a July 4th parade, people were handing out American flags and guess where they came from?  Oh you guessed it, China.  The United States government even borrows money from China and here we are hypocritical in nature painting Venezuela in a negative light for doing business with Cuba? 

Oh, give me a break! 

Oh and you know that we shall do the same thing in painting President Chavez in a negative light when he makes this planned trip to North Korea.

This article also cites that: "Analysts in Seoul say Kim and Chavez would mainly discuss forming a "strategic alliance" against the United States."  Let me opinine by saying forming an alliance to stand up for themselves.

Why must every country be forced into our way of thinking? 

To those of you who will read this column and think that I am anti-American, let me put you on notice and say that I am not.  I love this country dearly, always have, but it is the government that controls her that I have come to condemn on many occasions.  In my opinion, freedom, democracy, justice, the rule of law are not just catch phrases, but must mean something.

On July 4th, I resumed reciting the pledge of allegiance for this one reason.  I will not allow this tyrannical government to steal my patriotism from me.

When I pledge allegiance to the flag, I do so in honor of those past patriots that fought on the battlefield.  I do so in the memory of our framers and soldiers that died for a principle.  I do not pledge allegiance to the flag to support this government which has sold its soul to the highest bidder.

Lastly, in speaking of democracy, I am finding it very interesting that the presidential election in Mexico is very similar to the presidential elections held within the United States in 2000. 

Did someone send Karl Rove down for a Mexican vacation?

Mary MacElveen
mary@vheadline.com

http://www.vheadline.com/MacElveen

 Mary MacElveen: Will we return to a Cold War beyond all comprehension?

VHeadline.com commentarist Mary MacElveen writes: On July 4th,Independence Day here in the United States ... we, the citizens of this country celebrated her birthday.  On the day that we celebrated the birth of this country, we received an unexpected gift and most certainly an unwanted gift. 

As Americans from coast to coast celebrated this holiday and to watch the fireworks as the sun set, North Korea gave us a show that should make anyone take notice. 

Unlike the fireworks seen around the country which had us puff out our chests in pride, these fireworks reminded many that this small country indeed has weapons of mass destruction and were bold enough to test them.

 The Bush White House stated that it was "provocative and not an immediate threat" but, since the long range missile failed, I would say that the larger threat still looms out there. 

As this Bush administration tries to tell us that countries such as Iraq, Iran and Venezuela are terrorist in nature, I would say that by launching these missiles, the larger terror lies in wait.  What North Korea did was to remind us all that we have not kept an eye on the ball ... or, rather, I should say that the Bush administration has failed in keeping their eye on the ball. 

If you think that 9/11 was the day of infamy ... any nation that has a nuclear ability (if provoked) will make 9/11 look like a walk in the park.

The United States tried to convince the world that Iraq was truly a threat by stating that they had weapons of mass destruction when in fact they did not.  Yet little has been done by the Bush administration about those countries that are perceived as unfriendly to us and have the ability to take us out using long range nuclear missiles.

The Bush administration is almost beside itself in warning all of us of the terror from Venezuela inasmuch as they (Venezuela) purchased non-nuclear weapons from Russia and not from the United States.  In a past VHeadline.com article I quoted the 'Strategy Page' in their reporting of an alleged Venezuelan threat: "The Venezuelan  government is on a weapons buying spree. Over the past year Venezuela has committed itself to buy 100,000 AK-103 and AK-104 automatic rifles, plus licenses to produce about 300,000 more, as well as 44 helicopters, and even MiG-29 fighters from Russia. In addition, Venezuela is buying four coastal patrol boats, some transport aircraft, and possibly even a couple of frigates from Spain, as well as about two dozen light tactical support aircraft from Brazil."

Does anyone see any nuclear weapon listed there?

What it shows me is a clear case of 'Chicken Little' reporting that the sky is falling, when North Korea truly showed us all that they have the ability to make the skies fall with nuclear fallout that will last for years.

Let me say this again, that Venezuela does not have nuclear weapons, but we see President Chavez as the bogyman and someone to fear...

Well, North Korea showed us all what real fear is about.

As the United States worries about Iran's nuclear enrichment program, the Bush administration has allowed the relationship between Russia and the United States to deteriorate. 

Does anyone remember Russia (the former Soviet Union) and the days of the Cold War?  Does anyone living in the United States remember the air raid drills which had students diving under desks as if that would save them?  Well I do.

In that same VHeadline.com article, I quoted 'The Scotsman' in their report of Russia "Vladimir Putin has sparked fears of a new arms race between Russia and the United States by deploying a nuclear ballistic strike force system that officials made clear could penetrate US anti- missile defenses."

As the United States chases ghosts in countries such as Iraq, Iran and possibly Venezuela, I wrote this little known fact of Russia: "While many of us were celebrating Christmas the Russian army activated a new fleet of Topol-M missiles that can fit a nuclear warhead and travel 6,000 miles, changing trajectory to foil any enemy interception device. " 

• This is truly scary stuff and far more scary than Iraq that had no weapons of mass destruction, and any nuclear enrichment program presently sought by Iran.

Now today I read an AP article in which the world condemns North Korea for testing these missiles and it boggles the mind that this condemnation was not expressed as we, the United States bombed an innocent country when we invaded Iraq.  As we did, three countries ... Russia, Germany and France ... condemned us, and we turned around and demonized them for telling the truth.  Even the Venezuelan President, President Chavez expressed his outrage ... and we demonized him as well.

If the world is to condemn any action today it is the Israeli government assault on innocent Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip.  Just reported today by the AP: "Israeli leaders Wednesday authorized troops to move into residential areas of the Gaza Strip as they increase pressure on militants holding an Israeli soldier and look to create a security zone to prevent Palestinians from firing rockets into Israel"

While the Bush administration has focused the world on Iraq and Iran ... and possibly the "threat" coming from Venezuela ... it is yet again a case in which he dropped the ball.  This violence even escalated so much that the Israeli government bombed the office of the Palestinian Prime Minister's office.

I would call that an act of war and certainly one of aggression.

Now ... to add insult to injury when it comes to the bottom line which Americans wonder how their tax dollars are used, we shall be footing the bill for Israel's strike on a Palestinian power plant. 

As reported by 'Haaretz.com': "United States officials said Saturday that US funds would be used to pay for the damage caused by the strike. The power station was insured by a US government agency, according to The Boston Globe."

If you are an American taxpayer, you are probably wondering just how much will be paid by you.  The amount you will be paying for Israel's arrogance is, $48 million.  Here is a neat idea, let Israel pay for its own destruction.  As the United States fights a war in Iraq that is costing us billions upon billions of dollars, we are frankly tapped out financially.

Nary a word is said of Israel's own thumbing of their nose at various sanctions imposed against them by the United Nations in fear of being labeled anti-Semitic.  But, if the truth be told one must read this list to see just how many times Israel has been sanctioned by the United Nations and it clearly states, "US Vetoes of UN Resolutions Critical of Israel (1972-2002)" After all, many elected officials here in the United States depend upon support from AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee).

• As we hold other nations to sanctions against them, why not Israel?

As we worry of the tests done by North Korea, I find this report especially alarming when it states "According to retired US Army Colonel Warner D. Farr, M.D.,  Israel is the fifth largest nuclear superpower in the world.  By 1967, Israel  already had 15 atomic bombs in its arsenal. In 1976, their nuclear arsenal grew to 15 to 20 nukes, and by 1980 jumped to 200. According to Farr, in 1997, Israel now has over 400 nuclear and hydrogen weapons." I would clearly categorize this arsenal as an arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.  As we have seen Israel's use of force time and time again, I wonder what is to stop them from using any of these weapons.

In fairness to the truth, while Israel and North Korea have had this nuclear capability long before this Bush administration came into power, if this Bush administration truly wishes to prove to the world our resolve against weapons of mass destruction by his actions in invading a country that had none, he has clearly taken our eye off the ball.

While Bush tries to warn us of nations that do not pose a real and credible threat to our safety and security, we must see for ourselves that their are nations with the capacity to end man-kind as we know it.

If you think that President Chavez poses a threat to you, one only has to look at the nuclear arsenal accumulated by the United States, Russia, North Korea and yes, Israel.

Even Pakistan and India test-fired nuclear weapons a few years back to remind us all that a larger threat lies dormant just waiting for the right time.  If you think that 9/11 was a day of infamy these apocalyptic weapons that will make that day pale in comparison.

While the world condemns North Korea for testing these missiles, they did serve as a wake up call to all of us that these weapons are truly an imminent threat to us all.

As the current Bush administration tried to prepare us all after 9/11, stating for us all to go out and purchase duct tape and plastic, can bomb shelters be far behind?

Will we at some point return to a Cold War beyond all comprehension?

Mary MacElveen
mary@vheadline.com

http://www.vheadline.com/MacElveen

To My Readers,

I was trying to think of a message as Americans celebrate July 4^th which is our day of independence.  This day is America’s birthday, and we have forgotten for the most part what America stands for.  It stands for liberty, it stands for justice, it stands for the right to question authority and it must stand for justice.  But, most of all it must stand for truth.  I like many others are angered that our government fails to understand this.  What have replaced all of the above principles are greed and the lust for power.  I say shame on every citizen that turns a blind eye to the greed and lust for power that is systematically destroying this country.

So, as Americans celebrate July 4^th, I felt it most appropriate to re-circulate a past VHeadline.com piece to help remind us all and most certainly our elected officials what America must truly stand for.  I wrote this piece back on January 25^th, 2006.  It is my hope that as we celebrate this day, we stop and take time to read the Constitution of the United States as well as the Declaration of Independence to remind us all what this day is truly about.

Sincerely,

Mary MacElveen!

Why can't we have America back? Why is that so hard to do, Lady Liberty?

VHeadline.com commentarist Mary MacElveen writes: A small boy visits the Statue of Liberty while on a class trip. The weather is perfect with not a cloud in the sky. This child looks up to Lady Liberty in awe knowing how many passed her by in order to become citizens of this grand republic. He has the image in his mind of how many of our country's ancestors came to our shores only to be welcomed by Lady Liberty ... he feels the spirit of freedom as he gazes upon her.

At one point, the boy feels a drop of water fall from Lady Liberty's face.

Astonished, he looks closer only to see that Lady Liberty is crying. He then looks to see if anyone is around since he does not want anyone to notice in fear of standing out, so that he can then ask of Lady Liberty: Why is she crying? It seems that they are alone.

The small boy looks around and first asks her: "Where did everyone go?"

With that, Lady Liberty says to this him: "Do not be alarmed, but they are close by, but I felt the need to speak with you and you alone" He is simply amazed that she would single him out to in order to have a conversation with.

The small boy asks: "Well why me?"

Lady Liberty then says: "The spirit of freedom lives within us all and it connects us in ways that you may not be able to understand right now." She then goes onto say: "I have been checking up on you from time to time especially when you ask important questions in your class room or with other adults."

• He is simply amazed.

"Do you remember the time you were sent to the principle's office for asking in your history class: Why did Bush lie and send so many off to die in Iraq?" He shakes their head affirming this situation.

"Lady Liberty, I do remember that, and I was angry that I was punished! But you have not answered my question of why me?"

"Sit down since we need to talk further and I will explain why I chose you"

Still nervous not wanting anyone to see them speaking he sits down... "Remember, we are alone for a while, so please relax." He takes a deep breath, relaxes and smiles up at Lady Liberty, proud in knowing she had selected him. "I choose different people from time to time so that they can keep the spirit of freedom going forward and with that freedom the truth must be told to all. You challenged your teacher in front of others to tell you the truth and, while you were punished, patriots are often punished for daring to ask the most important questions."

"I have seen the spirit of dissent where everyone has the right to question authority been turned into an unpatriotic act and we cannot allow that."

The small boy begins to cry. "I felt extremely hurt that day since I have always loved my country. I felt it wrong that someone could punish me for questioning the actions of this country." With his fists clenched he shouted at Lady Liberty: "This is my country too and I should have the right to state my mind and ask important questions!"

With that, he gets up and starts pacing back and forth and continues to speak with Lady Liberty. He then looks up: "Lady Liberty, these teachers teach us of how this country was formed ... yet they forget the very words of our framers. I seem to remember Patrick Henry stating: 'Give me liberty or give me death'."

He points to the mainland and shouts back in the direction of those going about their daily lives: "Why do you stand for this man you call president being allowed to listen in on your phone calls or read your emails?  You are forgetting about the liberties this country were founded on when you do not question authority."

Lady Liberty smiles down at him as he launches his barbs against those who have forgotten how this country came to be...

He notices a cement block and stands upon it as if it were his soap box, but uses it as his bully pulpit. He shouts out: "America you say that you are the home of the free and the brave, yet you choose to be cowards. Ben Franklin stated to all of us, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" ... "Why are you forgetting that, America?!"