Patriotism

Wearing a flag pin does not automatically make you a proud American. I'm a little sick of people berating Obama when he forgets to wear it. I'm sicker when he actually does it. I'm convinced he's just appeasing the media and the critics. We had this congresswoman whose entire wardrobe was flag attire. I thought it was fake and disrespectful.

In my Leave It To Beaver childhood, we said the pledge of allegiance every morning. There was a flag in the classroom and we put our palm over our heart as we recited. We were taught to stand for the national anthem. No hats were allowed.

Maybe I've spent too much time around military people. It is my right to criticize or question the actions of my government. It is also my duty to respect this country and all who have fought for our freedoms. I have been known to jab a complete stranger at a ball game. "Quit fiddling with your beer. Stand up. Take your hat off."

Most people oblige but occasionally I wonder why no one has slapped me.

I Approve This Message

Is anyone else tired of this phrase? Did they pass a law about requiring this statement that I am unaware of? Is the voting public considered so idiotic that they could not/would not distinguish between a candidate's ad or a smear campaign from the competitor?

Last year, the Belle and I had a conversation about the 2008 presidential election. She told me who she planned to vote for and when questioned further, she said, "He will take the best care of the veterans." I confess, I had this thought:

Oh my Gosh, will you still be living here in November? (I was thinking moving, not death.)

Every vote comes down to personal circumstances and priorities. Mine might be property taxes. Yours might be the school system or gambling in your community. I don't think we choose by age, sex, race or religion, but I know some people who will rule a candidate out based on these factors. I guess you have to weigh it out, based on your own value system and your own priorities. Frankly, I don't care if a candidate smoked a joint in college. (Although we all know Bill Clinton didn't inhale.) I respect the freedom of religion but I admit to a little wariness with some of them.

The oldies don't get to vote this time. That makes me sad. This is the first year the baby gets to vote in a presidential election. That makes me giddy. I know he will vote because if I've done my job well, he is afraid of me. I have drilled it into him. This is the poor child that I have (more than once) dragged out of bed to watch some historic event. During Reagan's funeral, the cameras panned the crowds. I asked, "Who is that?" It might have been world leaders or important people in our government. Yes, his eyes glazed over but I choose to believe some of it was absorbed through osmosis.

I'm Sheri Riley Roman and I approve this message.

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

Do you remember the song, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'round the old oak tree?" Tony Orlando and Dawn made lots of money with this song. (They were a wacky mixture.) The song became a tribute to returning veterans or a way of honoring soldiers who did not return. This was very big in the Vietnam era.

Do you know that the song is actually about a man being released from PRISON and hoping his girlfriend will take him back?

Veteran's Day is upon us and I live with three veterans.

I watched a very disturbing clip today of clueless young people touring the monuments of Washington, DC. They almost seemed to take pride in their ignorance of our constitution, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and our current situation. (Yes, I yelled and threw wadded up tissues at the television.)

Beyond anger, this makes me immeasurably sad.

I will never serve in the armed forces. But, I will respectfully honor those who have. On Sunday, I may tie three yellow ribbons on the breakfast chairs. Hangdog won't get it but the mother-in-law and the husband will appreciate the effort.

I will not force them to listen to my version of, "Billy, Don't Be a Hero." They've already served their time.

Veterans

I watch the news and I read the newspaper every day. I don't understand this war but I have strong feelings about the men and women who are serving our country.

I live with three veterans. The oldies served our country in WWII and Big Daddy served in Vietnam. The toughest thing I've ever served is a meal.

The baby will be 19-years old next month. Yet, he is still a baby. I look at these people and I'm in awe of their service to this country. In another day, another time, the Baby could be there too. It scares me to death.

Wave your flag and please thank a veteran.